My 2 story Miami, Fl. home (1750 sq. ft) was built in 1983 and came with a 3.5 ton Rheem Split Sytem (10 SEER) During all these years I had a new evaporator coil installed in the air handler and a new condensing unit installed (about 2 years apart) The new coil was upsized to a 4 ton coil (they just had that size in stock) and 2 years later when the condensing unit was replaced a new 4 ton unit was installed (to match the coil)
Anyway, my system is still working though I recently heard about the Florida Energy Rebate program ($1500) which runs until the Dec 31 2010. (actually, it's in limbo due to politics in the legislature) Plus there the Federal Tax credit (30% up to $1500) plus an FPL Rebate (estimated at $780) To qualify I need to install a 16 SEER or better system.
But I have a problem, the home builder ran an undersized lineset. I have a 1/4" x 3/4" lineset! (measured OD) The condensing unit is on the ground and the air handler is on the 2nd floor. The lines run through the walls and between the 2 levels where there is no access at all. I can go outside the house to the upper attic and across but this will add an additional 20 feet over the original path.
The old system uses R22 and the new systems uses R410. If I select a new 16 SEER 3.5 ton system how detrimental will the small lineset be?
I think the recommended size is 3/8" x 7/8" but I've been running like this for 27+ years! If you compare an R22 installation with a R410 installation, with all things equal, which refrigerant will tolerate an undersized lineset better?
I had an estimate done yesterday, a Rheem 16 SEER 4 ton system. But he quoted a 14 SEER Condensing Unit with an 18 SEER air handler which he said would qualify as a 16 SEER system. Is that right?
I thought about running a new lineset myself to save a few dollars but I'm wondering how difficult is it to unwind the line set and to bend it without kinking it? (the 7/8" tubing already has the insulation on it)
Oh, the estimate was for a Rheem $4550 (includes $300 toward new lineset) Also, I can upgrade to a Trane system for $4850
Finally, to get the Florida rebate I need to get my ducts tested for leakage. That test costs an additional $399 which will reduce my effective rebate to $1100 (if I pass the test!)
thanks for reading all this!
Fred
Anyway, my system is still working though I recently heard about the Florida Energy Rebate program ($1500) which runs until the Dec 31 2010. (actually, it's in limbo due to politics in the legislature) Plus there the Federal Tax credit (30% up to $1500) plus an FPL Rebate (estimated at $780) To qualify I need to install a 16 SEER or better system.
But I have a problem, the home builder ran an undersized lineset. I have a 1/4" x 3/4" lineset! (measured OD) The condensing unit is on the ground and the air handler is on the 2nd floor. The lines run through the walls and between the 2 levels where there is no access at all. I can go outside the house to the upper attic and across but this will add an additional 20 feet over the original path.
The old system uses R22 and the new systems uses R410. If I select a new 16 SEER 3.5 ton system how detrimental will the small lineset be?
I think the recommended size is 3/8" x 7/8" but I've been running like this for 27+ years! If you compare an R22 installation with a R410 installation, with all things equal, which refrigerant will tolerate an undersized lineset better?
I had an estimate done yesterday, a Rheem 16 SEER 4 ton system. But he quoted a 14 SEER Condensing Unit with an 18 SEER air handler which he said would qualify as a 16 SEER system. Is that right?
I thought about running a new lineset myself to save a few dollars but I'm wondering how difficult is it to unwind the line set and to bend it without kinking it? (the 7/8" tubing already has the insulation on it)
Oh, the estimate was for a Rheem $4550 (includes $300 toward new lineset) Also, I can upgrade to a Trane system for $4850
Finally, to get the Florida rebate I need to get my ducts tested for leakage. That test costs an additional $399 which will reduce my effective rebate to $1100 (if I pass the test!)
thanks for reading all this!
Fred