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can we use the existing piping when split ac units are changed

by Christop Conroy Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

FAQ: Split Systems Can I reuse the existing piping installed for my old air conditioner? 0219 Answer We recommend that you not reuse the existing piping and cables for the new unit, as different systems have different piping and electrical requirements.

In most cases, you cannot re-use piping and cable from existing air-conditioning units for any new units you are having installed. This is because different systems use different piping and have their own specific electrical requirements.

Full Answer

Do I need new pipe work for a split air conditioner?

New split air conditioning systems require new pipe work but some manufactures such as Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning now guarantee their machines to use existing pipe work. The reason most manufactures do not guarantee their machines is because refrigerant oil cannot be mixed between blends of refrigerant.

Can I re-use the piping from my old air conditioner?

Can I re-use the piping which is already installed for my old Air Conditioner? In most cases, you cannot re-use piping and cable from existing air-conditioning units for any new units you are having installed. This is because different systems use different piping and have their own specific electrical requirements.

Why can’t I use the same piping for different systems?

This is because different systems use different piping and have their own specific electrical requirements. An exception is Daikin’s RZQS outdoor units, which can utilise existing piping in certain circumstances.

Can pipe work be used for air conditioning system?

This can be a problem in long pipe runs where oil can get trapped in the undulations of the pipe work installation. If installing a new R32 or R410A air conditioning unit and the existing air conditioning pipe work was used by a R407 air conditioning system then the pipe work theoretically can be used.

Why is R22 phasing out?

Can you vacuum copper?

Is a drop in refrigerant compatible with a prior refrigerant?

Can you retrofit a R32 to a R410A?

Is R32 a retrofit?

Does the R32 have to be flushed?

Is R32 oil smaller than R22?

See 4 more

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Can AC pipes be reused?

Normally reusing the existing piping without pipe cleaning or replacement of pipes causes the deterioration of refrigerant oil and/or clogging of the refrigerant circuit. Chloride residue build-up in existing pipes can be a source of trouble and iron particles and sludge produced in the event of a compressor failure.

Can Split AC copper pipe be reused?

Overall size and length of the old pipe As you may know that the copper pipes of the air conditioner come in different sizes and lengths. If you want to reuse these old pipes, then the size plays a crucial role. If the pipe is too long and quite larger in size, then it cannot be reused.

Can we use old copper wire for new AC?

It can be tempting to reuse old copper refrigerant lines after a system upgrade, but it is never a good idea. In order for a copper line to work properly, it needs to be fully dehydrated.

Is a new Lineset necessary when replacing an air conditioner?

If you have to replace your existing air conditioning unit because of refrigerant leak troubles, the old line set has to go! If you upgrade from an old AC unit that uses R-22 refrigerant (which is now phased out of production and usage), the line set also requires an upgrade for the modern R-410A refrigerant.

Can I use the same copper pipe when replacing my AC with R410a to R32 refrigerant?

No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

Which pipe is best for AC?

Copper can better handle oxidation and corrosion for longer periods ultimately gives air conditioners a longer lifespan. Cooling on copper pipes is much faster due its lower specific heat quality.

Should the line set be replaced?

It will ultimately shorten the life span of the compressor. Ideally, the best option is to run a new lineset so there's no chance of the two different oils mixing. If a new lineset is not an option for whatever reason, a flush can also be done.

Can you reuse R-22 line set for R-410A?

When you replace an air conditioner or heat pump and upgrade from R-22 to R-410A, the ideal solution is to replace your refrigerant lines. This is because the mineral oil used in R-22 systems is not compatible with the new R-410A refrigerant and oil.

How long does AC line set last?

With the absence of contamination concerns, the general accepted life expectancy of line sets is 25 Yrs., outside of that number, you're on borrowed time.

What is the cost of AC copper pipe?

Air Conditioner Copper Pipe at Rs 220/feet | Maharana Pratap Nagar | Bhopal | ID: 17620623862.

What type of copper pipe is used for air-conditioning?

Typically, air-conditioning systems use soft copper piping, which comes from the manufacturer in 25- to 100-foot rolls. Rolled copper limits the amount of leak-prone braised fittings, but it requires custom bended turns.

What is the small copper line from a air conditioner?

Refrigerant lines are two copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil.

Can we join AC copper pipe?

Air-conditioning copper pipe joints, 6-19MM double joints, intermediate joints, high-quality copper cores are sturdy and durable, and are not easily damaged when installed. The joint is used to lengthen the copper tube, it can be used when bought back, no welding is required.

Is it necessary to change copper pipe when upgrading AC from R22 to R32?

Answer (1 of 4): Yes. The reason is simple.. operating pressures. Here are the refrigerant pressures of R22 and R32 at 50°C: R22: 263psi R32: 441psi Copper pipe for R32 and R410A has an increased pipe wall thickness as compared to the copper pipe for R22 so as to withstand the significantly ...

Is it good to replace the R22 system to R32 without changing copper ...

Answer (1 of 2): No. It is not a good idea. Best practice is to replace the copper lines (pipework). The pressure R32 exerts on the copper pipework is significantly higher than that exerted by R22. For example, at 50°C (122°F), which is a typical temperature at the condenser, the pressures the...

Re-used R22 piping for R410a unit safe? - Air conditioners

6fiddysquiddy writes... So, what we are experimenting at the moment for R22 retro-fits is 'hydrocarbon' refrigerant upgrades. (Recovering all the R410A before comissioning the system – using R22 line sets) and charging it with a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

The difference between copper tubes using R410A refrigerant and R22

What is the difference between central air conditioning refrigerant R22 and R410A? As a refrigerant for building air conditioning, HFC working medium R22 has long occupied a dominant position ...

Reusing R-22 lineset for R-410a: What should I ask the installer?

I have a 1991 Rheem 2.5 ton A/C and coil. Last summer, it lost all 4 lbs of R-22. I've got several proposals for replacing it with a new compressor and coil using R-410a. All the proposals specify reuse of the existing 3/4" and 3/8" lineset. The suction line has a severe bend, almost to the point of being crimped, just before it enters the outdoor unit (pic attached).

Is there a saving when reusing air conditioning pipe?

Saving to be made when reusing air conditioning pipe work. When air conditioning companies are quoting there may be significant savings in not changing the pipe work especially on long pipe runs. There is a environmental issue in replacing pipe work and if it isn't unnecessary then why do so. If the pipe sizes are ...

Do split air conditioners require pipe work?

New split air conditioning systems require new pipe work but some manufactures such as Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning now guarantee their machines to use existing pipe work. The reason most manufactures do not guarantee their machines is because refrigerant oil cannot be mixed between blends of refrigerant.

REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

Due to a new incentive in Greece for people to change their AC units to new inverter styles, I'm often removing old systems and installing new ones.

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

Can one reuse the pipes rather than tossing out the old ones. Is there likely to be much contamination inside the pipes?

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

Thanks for all of that. I never knew that the pipes were also sized for gas velocity etc. One learns something new everyday!!!

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

Re your pipework query: Generally copper pipework up to 1/2 inch will be OK for 410a gas, 5/8 on requires thicker wall. Problems start with residual oil in pipework. The two different oils do not mix and I believe will cause "lumps". A good purge of Nitrogen will generally clear them if you are absolutely stuck, but generally not good practice.

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

It is advisable to go for new pipes as if it is R410 A working pressures are more and higher thickness is required. Further even if you have to use the existing pipe you need to clean with solvent to remove all old oil wax scaling in the pipes. The cost of cleaning for reuse may be more and still not fail safe than using a new pipe.Hence it is better to use new pipe so that the life is longer..

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

The Mitsubishi Electric Mr Slim power inverter systems have ' replace technology' The system runs in a test mode when you first power up & flush the refrigerant through the system & traps any contamination in a special filter which is then isolated from the system so for normal operation the system is cleaned from any contamination. but There are some restrictions with pipe sizes & pipe lenght that need to consider as R410a generally have smaller pipe size than R22 / R407c. So you need to consider the pipe sizes & pipe lenght to see if the existing refrigeration pipe installation will fit into the Mr Slim replace specifications. For most domestic applications with short pipe lenght I suspect this may not be the cheapest option..

Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

One of my concerns is the wall thickness for the higher pressure refrigerants.

What is the lineset of an air conditioner?

First, the lineset is what carries the refrigerant from the coil in the air conditioner to the coil in the furnace. Now, why would we quote a new lineset with the new air conditioner? You may have heard that there are two types of refrigerant. If you have an older air conditioner, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant.

Why is R-22 being phased out?

R-22 is being phased out by the EPA because there is chlorine in it which contributes to ozone depletion if it leaks out of the system. Eventually, all air conditioners and heat pumps will use R-410 refrigerant. R-410 is an ozone friendly refrigerant.

Which refrigerant has narrow tube pipes?

If you notice carefully R22 a.c has bigger pipes in condensor coils which must be comparatively weaker as compared to r410 refrigerant a.c which has narrow tube pipes to bear more pressure and more in number. Perhaps are thicker too.

Why is R22 phasing out?

R22 is slowly been phasing out due to environmental issue. Therefore operator who still using R22 in their system need to source out another freon gas to replace R22. If your piping system is old and always leak, it is recommended to change the pipe to new one for smoother operation in future.

What is R32 refrigerant?

R32 is the most balanced refrigerant known till today. It is the Next Generation Refrigerant. All HVAC companies uses R32 now. It has 0 ozone depletion potential. The efficiency of the machine increases 10% using R32.

What is the typical temperature of a condenser?

For example, at 50°C (122°F), which is a typical temperature at the condenser, the pressures these refrigerants exert on the pipework are:

Can you use oxygen in a refrigeration system?

There's no oxygen in a normal refrigeration system. That's the trick. You can do a lot with combustible gases, as long as you keep the oxygen out. In this case, this is due to purging the system when it is charged.

Is propane a refrigerant?

This may be a surprise, but even propane and butane are refrigerants, too. Talk about fire!

Is it necessary to change copper wire in an AC?

Yes it is necessary to change copper wire while upgrading AC R22 to R32 to increase machine performance and better cooling experience. Please note that R-32 is better than R-410A regarding Global warming. Even the HFCs like R-32, R-410A are also not environment-friendly, but they are a lot better than R-22.

Why is R22 phasing out?

R22 is slowly been phasing out due to environmental issue. Therefore operator who still using R22 in their system need to source out another freon gas to replace R22.

Can you vacuum copper?

All correct answers. To expand a little, if the line does become contaminated inside, and you want to upgrade equipment, as long as the copper is size correctly you can “flush” it out with a special solution to remove anything inside, then pull a vacuum in it.

Is a drop in refrigerant compatible with a prior refrigerant?

As a general answer, there are some “Drop-In” replacement refrigerants which are compatible with the prior refrigerant. This means that the pressure/temperature curves are similar enough such that the new refrigerant will work acceptably with the old piping, pipe sizes and devices. The other part of this compatibility is a chemical one. There are some so-called “replacement” refrigerants that react poorly with the new refrigerant. Any residual refrigerant would react with and change the

Can you retrofit a R32 to a R410A?

Federation of Environmental Trade Associations has warned the industry not to attempt to retrofit R32 to R410A systems , arguing the practice is not just unsuitable for the system, but poses serious safety risks.

Is R32 a retrofit?

If you are talking about retrofitting an existing system , R32 is not a retrofit refrigerant. It requires a system be designed for R32. R32 is flammable and if safeguards are not met as they are in new units there could be a fire or explosion. There are a whole plethora of reasons that a retrofit will not work properly. There are also plenty of other retrofit refrigerants that can be used instead that are designed for retrofits

Does the R32 have to be flushed?

All the tubing will be lined with the old oil, and flushing would be problematic. The required pressures for R32 is also 60% more on the high side. This will stress the old motor. The condenser in a R22 system will also be old, and may leak after running a while.

Is R32 oil smaller than R22?

In theory R32 would use a smaller line size than R22. There are many factors that manufacturers consider when specifying line sizes. If the line is to small it is inefficient. If it is too big there may not be enough velocity to get the oil back to the compressor. If the lines are the correct size.

1.Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Can-I-use-the-same-copper-piping-when-replacing-my-AC-unit-with-R22-to-R32-refrigerant

19 hours ago But there are some circumstances under which it can be used/ The new technology is used to clean the entire trunking system thoroughly so that the old pipes can be used again when the …

2.Can I re-use the piping which is already installed for my …

Url:https://www.daikin.com.au/faq/can-i-re-use-piping-which-already-installed-my-old-air-conditioner

22 hours ago In most cases, you cannot re-use piping and cable from existing air-conditioning units for any new units you are having installed. This is because different systems use different piping and have …

3.Existing Pipe Work On Air Conditioning Units

Url:https://orionair.co.uk/air_conditioning_Pipe%20work.htm

2 hours ago Installing air conditioning with existing pipe work may not be an issue 2013 R22, R407C to R410A & R32. New split air conditioning systems require new pipe work but some manufactures such …

4.REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners

Url:https://www.refrigeration-engineer.com/forums/showthread.php?20127-REusing-Copper-piping-from-split-type-air-conditioners

2 hours ago Answer. We recommend that you not reuse the existing piping and cables for the new unit, as different systems have different piping and electrical requirements.

5.Is a Lineset Necessary When Replacing an Air Conditioner?

Url:https://lcsheatingandcooling.com/news/is-a-new-lineset-necessary-when-replacing-an-air-conditioner

27 hours ago  · Re: REusing Copper piping from split type air conditioners It is advisable to go for new pipes as if it is R410 A working pressures are more and higher thickness is required. …

6.Installing new AC using old piping ME - Air conditioners

Url:https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2735464

13 hours ago  · If you have an older air conditioner, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant. New air conditioners use R-410 refrigerant. R-22 is being phased out by the EPA because there is …

7.Is it necessary to change copper pipe when upgrading AC …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Is-it-necessary-to-change-copper-pipe-when-upgrading-AC-from-R22-to-R32

13 hours ago  · To my knowledge you cannot use the existing piping. The new units have different flare fittings for the newer higher pressure gases, and the oil on the old systems is not …

8.New Split Installation - existing lines - Air conditioners

Url:https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2142748

15 hours ago If you willing to keep the pipe, it at least recommended to replace the compressor to R32 compliance. Using existing compressor will cause the compressor overload/underload thus …

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