How far can heat pump lines be run? I have almost 30′ from where a compressor unit can go back to the exchanger. (don’t know a lot about this stuff)
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Mine's a lot further than that.
http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
30 ft is no problem.
Installed the HP/AC at sons house on far side of garage so fan/cmporessor noise could not be heard in the house, 55 feet, no problems. 4Ton, 3/4" suction, 3/8" liquid line.
Are you DIY this job or hiring it out?
Make sure the lines from the inside unit go up above the top of that coil, then have a slope of about 3-4" over a 40-50 ft run to wherever they drop to the outdoor unit/ compressor. Slope is needed for oil management.
Make sure there is a liquid line dryer/filter just before the TXV (dont settle for an orifice device) and that when the lines are brazed they are purged with N2, CO2, or Argon before silver brazing - soldering is for amatuers or hacks. On my own installation, I like to:
1. pressure test to 500 psi with dry nitrogen
2. pull a 500 micron or less vacuum overnight, then seal and watch that the vacuum does not go any higher in a few hours.
3. Then, only after the above, charge with refrigerant.
Highly doubtful if any hired help will do all the above, but they better do 1, 2 for at least and hour, and 3 (obviously) by scale plus check subcool and superheat.
Can give you a full discussion/tutorial at the fest, see you then.
OH yeah, forgot to add, INSULATE the lines for best efficiency.
Edited 7/28/2009 7:18 pm ET by junkhound
I am going from a basement location to outside the house. Can you run the lines in large diameter conduit? I will hire it done, but I just have interest in what to ask when the contractor arrives. Lines would have to go under a sunroom being built.http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
Simply ask if he does the 3 items in the first response.
You will likely get hit with a $$ surcharge for a txv, but IMO should be worth it in energy savings over the years.
Sounds good. Will do.http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
You can run them in PVC with long sweep fitttings. It is best not to be much under grade or under a slab if possible. General, nominal line sizes are good for 50 ft runs. Longer than that, I check with the factory (me).
Whatsa sweep fitting?http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
sweep --- large radius like on dainage pipe vs. an elbow -- so the Cu tube can be pulled thru, best if conduit is a straight line.
Got it. The only bend would be up and out of the basement to the outdoor level. I was thinking PVC to prevent rodent gnawing, etc.http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com