Sweating Copper Pipe Fittings
can i replace a central air unit myself? i have done much plumbing work (sweating pipe)
the unit is old and needs to be replaced soon. i can buy a new unit at cost, but being strapped for money i wanted to replace it myself. i do a lot of remodeling, much plumbing, but have never worked with central air piping, i know your only supposed to use copper tubing, and not staight pipe with fittings. can i replace the unit myself then call a hvac guy to charge up the unit? any help is apprieciated, thanks.
First you have to make sure that the new a/c is the proper size, measured in tons ( 1 ton = 12,000 btu of cooling), this can be done by looking at the old unit, it will often have a model number that states the size of the unit (eg HS29-036 = 3 ton unit, or HS29-018 = 1.5 ton unit) It is important to match the size of the existing unit, otherwise you can cause reduced performance, or even shortened lifespan of the new unit)
Silver solder is an option if you are using an R-22 system, however, if you switch over to an R-410a system you will have to braze the lines as 410 operates at a much higher pressure, also if you use a 410a system you will have to replace the lineset (copper refrig tubes) and evaporator coil since you cannot mix different types of refrigerant.
As far as wiring is concerned, you’ll have to check the local building codes in your area. Most likely though, you will need to have a disconnect on the outside of the house, which may or may not already be there. If its already there then you are pretty much in the clear as the wiring is often the easiest part, just run the line voltage (220v be careful) to the hot side of the contactor and then hook up the t-stat control wire to the coil of the contactor and you’re done. Also you will need to verify that your electrical service is up to date (atleast a 60 amp beaker box, not fuses).
As several people have stated already, its not rocket science, but having it installed by a licenced professional is the recommended way. As an HVAC service technician myself, I have seen many DIY installs that have cost the customer more time, money and headaches in the long run due to simple mistakes that could have easily been avoided.
How to Sweat Copper Pipes : Dry Fitting Copper Pipes
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Nice post.
Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly. I look forward to future post.
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