R-22 vs. R410a (Puron)

Which systems are more reliable, those that use R22 vs. R410a? Are R410a
systems REALLY as reliable R22?

I live in a condo and replacing the refrigerant lineset would involve
ripping up the ceiling drywall. My AC system is 20 years old. Wondering
the best solution would be to get a new R22 system (with existing
refrigerant lines) installed before 2010. If the existing system were to
die after 2010, then only systems that use 410a will be sold, and I would
have to hope and pray that cleaning/purging out the old lines REALLY is
going to be sufficient for a reliable 410a system. What do you think?

Thanks,

J.

Posted by on May 16, 2007, 1:35 pm

> Which systems are more reliable, those that use R22 vs. R410a? Are R410a

> systems REALLY as reliable R22?

Depends on the installer.

> I live in a condo and replacing the refrigerant lineset would involve

> ripping up the ceiling drywall. My AC system is 20 years old. Wondering

> the best solution would be to get a new R22 system (with existing

> refrigerant lines) installed before 2010. If the existing system were

> die after 2010, then only systems that use 410a will be sold, and I would

> have to hope and pray that cleaning/purging out the old lines REALLY is

> going to be sufficient for a reliable 410a system. What do you think?

> Thanks,

> J.

You're likely to be screwed either way, if the lineset isn't large enough
for the new high S.E.E.R. equipment.

Posted by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh on May 16, 2007, 2:07 pm

> You're likely to be screwed either way, if the lineset isn't large enough

> for the new high S.E.E.R. equipment.

In our area, I'm beginning to notice a few common trade practices (that
might be unique to around here), and wonder if you could flesh out the
reasoning for one of them.

Except for slab construction, I've noticed that nobody seems to use chases
or conduits through which to run linesets. I've even seen a few cast right
into slabs without the first bit of pipe around them. It seems to me that
some 4" or 6" thinwall waste pipe would be a great investment toward future
upgrades. For any set shorter than 100', it would be pretty inexpensive,
too.

I have seen a lot of water in the couple of grade-level or below-grade sets
I've pulled out of conduit, and suppose that might be one objection to using
it. (Ken _likes_ it that it's my hands and not his in that stagnant
goop...)

Are there other reasons - besides the basic cost of materials and labor -
that make conduit/chase installation of linesets undesirable?

LLoyd

Posted by Noon-Air on May 16, 2007, 2:39 pm

>> You're likely to be screwed either way, if the lineset isn't large enough

>> for the new high S.E.E.R. equipment.

> In our area, I'm beginning to notice a few common trade practices (that

> might be unique to around here), and wonder if you could flesh out the

> reasoning for one of them.

> Except for slab construction, I've noticed that nobody seems to use

> chases or conduits through which to run linesets. I've even seen a few

> cast right into slabs without the first bit of pipe around them. It

> seems to me that some 4" or 6" thinwall waste pipe would be a great

> investment toward future upgrades. For any set shorter than 100', it

> would be pretty inexpensive, too.

Gotta love it when the lowest bidder gets the job

> I have seen a lot of water in the couple of grade-level or below-grade

> sets I've pulled out of conduit, and suppose that might be one objection

> to using it. (Ken _likes_ it that it's my hands and not his in that

> stagnant goop...)

There is a reason that your supposed to seal both ends of the chase

> Are there other reasons - besides the basic cost of materials and labor -

> that make conduit/chase installation of linesets undesirable?

> LLoyd

Posted by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh on May 16, 2007, 3:30 pm

> Gotta love it when the lowest bidder gets the job

So, by that, do you mean it _should_ be done, and just isn't to save
time/sweat?

>> I have seen a lot of water in the couple of grade-level or below-grade

>> sets I've pulled out of conduit, and suppose that might be one objection

>> to using it. (Ken _likes_ it that it's my hands and not his in that

>> stagnant goop...)

> There is a reason that your supposed to seal both ends of the chase

The two I pulled _were_ "sealed" somewhat -- one only with foam (spray-on)
and one with foam and capped with mortar at the outside end; and of course,
the mortar was cracked. On both, the inside end was sealed with foam. I
presume the water was from condensation and not from leakage. Seems like
only a good hermetic seal would prevent the pipe from breathing under
temperature changes.

What should be used? Is there a fitting designed to the purpose?

>> Are there other reasons - besides the basic cost of materials and labor -

>> that make conduit/chase installation of linesets undesirable?

You may have answered that there aren't... but I didn't read that clearly.

LLoyd

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