Copper Size

[home owner-70]

I'm about to replace my old 2ton with a heat pump system, like a bryant 698bnx,however my copper size is 1/4 and 5/8.
will my existing copper be compatible with the new system or will it be undersized? if undersized what % degradation to the SEER rating will be applied?
thanks,Bill

[re2ell]

Not able to tell you what size you need, for 2 reasons: 1)would be in violation of site rules, 2)I'm not there for the install. However, can tell you this, what you now have is a hack install.

Your installing contractor will (or should) size you correctly.

[the dangling wrangler]

Not necessarly a hack job. Some older Rheem units used that size lines .

[home owner-70]

Looking at cost and ease of copper replacement.Trying to do some discission making based on % degradation vs additional cost and running a chase down the side of the old house(don't like the esthetics of the chase).Believe the unit I referenced is 3/8 and 5/8 copper.
Everything in life is a trade off and I'm looking at my options.
Thanks,Bill

[Gunnery Sergeant Hartman]

Not just a loss of efficiency and capacity, but a loss of warranty after you start losing compressors due to the wrong lineset size.
Do it correct from the beginning and have ease of mind...

[the dangling wrangler]

For sure it should be replaced. DO NOT use the old line set.

[homeownerplus]

Good choice for going with a het pump!!!

[Special-K]

Rheem/Ruud of years past did indeed use 1/4" liquid line even on some larger units. I never liked it myself.

Change the line set.
1-it's the wrong size
2-why put a nice new system on old dirty copper. Penny wise-pound foolish. If you go with an R-410 system the oil in the old lines will be incompatable with the new system anyway.

[Midwest]

The 698 series is R-410a and it is quite a gamble to reuse an old lineset without being able to properly flush out any residual oils or other contaminates. A little thing similar to parrafin could develop when the different oils mix. This could lead to blockages- you don't want your new system constipated, right? This is not a cheap, low end unit you're planning to use so don't cut important corners. And, I would say the lineset is incorrectly sized for a 698 or any current Bryant of that tonnage. We will all know more when more of the new model lineups start to appear.

[smokin68]

Definitely recommend new copper,properly sized,that way you have a new system. Do you have any downspouts/gutters on the house?You can also run the lineset in a gutter chase the same color as the house near a corner, should look fine.

[tony82164]

Originally posted by home owner-70
I'm about to replace my old 2ton with a heat pump system, like a bryant 698bnx,however my copper size is 1/4 and 5/8.
will my existing copper be compatible with the new system or will it be undersized? if undersized what % degradation to the SEER rating will be applied?
thanks,Bill

Your liquid is the most important line 1/4 is kind of small could cost you a compressor!

[smokin68]

Originally posted by tony82164

Originally posted by home owner-70
I'm about to replace my old 2ton with a heat pump system, like a bryant 698bnx,however my copper size is 1/4 and 5/8.
will my existing copper be compatible with the new system or will it be undersized? if undersized what % degradation to the SEER rating will be applied?
thanks,Bill

Your liquid is the most important line 1/4 is kind of small could cost you a compressor!

I believe you mean the suction line.....

[the dangling wrangler]

Thinking back, I can remember the old Fedders had 5/8 & 1/4 " lines . Seems like they ran a 300-350 head pressure when it was running correctly.