Process of replacing an air conditioning machine

Important factors to consider in the process of replacing an air conditioning machine.
1: Diagnosis
The age of the machine is taken into consideration, where the HVAC technician
determines if it needs major repairs or a change of the system to save on maintenance
costs, repair costs and energy.
2: Machine Selection
We start looking for a machine with the same capacity as the existing one. If a unit or a
system is 2.5 tons of cooling capacity, it cannot go up to 3 tons or more, the replacement
of the machines it is done with the same capacity as the existing one, the difference is
that the new machines consume less energy than the old machines because they are
categorized by the level of efficiency. It is advisable to previously carry out a compatibility
study of the air conditioning and air duct.
Every 8 or 10 years the government determines the minimum standards for each
machine to be replaced at an adequate efficiency standard. HVAC machine
manufacturers are required to sell efficient machines with these regulations.
We proceed to take the measurements of the existing HVAC machine and take into
account the space where it will be replaced for its installation.
3. Disconnection
Two considerations are taken: the first consideration that we take to disconnect an old
machine is to cut off the energy that each machine has, because there are machines that
work with gas for heating, for this the gas tap that provides these machines is cut off and
the “Power” is also cut off. ” or the electrical power source.
Therefore, there are 2 considerations that are taken into account at the time of an
installation; the disconnection of energy, either gas or electrical energy to be able to
operate the machine to avoid the risk that technical personnel suffer any damage.
The second consideration, the recovery of the old refrigerant, which is R22, which is
currently replaced by 410A, the difference is that 410A is more efficient and less polluting
for the environment, it uses different pressures than R22, which are high pressures. The
oil used by the compressor is also different from the oil used by R22, when a change is
made and the machines are being removed, before removing and cutting the copper
pipes, the R22 refrigerant must be recovered; for this, we use a recovery machine.Take
into account that these considerations are valid until 2024, machines with the new R32
refrigerant are expected in 2025.
The refrigerant is stored in a special tank, avoiding the mixing of refrigerants, because
this refrigerant has to be recovered and returned for collection so that it can then be
processed, broken down and then no longer used and does not contaminate the
environment.
4. Internal cleaning of copper pipes
The pipes where the refrigerant is recirculated, we have to wash them internally.
An R11 flush is used to flush the internal pipes of the air conditioner and avoid
contamination with existing residues.
5. Installation of the inside machine and the outside machine.
It starts with the machine inside, installing and squaring the machine to be connected to
the existing ducts of the air conditioning distribution system. In the machines we always
have an output duct that we call supply and an input duct to the machine that we call
return.

The machine is installed according to the standards and codes that the air conditioner
specifies, the connections must be completely sealed with the appropriate material.

6. Make the connections
Proceed to make the gas connections, seal the threads, so that the gas line to the machine
is well connected, avoiding leaks and preventing the gas from escaping.
If the heating machine is gas-fired, ensure that the gas supply and monoxide waste
connections are properly sealed.
If the machine is electric only ensure the standards and code for a proper electrical
connection.
Secure the connection for the drainage of condensation from the system.
It is important to change the air filter every year o depending on the state of cleanliness
of the house.
7. Verification of the installation
The correct connections are verified according to the manufacturer’s standards.

8. Connection with the copper line (LINE SET)
We proceed to weld the copper pipes with the respective components of the system,
pressurizing with nitrogen at 3 PSI to avoid internal welding residues that can affect the
internal components.
Once the welding procedure is finished, it is pressurized with nitrogen at 200 PSI to
ensure that it has sealed correctly.
9. Cleaning
Cleaning is carried out with a special tool called vacuum pump, it has the purpose of
evacuating the air with the humidity that is inside the system.
10. Final Checks
Gas and electricity connections, condensation lines, access to the air filter are verified so
that it can be easily replaced.
Once the connections are complete, the HVAC machine is ready for testing and operation.
IMPORTANT: RECYCLING
Once all the heating, air conditioning, thermostat, vibrations and sounds have been
tested, we proceed to collect our tools, clean the place and work area, recycle metals,
cardboard, wood and plastics in this way Fernandez HVAC collaborates with the
environment.