Would you insist on replacing a 20-year-old line set on a new high-efficiency Rheem system?
Looking for technical advice, not legal/contract advice.
We replaced our 20-year-old R22 system with a high-efficiency Rheem setup (RD18AY36AJVC heat pump, RH2VY3617STACNJ air handler, EcoNet thermostat). One of our priorities was maximizing reliability and longevity.
Because the old system had leaked a significant amount of R22 over the years, we specifically requested—and paid extra for—a new line set. It was written into the contract.
On installation day, the installers decided to flush and reuse the existing line set instead. They didn't tell us until they were leaving. The company now says replacing it would have required opening a wall or running a new line set on the outside of the house.
They're coming back tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide whether to insist they replace it as contracted.
From a technical standpoint:
- Is a properly flushed 20-year-old line set just as good?
- Does reusing it increase the long-term risk of leaks or shorten the life of the new system?
- If this were your house, would you insist on replacement, or let it go?
I'm just trying to understand whether replacing the line set provides meaningful long-term value for a premium installation like this.