Are New Refrigerant Lines Needed With New HP?

[indyhoops]

I've been told by one contractor that it wouldn't be feasible to install new refrigerant lines with a new heat pump and air handeler and that they will use the current lines with added 'filters'.

Are there any problems with using old lines?

[srmfsr]

If you are using the same freon with both units and the new unit uses the same size lines as the old one, then it is OK.

[indyhoops]

Old and new systems both use R22. Don't know about the rest, so I'll take the contractor's word for it.

[rclaoac]

I would change out the line set if your old unit failed from a bad burnout. The crud in the lines will cause the new unit to fail. Also, a lot of the older equipment have lines that are smaller than what is required for new equipment, this will cause loss of efficiency.

[lvieira]

I would go with what rclaoac said....if it was a bad burnout and you cant replace the lineset, you can try to use RX11 Flush but you have to make sure they are flushed out completely. But if the lineset is replaceable i would replace it.

[indyhoops]

The old lines are run through the wall and up into the ceiling of the utility room. One contractor said there was no way to replace them without tearing up the wall and ceiling. I'm in a two story house on a slab, so the line in the ceiling is between floors.

A second contractor came back to me with a better estimate for an entry tier Puron 13 SEER HP from Carrier. I'm using Freon now, so I'm a little concerned about switching refrigerants but using the old lines.

I'm opening a different thread about the two best quotes I have so far.

[lvieira]

As long as the lineset there now matches up with what the factory specs are on the new system and they are cleaned out well, we tell our customers that it is ok to use existing linesets.

[billva]

can a new lineset be run on the exterior?

if the existing is properly sized, no compressor burnout, and same refrigerant. you should be ok.

but make damn sure they do a pressure test of the existing.

[indyhoops]

Originally posted by billva
can a new lineset be run on the exterior?

if the existing is properly sized, no compressor burnout, and same refrigerant. you should be ok.

but make damn sure they do a pressure test of the existing.

I have an otherwise competitive estimate from a contractor that would use 410A with the existing lines and I currently use Freon. Is that a problem?

[hivacer]

It is not a problem as long as they use the flushing procedures laid out by the manufacturer or flush with rx11 flush kit. Lines can be cleaned good as new. But make sure that the lines are the right size for the new unit.

[indyhoops]

I've read "make sure the lines are the right size for the new system" a couple of times now.

How do I know what the 'right size' is?

[billva]

the spec sheet will tell you. have the contractor show you the proper sizes necessary.

good luck.

[srmfsr]

Did you have a compressor burnout?

[indyhoops]

Originally posted by srmfsr
Did you have a compressor burnout?

Not yet, but the compressor is on its last legs, or so I've been told. The problem I have now is the control board is fried.

[srmfsr]

Since you don't have a burnout, thhen there is no contaminants in the system. Therefore if the new unit requires the same size lines, go for it. Just let him put the filter driers in and enjoy.