If we get a new HVAC, can it use the freon pipe of the old one?

Question

Our three bedroom house is built on a concrete slab, and the pipes go through it. That makes it very hard to replace pipes. If we replace the HVAC central unit and outside unit, will they most likely use the old pipe? How likely is that to be a good option?

If we do it that way, how much is it likely to cost? The cost of the new central unit, the new outside unit, and the labor?

The A/C is electric and the heat is gas. We wouldn't mind converting to all-electric, because our electricity is cheaper than our gas. But if we did that, would it have any effect on what pipes are needed?

The present system is 35 years old, and doesn't do a very good job of air conditioning.

Answer 1

The piping between the condensor/compressor and the evapourator are usually designed for the matched set. This is a question to ask the companies you get estimates from. It may affect the warranty.

There is no real way to know the condition of the pipes in the slab. They may last for another 35 years or fail the day after the new a/c unit is installed. I do not think any company will guarantee the existing piping.

Is your house insulated well enough for electric heat?

Does your Electric service have the capacity? If you are located in Canada or the United States (northern states), you will require at least a 200 amp 230/120 volt Electric Service.

Do you have an attic? if you do, does it have an access door?

If it has an access door, the piping and wiring can be routed through the attic.

Here is some things to ponder when hiring contractors.

Selecting contractors:

( do this for each job required - HVAC and Electric Service - If one contractor will be doing both, make sure they have qualified HVAC techs and qualified electrician and the qualified trades persons will be the ones doing the work)

1/ Look up local contractors first. work out form the closest
to your location. If some you trust has had work done
similar to yours, ask them about the contractor they
used. If they were completely satisfied with their
contractor(s), ask for their telephone number.

2/ Select at least 5 your are interested in giving you an estimate.

3/ Do a google/yahoo search on each of the contractors
you are interested in; look for praises (check who is
writing the praises to see if they have any connection to
the contractor work in groups> google/yahoo search the people giving
the praise or references)

4/ When you are satisfied with at least 3 contractors have the give you written estimates with details of work to be done, terms, guarantee(s), cost of extras (how much do they charge if they find something not covered by the contract), paymant schedules if necessary, make sure they are fully licenced and insured, and whatever else you can think of to protect yourself.

5/ If the contractor tries to pressure you into signing the
contract immediately with a high deposit (more than
15%) reject that contractor. Be careful, high pressure
can be someone who sounds very convincing, but has
many reasons why you should sign on the dotted line
NOW.

6/ It is always good to have another adult with you when a
contractor inspects the work to be done.

7/ If you do not get at least 3 written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet) , go back to 1.

8/ Do this until you have selected at least 3 contractors.

9/ Read over the estimates and have someone check the who has some knowledge of this type of work.

This may take longer than you thought; do not rush into it. Research, resaerch research, helps. then make your decision when you are more informed.


Good Luck

Answer 2

Freon is the gas that has been identified as responsible for destroying the ozone layer. That destruction is the reason why you are putting on sun screen these days whereas when we were kids, sun burns were less common. The increase in skin cancer is also related to the destruction of the ozone layer. A/C units that run on freon are still in service. Newer units use a different gas. When you have a leak, it is extremely difficult to find. Soapy water is used, and it takes a lot of time to find the leak. I know of no additive that repairs a leak. In theory, to find the leak (any leak will cause loss of pressure and less and less cooling), the freon is pumped out, nitrogen is put in under pressure, soapy water identifies the leak, nitrogen is pumped out, the leak is welded shut, nitrogen is pumped back in, the leak is tested, out goes nitrogen, pump freon back in. Done. It is time consuming, and thus... Expensive! Leak finding can cost up to $800. Since it is all time related - the leak could be found quickly - and costs could decrease accordingly. A new Goodman A/C unit including compressor, evaporator and lines, installed, can be as little as $2000. A/C units have a lifespan of between 12 and 20 years, the mean being about 17 years. In my opinion, it would be irresponsible to refill and refill a leaking freon using A/C unit. It is not allowed where I live. A/C repair people can refill the newer gas in the newer machines, but not in a freon unit. Regardless, eventually a new unit will be required.

Answer 3

New systems are now a minimum of 13 SEER efficient. Would probably need to use a larger lineset, with the new system. Might need to do some re-routing. If electricity is cheaper in your area, you might want to consider a dual fuel heat pump. You would replace the 35 yr old furnace with a more efficient one and the outdoor unit would supply your heating on milder days (above 35).

Check out a York contractor for pricing in your area. :)

Answer 4

Tough question because of the unknowns. The "freon tubes" are copper and if they do not leak they will be fine. You need to have them pressure checked out but if there is no problem there is probley no problem as of yet. I would not dismiss gas so quick if I were you. The reason you have problems are not available with what you gave me. You need to check out who you are talking to anyone with a truck and a card can sell you anything. You need some one who will talk about BTUs and horse power. You need to have the new unit cover you 110 percent of the hottest day last year. A little oversize will save you on daily use. Most want to sell a under size showing you what you save initially. Good Luck.

Answer 5

They will most likely use the old pipe. They will solder it on the new compressor unit and the "A" coil. Changing t oan electric furnace wouldn't make much difference other than you will need another electrical circuit wired to the furnance. You'll need a 220V line. The pipes will basically be the same, but they will be capped off.

Answer 6

first of all let me say that some of the comments i have read are a little bit laughable..... except for the dual fuel one.... dual fuel( heat pump/ ac unit with gas furnace ) isnt a bad option depending on your climate ..... colder areas dont do well with heat pumps... mostly due to the fact heat pumps work better above 30 degrees than below30 degrees ...... if your in a colder climate a furnace with a high efficiency a/c unit is just fine just do your homework..... and select the heating contractor, that can give you the most option for your money

as for electric heat it most certainly is a viable otion depending on the size of your home, however even though gas is more expensive, you can still cut your heating vertually in half with the proper sized equipment..... a reputable contractor can and will do a load calculation to determine the proper size of a/c unit, and furnace that your house needs to maintain 70 indoor when it minus 10 outside, and 75 indoor when its 95 outdoor...... your best bet for most saving's would be a 2 stage variable speed furnace or variable speed air handler with electric heat and a 15 seer a/c unit or higher
keep in mind that higher efficiency is mostly for comfort, the more comfortable you want to be in your home the higher efficiency units will work best
for comparison sake get in touch with your local american standard or trane dealer, you can find them on their prospective websites
americanstandard.com
traneheating.com
either one will guide you through the learning process.... and you will be surprised just how many contractors out their really dont care about your wants and needs in respect to comfort and budget
good luck
feel free to contact me if you have any questions