need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On 08/17/2015 06:08 AM, John Smith wrote:
I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.


It's best practice to install new line-sets but in your case where the lines are
buried in a concrete wall, the HVAC installers *might* flush the lines and reuse them.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:38:20 +0630, John Smith wrote:

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.

Best practice is to replace them. What is holding them in the
concrete? Often they are in a sleeve of some sort so they can be
replaced. Copper should not be in contact with the concrete as over
the years it can cause corrosion and leaks.

My guess is the installer has run into this before and knows what to
do.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Monday, August 17, 2015 at 4:29:16 AM UTC-4, Wes wrote:
On 08/17/2015 06:08 AM, John Smith wrote:
I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.


It's best practice to install new line-sets but in your case where the lines are
buried in a concrete wall, the HVAC installers *might* flush the lines and reuse them.

+1

As long as they are in good shape and of the correct size for
the new unit.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On 8/17/2015 1:08 AM, John Smith wrote:
I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps


Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a
problem.

Needs to be replaced, why? The why helps determine
if the copper tubing should be replaced.

The copper tubes are for refrigerant. Freon is a
brand name. The tubes may carry Freon, Isotron,
Genetron, Forane, or some other brand of
refrigerant.

--
..
Christopher A. Young
learn more about Jesus
.. www.lds.org
..
..

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:38:20 +0630, John Smith wrote:

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.
If they are not corroded and are the right size, no reason to
replace. When I replaced my outer unit, it was originally a threaded
fitting and the new unit was a braze-in so I just cut off the fittings
and brazed the lines to the new unit.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 07:57:21 -0400, Stormin Mormon
wrote:

On 8/17/2015 1:08 AM, John Smith wrote:
I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps


Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a
problem.

Needs to be replaced, why? The why helps determine
if the copper tubing should be replaced.

The copper tubes are for refrigerant. Freon is a
brand name. The tubes may carry Freon, Isotron,
Genetron, Forane, or some other brand of
refrigerant.
So purge the lines. We purged my entire unit with compressed air
first, then nitrogen before evacuating and recharging.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 17 Aug 2015 21:59:17 -0400,
wrote:

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:38:20 +0630, John Smith wrote:

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.
If they are not corroded and are the right size, no reason to
replace. When I replaced my outer unit, it was originally a threaded
fitting and the new unit was a braze-in so I just cut off the fittings
and brazed the lines to the new unit.

If the lines are 40 years old, but they've never lost their charge, they
might still be not corroded and usable???


(Mine are 36, but I'm planning ahead. Last 2 years, no AC. This year,
portable AC that works quite well, doesn't make enough noise to bother
me (which surprises me). What bothers me is having the window shut and
the bedroom door shut. I've only needed it 6 times so far this summer,
so no rush about the central air, yet I know I'll want to fix it
eventually..)

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 12:13:39 PM UTC-4, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 17 Aug 2015 21:59:17 -0400,
wrote:

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:38:20 +0630, John Smith wrote:

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.
If they are not corroded and are the right size, no reason to
replace. When I replaced my outer unit, it was originally a threaded
fitting and the new unit was a braze-in so I just cut off the fittings
and brazed the lines to the new unit.

If the lines are 40 years old, but they've never lost their charge, they
might still be not corroded and usable???


Yes, they might not be corroded or then again they might. Take your pic.
Which is why most installers put in a new line set. They only
cost $200 for a typical run. If they are inside an inaccessible
location, like running vertically inside a wall, and they look
in good condition, then installers will flush them and re-use.
Some installers will re-use them anyway to keep the price down.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:07:16 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 12:13:39 PM UTC-4, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 17 Aug 2015 21:59:17 -0400,
wrote:

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:38:20 +0630, John Smith wrote:

I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.
If they are not corroded and are the right size, no reason to
replace. When I replaced my outer unit, it was originally a threaded
fitting and the new unit was a braze-in so I just cut off the fittings
and brazed the lines to the new unit.

If the lines are 40 years old, but they've never lost their charge, they
might still be not corroded and usable???


Yes, they might not be corroded or then again they might. Take your pic.
Which is why most installers put in a new line set. They only

I was planning to replace them, but just wanted to be prepared if that
turned out to be "impossible". If someone said, even if they look
good, at that age, they are sure to be no good, I'd find osomeone to do
the "impossible"

cost $200 for a typical run. If they are inside an inaccessible
location, like running vertically inside a wall, and they look
in good condition, then installers will flush them and re-use.
Some installers will re-use them anyway to keep the price down.

need to change copper pipes when changing A/C compressor unit?
 

On Monday, August 17, 2015 at 12:08:39 AM UTC-5, John Smith wrote:
I have A/C units that look like the one in the following page:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/125...nitsheat-pumps

Now, one of the unit needs to be replaced. Is it necessary to replace
also the copper pipes (I assume they are for freon)? The pipes are
inside concrete wall. So, if they need to be replaced, that'll be a problem.

The line-set doesn't need replacement if it's in good shape. I always used a system flush for HVAC systems and nitrogen to blow the cleaner through the lines and evaporator if I was just replacing the condensing unit. If an old R-22 system is being replaced with the newer R-410a condenser and evaporator, the line-set needs to be flushed out to remove any mineral oil and contamination. The cleaner the better. If it was mine, I would retain the existing line-set if it was undamaged. ^_^

http://contractingbusiness.com/refri...n/cb_imp_77425

[8~{} Uncle AC Monster