12/26/2017 Converting from an R22 Split System to R410A - zumBrunnen

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Converting from an R22 Split System to R410A

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Sometime within the next ve years, you may nd that you need to replace your
HVAC split system air conditioner or heat pump. Whether you live in a single Company Name

home, a condominium, or and independent living apartment, here are some of

the questions that you will need to answer. Phone Number

R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. Your Email Address *
existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher
pressure refrigerant. It is possible to reuse the copper tubing lineset between Service Requested
the two, but we will discuss that later.
Comment/Request

The new condensing unit and coil will be physically larger than the old unit. If
your condensing unit is on a midrise condominium rooftop with dozens of other
condensing units, they may need to be remounted in such a way that provides
the manufacturer’s recommended clearance between units. The coil will be
taller than the old one, and will not t in the metal coil enclosure at the air
handling unit. This enclosure will have to be rebuilt, or you may have to buy a Submit
new air handler that provides a greater air ow required by the new coil.

Consider buying the highest e ciency model that you can a ord. There is
obviously a premium to pay for the most e cient models, but some level of Bene ts of 20-
Year Planning
higher e ciency may be a ordable.

By including 20-year capital expense

The conventional wisdom is that the copper lineset should always be replaced. projections in your strategic budget plan,
While this is true, it is not always practical to do so. Generally, you will not save you can eliminate capital surprises and
money by reusing your old lineset. It will have to be ushed with nitrogen and a accurately align income with expenses.
solvent, then modi ed for reuse. The labor and materials needed to do this will Learn why a strategic budget plan should
equal the cost of replacing the lines. If your line routing is inaccessible (under a include ve-year projections for operating
expenses and 20-year projections for
concrete slab) you may want to seriously consider reusing the tubing.
capital expenses.

Not all linesets may be reused. Your contractor will perform a calculation to
LEARN MORE
determine whether it is possible. Generally speaking, the coil must be within 25
to 50 feet of the condensing unit for line reuse to be possible. A larger line size
will be needed beyond that distance.
Request A
Complimentary
If the condensing unit is close enough to the coil, the lines might be reused Proposal
after ushing with nitrogen and a chemical ush such as RX11 Flush, Qwik
System Flush, or Diversitech Pro Flush. Years ago, the line ush was done with Click to select a proposal request form to
R11 refrigerant. This is now banned by the EPA, so if your contractor suggests t your needs. We have Reserve Study
it – say no. You should also consider the age of the existing lines. You may not forms for Condo/HOA properties and
Senior Living Facilities. We also have a
want to reuse 25-year-old lines, but if they are only 12 or 15 years old, it may
Property Assessment questionnaire form.
be okay. I would always replace the lines if it is feasible. New or larger sizes Please feel free to call us with questions
may be required, in which case a new line set would need to be routed near the or to have us prepare a complimentary
existing lineset. Drain and remove the old lineset. customized proposal.

For a good description of how to ush your lineset, visit Robert Scaringe’s LEARN MORE

article, http://contractingbusiness.com/refrigeration/cb_imp_77425

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