Line Set & New Lennox System

[physicsnerd]

I have a 3 story (+ basement) townhouse with the heat pump on the roof and the air handler in the basement. I'm replacing a 27 year old GE system with a Lennox a410 13 seer. We're also replacing the lineset which we hope is a straight drop to the basement. My questions are:
(1) Is it generally just a matter of cutting the line set in the basement and on the roof and then yanking it up? Is it generally attached somewhere along the way? Is there any chance of damaging plumbing lines when the line set is yanked?
(2) What should I be watching for when the installers install the new system to make sure it's done properly?
Thanks for all your help.

[beckservmngr]

1.) the way of going about it is depicted by the individual job, no one way of doing them all. and yes, there is always a chance of damageing everything in the vicinity. Make sure they are insured.

2.)are they replacing only the lineset, and condensor?

[physicsnerd]

They're replacing everything--heat pump, air handler, line set, pump.

[beckservmngr]

ok, good, I am assuming that also includes the evaporator. If it doesn't, you will have problems. with the condensor being so far above the evap, make sure they take precations in the lineset, such as a trap on the set, near the evaporator

[physicsnerd]

Where is the evaporator? Is it part of the air handler?

[beckservmngr]

sometimes it is part of the airhandler, and sometimes they are seperate. you can get a one peice airhandler, in which it comes with it. either way it depends on the contractor.

[dash]

Why are they replacing the line set??

If it's only to use R410a ,I wouldn't go to the trouble in your case.They have Flush Kits to clean the lines ,if they are concerned.

[physicsnerd]

It's 27 years old is why they're replacing it, plus one guy told me it's a 5/16" and another a 3/8". This is all SOOOO frustrating. Also with the 45' long lineset from roof to basement contractor says they never put in oil traps or solenoid valves even though people on this board think they're necessary. What happens if they don't put them in? Will system fail prematurely?

[cphc]

If your compressor is above the evaporator unit it had better be trapped or you'll be SOL running that strip heat all the time just to try to stay warm. Pipe chases are hell to get in those traps in.

[beckservmngr]

Originally posted by dash
Why are they replacing the line set??

If it's only to use R410a ,I wouldn't go to the trouble in your case.They have Flush Kits to clean the lines ,if they are concerned.

Every contractor should replace the lineset when replacing a system, Espeacially R-410A. All the chemical properties in it make it a very tempermental refrigerant.

If they don't put the traps in, say goodbye to your compressor early. Not to mention the Evaporator coil will be full of oil, and not flowing refrigerant, there by causing the comp to run without oil. Also, make sure they up size the lineset if they need to, the distance can be a factor on some systems at the 50' mark. cphc knows what I am talkin about too. It is a must, ask them if you can see the installation instructions, and read it, it says it in there. If it is installed against the manufacturers instructions, potentially you could kiss your warranty good bye.

[physicsnerd]

The 27 year old system ran fine presumably without traps. Is it the newer systems that require traps? Also someone said Trane systems not require traps if 50' and under. Can I therefore assume Lennox systems don't either.

[beckservmngr]

ASSUME NOTHING.

If you were one to assume, you wouldn't be here, cause you would assume they are doin it right in the first place.

All I say is make sure it is done to the manufacturer's specs. that's it. if it was me, I would put a trap on it, other's may not. you know, maybe you only need 4 of the five lugnuts on your tire too.