Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Refrigerant Lines Question

Hello All,

I am in the process of replacing the original heat pump and air handler in my 15 year-old house. The air handler is located in the attic above the second floor. The refrigerant lines were routed inside the exterior wall from the heat pump to the air handler in the attic.

During a service call last year, I discussed the possibility of replacing the heat pump and air handler with an energy-efficient system. The technician told me that in order to install new refrigerant lines inside the wall like the existing system, he would need to seriously damage the inside rooms sheet rock, etc., to install the new lines.

Considering the expense and effort of repairing the damaged wall, routing the refrigerant lines inside the wall (unexposed) is not justified. For cosmetic reasons, I really don’t want to run exposed refrigerant lines for that distance on the side of my house.

My house is covered in vinyl siding. If I decide to run the lines on the outside of the house, are there any conventional or non-conventional methods of installation that may help to hide the exposed lines and make them blend-in with the siding.

Thanks

Generally, when a new line set is needed, it will be run straight up the outside of the house into the attic. In this situation, a gutter downspout pipe usually does a great job of covering the lines. It can then be painted to match the house.

The downspout usually works out great.

First why the new lines . Only if you go to a bigger heatpump. If for R410a dont do it stay with R22 it will be made till 2030 The R410a freon cost to much and if you have a leak . later on it all has to be taken out and all new freon put back in.
If you do have to put the lines up the wall outside. Most shops break up a sheet metal U channel and cover them . Like said then paint it
Dont forget if you go for a seer of 15 or over you can get a tax credit of $300 and $50 for a V/S blower.

ED;)

Thanks everyone for your help.

Ed,

If I stick with the old lines and the R22 system as you recommended, do you think I can get another 15 years service out of the old lines? Do the lines deteriorate over time (corrosion, oxidation, etc.)? And lastly, would there be any difficulties connecting the new system to the old lines (adapters required, new valves, sections, etc.).

I am definitely going to get a SEER 15+ and VS blower to take advantage of the tax credits.

Thanks and best regards.

Ill go this way.=== We just replaced a 3 ton AC and electric unit with a new heatpump with V/S blower coil unit. The unit there was 42 years old and Yes we used the same lines.

ED ;)

Thanks Ed,

I now feel confident sticking with the old lines and R22 refrigerant with a SEER 15+ VS system.

Best regards

As long as the old lines are the properly rated size for the new unit then you are fine.

Thanks again everyone for your advice.

I’m scheduled to meet with 2 HVAC contractors tomorrow, and I now feel like I’m up-to-speed on these issues.