Replyit is something you will have to have a tech install for you but there probably is one installed in the line, if not there should be.
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Another curious question from a home owner regarding my new AC/Furnace. Ive read and seen in the pics from the "Wall of Pride" about AC line filters/driers. Are these a requirement, or just a good idea? My company did not (as far as I can tell) put one on. I dont see anything in any of my manuals about it either. Is this something I need to call the tech about?
Thanks for any input.
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it is something you will have to have a tech install for you but there probably is one installed in the line, if not there should be.
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Some brands have a little tiny one built in. Others have none, those definitely need one installed in the field. Personally I wish the mfrs would leave them out and package a decent one with the unit.
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When using nitro to purge while brazing and pulling a deep vacuum on the system, I don not put filters on new installs ( some already have filters, as Shop said.This is using new, virgin, copper also.
Any other time, I will install filter/dryers
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I always put one in right by the evaporator. Like was stated, some already have it in the condenser and you can't see it from the outside.
If everything was always done "by the book"....the book would never change.
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I have noticed lots of liquid line driers in the field. If I remember correctly, the liquid line is AFTER the compressor, so what is the point if the goal is to protect the equipment?
Wouldn't it be better to install a suction line drier? Those cost more, though, right?
Aren't these things supposed to be checked for pressure drop after install? I've never seen anyone go back....
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Lennox does that. Usually I find the filter drier still in its package in the bottom of the compressor compartment, but none installed in the line....Originally posted by BaldLoonie
Some brands have a little tiny one built in. Others have none, those definitely need one installed in the field. Personally I wish the mfrs would leave them out and package a decent one with the unit.
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Every system should have a filter-drier installed either the factory drier or one installed at the time the system is installed in your home.
For a rather technical but also practical understanding of filter-driers you can read this;
http://www.bacharach-training.com/norm/desiccants.htm
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Generally suction driers are installed after a burnout which is when a compressor motor winding shorts resulting in system contamination with a particularly nasty cocktail of contaminates and acids.Originally posted by neophytes serendipity
I have noticed lots of liquid line driers in the field. If I remember correctly, the liquid line is AFTER the compressor, so what is the point if the goal is to protect the equipment?
Wouldn't it be better to install a suction line drier? Those cost more, though, right?
Aren't these things supposed to be checked for pressure drop after install? I've never seen anyone go back....
To answer your question yes they are supposed to be checked after 24 -48 hrs of operation or sooner depending on the degree of contamination and, most of the time they are not. Sometimes removable core driers just have the cores removed so there may appear to be a drier but in reality it is only the shell.
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DITTO!Originally posted by BaldLoonie
Personally I wish the mfrs would leave them out and package a decent one with the unit.
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baldloonie.
DITTO!
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I agree with BaldLoonie they should leave it out and give a better one with the unit
If you are going to spend that kind of money on a system why wouldn't put both a liquid line and a suction line driers on. It is pretty cheap insurance.
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Oh now Bald, its been done and the result is almost half are not installed and either put into truck stock for a job that "really needs it" or thrown out with the still sealed installation instructions.
Many mfg's are installing the drier in the outdoor unit, especially 410A units. Personally its a good thing but makes for future replacment of the drier difficult. The mfg supplies the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The contractor is deemed capable enough to supply 18 gauge thermostat wire, proper high voltage wiring, disconnect, pad, breaker, whip, correct copper line set,refrigerant, and all the duct system. Not to mention proper design. Installing a field supplied drier in the field supplied piping should not be the responsibility of the mfg. Its good refrigeration practice and needs to be performed by the installer. After all isn't he supposed to be an expert in refrigeration? (a/c included). What if the job requires a change in liquid line from 3/8 to 1/2? What would be done with the supplied drier?
Sorry, but its clearly the installers job to add this critical componant other wise it will come preinstalled in the unit where none of us like it.
That said, I agree there should be a liquid line drier installed on every system. Suction line driers are really not intended to be left in the system, and are generally used as previously pointed out in clean-up applications.
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Originally posted by docholiday
Oh now Bald, its been done and the result is almost half are not installed and either put into truck stock for a job that "really needs it" or thrown out with the still sealed installation instructions.
Many mfg's are installing the drier in the outdoor unit, especially 410A units. Personally its a good thing but makes for future replacment of the drier difficult. The mfg supplies the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The contractor is deemed capable enough to supply 18 gauge thermostat wire, proper high voltage wiring, disconnect, pad, breaker, whip, correct copper line set,refrigerant, and all the duct system. Not to mention proper design. Installing a field supplied drier in the field supplied piping should not be the responsibility of the mfg. Its good refrigeration practice and needs to be performed by the installer. After all isn't he supposed to be an expert in refrigeration? (a/c included). What if the job requires a change in liquid line from 3/8 to 1/2? What would be done with the supplied drier?
PUT it in truck stock ,with the rest of them,if there's any room left!LOL
Sorry, but its clearly the installers job to add this critical componant other wise it will come preinstalled in the unit where none of us like it.
That said, I agree there should be a liquid line drier installed on every system. Suction line driers are really not intended to be left in the system, and are generally used as previously pointed out in clean-up applications.
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