Refrigerant lines typically last 20-25 years. Any damage or contamination can shorten the lifespan of your lines, but typically that's how long they should last. To ensure that you get the full life expectancy out of your lines, make sure you get a high-quality install from a trusted technician.
Copper pipes generally last 40-60 years.
While some people argue these pipes should last 50 years, in practice, it may not last more than 20. Copper pipe will corrode if exposed to water with high acid levels and the thin walls of M-type pipe don't offer much protection against this wear-and-tear.
With the absence of contamination concerns, the general accepted life expectancy of line sets is 25 Yrs., outside of that number, you're on borrowed time.
Copper piping systems are a great selling point for homes due to their longevity and reliability. The life span of copper plumbing pipes can vary significantly based on several factors, but on average, they can last between 50 to 70 years when installed correctly and maintained well.
The copper wire used for electrical wiring today can last 100 years. The problem is with the protective sheathing or insulation, which can wear down a lot sooner. It's the type of sheathing that determines how long the wiring lasts, which is usually 50 to 70 years.
Line set replacements: $800 to $2,000.
Copper pipes generally last between 50-70 years
The expected life span of copper pipes depends on several factors, but in general they can be expected to last at least 50 years. Copper piping is fairly reliable and resistant to most forms of corrosion, but it doesn't last forever.
Deciding whether to install a new refrigerant line set during an HVAC installation is kind of like getting a new range. If your existing line set meets manufacturer specifications for the new HVAC system, you can usually reuse it. But if it doesn't meet those specifications, you'll probably need a new one.
Vulnerable to Damage
Plumbing failures can be caused by defective copper pipes several years after installation. Acidic water can be very bad for copper systems. Scale builds up inside the lines and blocks the flow of water through the plumbing system.
Australia began using AC pipes in 1926, with the practice peaking between 1957 and 1966, and finally ending in the 1980s. With an estimated lifespan of 60 to 75 years, most AC pipes that remain in use in Australia are now coming to the end of their product lifecycle.
By taking a few minutes every couple of months to clean the drain line, you'll be able to minimize future issues. First, turn off your AC's power and locate the drain line.
Refrigerant lines typically last 20-25 years. Any damage or contamination can shorten the lifespan of your lines, but typically that's how long they should last.
Refrigerant lines and pipes should have insulation around them to protect them from damage and inefficiency. Winter erosion, UV damage and condensation may require insulation replacement to avoid temperature fluctuations or malfunctioning.
The Cons of Using Copper Pipes
Installation costs: Copper is more expensive than other piping materials. Since they're also rigid, you must incur the cost of elbow fittings. The rigidity makes them more challenging to cut and fix during installation. The longer it takes to handle the materials, the more cost you incur.
Pipe Material
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
Signs Of Copper Piping Problems
If you suddenly have low water pressure, you may have a leak caused by copper piping corrosion. Soggy carpets or ceiling stains. These issues are another sign of a leak likely due to a corroded copper pipe. Turn off the water if possible and contact a plumber to check the situation.
AC is Producing Warm Air
One of the surefire signs of a clogged refrigerant line is if you notice the AC producing warm air when you expect cold air. The warm air is caused by a problem with the proper circulation of the refrigerant fluid, which is instrumental in cooling the air.
HVAC Pro Cost
Most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement.
A clogged AC drain line is a fairly common cause of system malfunction, and unclogging an AC drain line is often an easy issue to fix for a qualified HVAC contractor.
Your copper pipes will need to be replaced at some point.
Although copper piping is usually reliable and resistant to most forms of corrosion, it doesn't last forever. The expected life span of copper piping depends on several variables but is generally between 50-70 years.
If your home is more than 40 years old, the wiring will likely need to be updated.
Known data has the life expectancy of American electricians at 82.3 years. The average American male lives to 78.69 years. There is a myth out there that electricians die young by it is not true.