Are you replacing a Split System?

Replacing a Split System

When replacing a split system air conditioner there are some important considerations that need to be made before selecting a replacement unit and starting the replacement process, there are:

1. Existing Power Supply.
2. Existing Line Set Diameter.
3. Existing Refrigerant Type.
4. Existing Communication cabling.

Existing Power Supply

Before replacing a split system, checks must be done on the existing power supply to the system to ensure there is no risk of fire or electrocution. Specifically:

1. The correct size cabling to the air conditioner must be confirmed.
2. The correct size circuit breaker servicing the air conditioner has to be confirmed.
3. The correct size cabling between the indoor and outdoor units must be confirmed.
4. The power supply must be confirmed if it's going to the indoor unit or outdoor unit.

Line set Diameter

There are 2 insulated copper pipes which connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The line sets are not uniform - they are specific to the brand, capacity and refrigerant of each split system.

It is important that if you are replacing a split system and reusing the line set, the new split system has the same line set diameter. Failure to do so will cause abrupt pressure loss (if the pipes are larger than required) or high pressure refrigerant flooding at the evaporator (if the pipes are smaller than required).

Both abrupt pressure loss and flooded evaporators not only cause performance losses, it voids all manufacturers warranty and can create a potential for explosion.

Existing Refrigerant Type

There are 3 x different types of refrigerant that are commonly used in Australia: R-32, R-410A and R-22 and each refrigerant has a different chemical composition, performance and thermodynamic behaviour.

If you are planning on replacing your split system, and re-using the refrigeration line set (the pipes which connect the indoor to the outdoor unit), it is important that you select an air conditioner that has the same refrigerant or perform a complete line set flush to rid the system of any particulates, oil or acid that has built up inside the line set before introducing a new refrigerant.

R-22 was the first generation, R-410A the second generation and R-32 is the third generation of refrigerant.

If a different refrigerant is introduced into the line set without the correct recovery, purging, flushing and filtering technique, the oil within the refrigerant (which lubricates the compressor) is converted back into an alcohol and the compressor will promptly burn out due to lack of lubrication.

Communication Cabling

With modern split systems, the power supply is taken to the outdoor unit - then the outdoor unit then powers the indoor units. With older split systems, this was the opposite, where the power supply went to the indoor unit, which powered the outdoor unit.

With this is mind, it is important when replacing a split system, to ensure that the power supply is not incorrectly used as communication cabling, the wiring sequence is in the correct order and and size of the cable is correct size to ensure there is no risk of thermal overload or fire.

Pioneering Technology

In 2007, EZYAIR were the first company to introduce specific technique in Australia which enabled them to re-use the existing line set without cutting the entire line set out and replacing it with new - and provide a full 5 year parts and labour warranty.

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