Installing A/C without pumping the lineset? - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| jps11
 |  "Installing A/C without pumping the lineset?"
, posted Wed 30 Apr 03:22  
I had a licensed A/C contractor install a mini-split heat pump in my bedroom. It's a 9,000 BTU, high-SEER unit made by Sanyo.
I'm not an A/C technician, just an interested consumer. I'm handy with tools, so I helped the installer mount the wall unit and run the lineset.
I stood next to the installer at every step as he cut the lines, flared the ends, and tightened them snug. And then he walked over to the compressor, fiddled with the valve for a moment, then swabbed each connection with solution to check them for leaks. Satisfied that they were snug, he asked me to turn on the power so he could fire it up.
This seemed very wrong to me.
He had never attached a vacuum pump.
I asked why he didn't pump the lines before releasing the refrigerant. He seemed puzzled. "We don't ever do that on a new install. The lines are clean. We only pump them down if we're working on an existing unit that's already been in service."
I replied that my lines might be clean, but they were full of air. And I didn't think that Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen and Water vapor should be mixed in with my brand-new refrigerant.
He told me that he's been in the A/C business for 15 years, and that's the way that this is done. We argued, and I insisted. So he attached his vacuum pump and ran it for about 15 minutes. (He told me that he had only released "a little" refrigerant from the compressor into the lines for leak testing, so he said that the amount being pumped out was insignificant.)
The unit seems to work fine, but I am left with a strong distaste for the whole experience. The installer is actually a very nice guy; he was genuinely surprised that I would want him to use a vacuum pump on a new install. "Yeah, the instructions might tell you to do it, but our company doesn't. There's no reason to." And he's installed a lot of new air conditioners during the construction boom of the past few years. And he doesn't use a pump.
What's the story here? Is refrigerant contamination something to be concerned about? Does it make a practical difference? My neighbors, in their brand-new homes, don't seem to be suffering any ill effects. Yet.
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Replies:
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| theduke03
| "Re(1):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Thu 1 May 19:49
The only reason the installer's in buisness for 15 years is because he stays busy replacing all of the compressors he installs. I agree with everyone...except Freon.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| Jojo98
| "Re(1):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 22:59
I agree witn ace. Freon is crazy and you got SCREWED.
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| TnNATE1412
| "Re(1):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 06:35
All I will say is GOOD LUCK in the future with the warranty claims.
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| | Freon
| "Re(2):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 13:55
New system, new lineset and he did evacuate after releasing a little R-22... I think you're fine. In the old days they would blow R-22 through the lineset and that was all. R-22 is hygroscopic--it absorbs moisture-- so it did the job of a vacuum pump. So when he released the initial R-22 it would have absorbed any moisture, which I doubt was there due to everything being new. Then he vacuumed the R-22 with any moisture out so you are probably okay.
You have nothing to worry about regarding warranty since the person doing the install is licensed and appears to be a legitimate dealer.
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| | acefurnacefxr
| "Re(3):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 19:00
I think you dont have a fucking clue freom........
HVAC REPAIR IS NOT A DIY WEEKEND PRODJECT
I have been performing HVAC repairs for 23 years
http://www.hillaryclinton.com
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| | Freezone12
| "Re(3):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 17:59
quote:
New system, new lineset and he did-
-NOT- [fixed it for ya]
-evacuate after releasing a little R-22... I think you're fine. In the old days they would blow R-22 through the lineset and that was all. R-22 is hygroscopic--it absorbs moisture-- so it did the job of a vacuum pump. So when he released the initial R-22 it would have absorbed any moisture, which I doubt was there due to everything being new. Then he vacuumed the R-22 with any moisture out so you are probably okay.
You have nothing to worry about regarding warranty since the person doing the install is licensed and appears to be a legitimate dealer.
you need to stop smoking so much crack! 
'any' moisture in the system will contaminate the oil which will cause it to break down prematurely, drastically reducing the life of the refrigerating system.
_______________________________________
If it don't fit
force it.
If it breaks
it needed to be replaced anyways.
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| | yuri
| "Re(4):Installing A/C without pumping the line" , posted Wed 30 Apr 18:36
It should be properly vacuumed out and NO, releasing part of the factory charge is wrong and stupid. Those units are critically charged (amount) and you may now be low on freon. Any moisture is a problem and should be avoided. If it is a R410 unit then NO moisture is acceptable. Not all installers are well educated and properly trained/such is life. Just like free internet advice.
Yuri
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