Builder says “no HVAC contractor would recommend” a 50–60 ft line set — true?
HVAC pros: is my builder overstating how bad a 50–60 ft line set is?
New build. Builder installed a Champion XC36E2S11A condenser beside the patio and I wanted it moved to the side of the house, which is about 50 ft from the interior unit.
Builder’s position is basically:
- “No HVAC contractor would recommend that”
- Once you factor in bends/turns/rises you’re pushing the limits of the system
- Longer run = worse performance/reliability
- He refused to move it
But the manufacturer specs appear to allow runs up to around 60 ft.
So what’s the real answer here from people who actually install these systems?
- Is a ~50–60 ft run actually a bad idea?
- Or is this more “not ideal but routinely done”?
- At what point do line length and bends become a legitimate concern vs installer preference?
- Would YOU refuse to install a system like this if within manufacturer specs?
Trying to understand whether this is a real HVAC limitation or just a builder wanting the easiest/standard install.