New handler needed for refrigerant upgrade?
#1
06-16-17, 07:00 AM
New handler needed for refrigerant upgrade?
Hey guys... I have a friend who has an AC system from 1995, and the compressor died. He had an HVAC company come out and they told him the condenser unit and air handler had to be replaced. I know the old R22 stuff was phased out, but why would you have to replace the air handler, isn't the air handler just a fan and an evaporator coil? Seems to me he should just buy a new condenser unit and have the lines purged and recharged, no?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
06-16-17, 10:21 AM
Member
What they told him is partially true. The air handler itself (blower) doesn't need to be replaced. However, the evaporator coil will need to be replaced to match the new compressor/condenser (outside unit) along with the new refrigerant (R410A). The air handler assembly will need to be partially disassembled to install the new evaporator coil.
#5
06-16-17, 11:43 AM
Is the expansion valve typically part of the coil?
Can someone comment on how the r22 and 401a expansion valves are different? Is the orifice size different and that's why it needs to be replaced?
Can someone comment on how the r22 and 401a expansion valves are different? Is the orifice size different and that's why it needs to be replaced?
#6
06-16-17, 11:50 AM
On some coils its included. If his unit does not have a TXV then it uses a piston. The new condensing unit will come with the correct piston.
#7
06-16-17, 01:19 PM
Member
Its 22 years old! Even without the new refrigerant it needs to be replaced. Then add in probably 9 SEER VS 14 SEER.
#9
06-16-17, 02:05 PM
Member
The air handler should be changed out. And a complete matched system installed. This will be a necessity if it's a heat pump.
Without a matched system, the unit will not deliver the rated capacity or efficiency.
The coil may not be rated for R-410A, which operates at roughly twice the pressure as R22.
The unit could have mechanical issues running a new outdoor unit with a 22 year old air handler.
If you want to cheap out on it you'd be better off getting a dry charge R-407C unit. But there would be no promises that it would work.
Add to this that if most any major manufacturer finds out that their outdoor unit was rigged up with an old air handler, and you tried to claim warranty, it would likely be denied.
Without a matched system, the unit will not deliver the rated capacity or efficiency.
The coil may not be rated for R-410A, which operates at roughly twice the pressure as R22.
The unit could have mechanical issues running a new outdoor unit with a 22 year old air handler.
If you want to cheap out on it you'd be better off getting a dry charge R-407C unit. But there would be no promises that it would work.
Add to this that if most any major manufacturer finds out that their outdoor unit was rigged up with an old air handler, and you tried to claim warranty, it would likely be denied.
#10
06-19-17, 07:50 AM
Why is it cheaping out to save a perfectly working fan? I can understand replacing the coil.
Are you saying replace the handler, because finding a new coil to go in the old fan unit will be impossible? If this is the case, then OK.
Are you saying replace the handler, because finding a new coil to go in the old fan unit will be impossible? If this is the case, then OK.
#11
06-19-17, 08:09 AM
Member
Yes, finding a coil rated for R-410A to fit perfectly in the current air handler would likely be difficult.
As I said before, if he's interested in keeping the current air handler then get a dry charge R-407C unit. It would not operate at rated efficiency.
Otherwise get a complete matched replacement system for R-410A.
Due to government involvement in efficiency and refrigerant rules, the days of simply swapping condensers are about over for older equipment.
As I said before, if he's interested in keeping the current air handler then get a dry charge R-407C unit. It would not operate at rated efficiency.
Otherwise get a complete matched replacement system for R-410A.
Due to government involvement in efficiency and refrigerant rules, the days of simply swapping condensers are about over for older equipment.
