Is a New Lineset Necessary When Replacing an Air Conditioner?
We provided a quote for a new air conditioner recently and the customer asked this: "All I want is a new air conditioner. What is a lineset and why did you quote that?"
That's a great question! First, the lineset is what carries the refrigerant from the coil in the air conditioner to the coil in the furnace. Now, why would we quote a new lineset with the new air conditioner?
You may have heard that there are two types of refrigerant. If you have an older air conditioner, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant. New air conditioners use R-410 refrigerant. R-22 is being phased out by the EPA because there is chlorine in it which contributes to ozone depletion if it leaks out of the system. Eventually, all air conditioners and heat pumps will use R-410 refrigerant. R-410 is an ozone friendly refrigerant.
These two types of refrigerant contain different oils and do not mix well. R-22 contains mineral oil which doesn't mix well with POE oil, which is in R410. Therefore, running R410 refrigerant through a lineset that once carried R22 refrigerant will eventually be detrimental to the system. It will ultimately shorten the life span of the compressor. Ideally, the best option is to run a new lineset so there's no chance of the two different oils mixing. If a new lineset is not an option for whatever reason, a flush can also be done. This is a chemical used to flush out the R-22 that ran through the lineset. It is effective, however, it's not likely that 100% of the oil will be flushed out. Therefore, we recommend a new, clean lineset when possible.
During the quoting process, the technician will look at the placement of the current lineset to determine if a new lineset can be run. There may be some measures that have to be taken, such as a new bulkhead, to install a new lineset. In the end, this is still important to consider the lineset to ensure that your new system is running top-notch for years to come.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the two types of refrigerant, the phasing out of R-22 or linesets!
Indoor Air Quality- Reducing Allergens In Your Home
Spring has sprung! The birds are singing, the grass is green and the pollen count is high! There's not much that can be done to control the outdoors but what about the air inside your home? Is it possible to improve the air quality in your home to control allergens? You bet! We have a few suggestions and tips:
- Regularly change your filter. A good filter reduces allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Filters may be fiberglass or pleated and range in size from 1" to 5". Filters also have a rating system called Merv Rating which determines the effectiveness of a filter. The smallest particles are captured with filters with a high Merv rating. A Merv 16, for example, will allow fewer particles to pass through than a Merv 10. It may be worthwhile to look into a media cabinet or a better filtration system for your home to reduce allergens.
- Close the windows and turn on the air conditioner. The air conditioner naturally dehumidifies the house, creating a cool, dry air. Allergens such as mold and dust mites tend to thrive in warm, humid spaces so running the air conditioner can help to keep allergens under control.
- Control the humidity in the house. If humidity levels are still high , it might be time to consider a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers pull excess humidity out of the air, creating a cool and dry environment.
- Consider a UV Light. UV Lights are effective in controlling airborne allergens, mold, mildew, viruses and bacteria. UV air cleaners break down these allergens and dramatically improve indoor air quality.
Indoor air quality is an important topic! There are many things that can be done to reduce the allergens and improve air quality. Feel free to contact us for recommendations in your home!