New AC System Question

flysndoc

We are getting some quotes for a new AC/gas furnace system and I have a question regarding two different contractor opinions. One contractor thinks we need to replace the refrigerant lines since we will be changing refrigerant and also any old gunk in the lines. The other thinks just blowing them out (cleaning) them will be adequate since the lines are the correct size for the new system.

Any thoughts on this? Minor issue??


Thanks for any thoughts!

dac122

If you going from R-22 to R-410A it is cheap insurance to change the lines. Yes, you can flush the lines, but what's it worth to you to eliminate that risk?

statman

For the 250 bucks its gonna cost, ya better be safe than sorry. Plus, who is responsible if the existing lineset develops leaks?

Atlas

Always replace refrigerant lines when changing refrigerants. You can never get all the oil out of the piping system. Oil will still contain the old gas & can contaminate the new system. Also, not all oils are compatible. Even if I'm only replacing the old unit with a new one (an R-22 system for an R-22 system) I still recommend replacing the line set. It's better for the new unit. Find out if the contractor is installing an R-410 system. R-410 runs at much higher pressures than R-22. You may want to replace the line set just to be sure of the integrity of the copper. (Depending on the age of the old unit). Make sure warranties are covered if you don't replace the line set.