Earlier in this thread I posted to just reuse the lines if they hold pressure.
Interesting to me a few posted that they need to be properly cleaned for 410a.
Normally I would pack with nitrogen (for an honest hour), vacuum thrice, break each vacuum with nitrogen 3x's (another hour or so) then filler up.
Is there a product that would expedite this process? I'll stock it.
Sounds like alot of wasted time to me......To make the customer feel like they are getting more for there money and save time wouldn't it be easier/faster to just replace the lines.
Is this the standard time it takes to flush the lines, 2 hrs approximately? I just had my split system replaced and I didn't see anything hooked up that long...didn't see anything hooked up at all for that matter. I wasn't hanging around *all* the time but was in and out seeing how they were doing. When I asked about nitrogen flush the fellow working on the condenser said he'd "flushed with nitrogen and vac'd it too." The entire install took 3 hours total.
I've used the flush and now I no longer use the flush. Nitrogen blast has removed just as much as the flush has. Do a comparison. Have not had a problem either way. I replace linesets that are accessible just because the insulation is much better on the new ones.
We change out all line sets unless they are buried. Since all of your estimates include new lines, why the concern? Flushing, while approved by most manufacturers, is costly, and in the end, savings are minimal. And for the record, I have never seen ANYTHING written by a manufacturer RECOMMENDING that you retain the original lines.
A good HVAC tech knows how, an educated HVAC tech knows why!
DEM
Sorry if I resurrect this thread but... I was told that he linesets inside the walls CANNOT be changed no matter what, as they are stuck inside the walls, and that contractors only change the bits in the attic and outside only... OR they can run new linesets on the outside of the house and cover them!
Is it true that linesets cannot be changed? I thought they were like an electric cable!
they aren't like an electric cable.
Line sets in walls. can only be changed out if you cut open the wall.
Unless your old line set is full of gunk(as you see it). No reason to change it out.
The new copper line set won't be any thicker then what you already have.
They can blow some nitrogen through them. And thats all they really need to do. Unless the inside of the copper is black.
That was/is what york recommends(others may or may not). In reality, its a waste. And just adds needless joints to the line set.
Its a left over precaution from when companies were too relax with proper vacuuming of line sets and coils. And the manufacturers were worried about excessive compressor warranty claims.
typically in michigan, we have a basement where most forced-air furnaces are located. So with installing a replacement AC unit, it is less hour-labor involved to change the linesets, instead of purging the old ones. Plus we are not worried about possible cross contaminating the new install.