How Important to Replace AC Line Set?

16 years ago

Got a quote on a replacement Carrier heat pump yesterday from what I believe to be a reputable local company...

Heat Pump model # 25HPA530A31

Air Handler model # FV4CNF003

Thermostat Honeywell Vision Pro 9000

Skuttle media air cleaner

The quote was $6251.57 which I think is a fair price, however when I asked about replacing the AC line set, he said they would flush, pressure check, and re-use it. Should I be concerned about that? The line set is only 6 years old, but the old system was R22 refrigerant. When I continued to push, he did say they would replace for an additional $400, but the new line set would have to go up the side of my house. Should I replace it or trust what the installer is saying that all is good?

Thanks in advance...

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Comments (5)

ryanhughes
16 years ago
No real need to replace if it's the proper size and is reused properly. It's never a bad idea, but not always necessary unless its in poor shape, incorrect size, or you had a compressor burn out. Thousands of systems reuse linesets with no problems. In fact I don't think Carrier even recommends replacing them in their literature, and I know of no manufacturers who require doing so. A good nitrogen purge (or flush), vacuum, and pressure check is sufficient if done right.

You have been quoted a very nice system. I assume they plan on setting the 9000 thermostat up to control dehumidification with the variable speed feature? Something to ask about.
vadavehvac
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the feedback!

Actually they didn't mention the dehumidification feature, but I will ask.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to upgrade to the Infinity air handler and thermostat (same heat pump)? I got another quote today and the salesman said I could do that for $400 more. Seems like it would be worth it for the humidity control, diagnostics, etc., not to mention the added efficiency.
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shawnt
16 years ago
The main idea about replacing the lineset when swithching to 410A refrigerant is the pressure. Years ago linesets were soldered and not always brazed. This is not allowed anymore even in the relatively low pressure R22 systems. The fear is that if high pressure 410A is introduced into a soldered line, new leak development would be quite probable. But you state that your lineset is only 6 years old so hopefully you have brazed lines.
chrisny
16 years ago
If sized correctly they can be reused but they MUST flush the lines with a cleaner as the oil from r-22 (mineral oil) is not compatible with the oil used for 410a (POE oil).

If you have to tear up walls I'd flush the lines, if you can easily pull a new lineset do so.

If they do reuse the lineset make sure that it will be covered under the system warrant. I'd also pressure test it to 500# and make sure that they pull a good vacuum and it holds.
ryanhughes
16 years ago
The $400 upgrade cost for Infinity air handler and control sounds very reasonable to me given how expensive the Infinity system can get. It's a great control system--only feature you miss out on really is the 2-stage operation of the compressor.