TXV all the time?

[SBKold]

The reason they show the same efficiency with or without txv is they only run test at 1 set of conditions.

And my txv systems have been reliable. They can extend compressor life too. Unless its a recip w/o start kit.

[Barrettservices]

Its amazing how different things are in other parts of the country. I haven't installed anything with a fixed orifice in nearly 7 years. Our regulations are quite stringent around here where 15 seer is now considered standard efficiency and no bleed txvs are mandatory on anything new. Also i must be lucky because i have not had a failed txv in any of the 200 plus systems i have installed but i know its probably coming one day. All txv failures i have seen are installer caused mainly by bad pump down and purging techniques.

[54regcab]

Not wet ragging a TXV when you braze the lines will kill one pretty quick.

[ga-hvac-tech]

ALWAYS use a TXV... one of my minimum requirements... Like ALL coils get a float safety switch... no exceptions.

The only TXV issues I had were the Rheem/Ruud coils in 2010... only had 2 bad ones... both of them replaced under warranty and I got labor to change them.

TXV's, like anything else, have specific details which must be followed for them to work properly and last a long time. I prefer to REMOVE the bulb when brazing... then replace it a half hour later when the suction line is cool. On Rheem coils the bulb is loose from the factory... so it will be mounted after brazing. The TXV issues I have repaired were mainly due to improperly mounted bulbs.

I do not mean this to be rude... however I really cannot understand why it is sooo hard to understand how to mount a tXV bulb... The ides is for the liquid refrigerant to STAY in the bulb... so mount it so the line is UP... how hard is that?

TXV's are a great thing... methinks the only reason they are not universal on residential AC is cost.

BTW: How many pistons do you see in refrigeration... <grin>

[jtrammel]

I use pistons and txvs depending on what seer/eer I'm trying to get with a given match. Most of the York's we install will get 15 seer with a piston and that's all we need for the utility rebate around here and it saves $X for the customer. Of course I give them their options and inform and the customer chooses lots of times the cheaper option.

[KevinAdv]

We use some piston systems its one less thing to go wrong.

[klee7013]

I don't think there is any one simple answer to the OP's question. The TXV usually makes a more efficient system but it also has a higher failure rate than a piston. On some Goodman 15 SEER systems the rating is the same with or without a TXV. As for their 13 SEER's, a TXV in place of a piston doesn't seem to change the ratings either. Most Goodman TXV's are adjustable so there is no guarantee the SH is going to be right unless it is tested & fine tuned anyways. I do just the opposite & use a piston instead of a TXV wherever possible on their 15 SEER systems but it really comes down to preference.
My guess would be that any Goodman factory tech would say that you could always put a TXV on any of their 410A systems.

Agree with you on this one.

We also had a few ruuds where the txv messed up but it could have been our install crew not gonna lie.
sometimes it takes a few kick in the a** and some in a even more tender area to figure out what is going on.
But as of right now piston if we can but we basically sell the lower seer units because units might last 8-10yrs when they are less than 50 yds from the end of the dunes. Saw one yesterday you can not service the unit on high tide because you would be standing in the ocean. And with the crazy floods or big waves it probably splashes the unit.
2009 coil will be gone in another year.