Should We Change Our Old Aircon Trunking When Installing New Aircon?
Should We Change Our Old Aircon Trunking When Installing New Aircon? Trunking is one of the most important parts of an air conditioning system. It helps air circulate from one unit to another. This makes trunking highly vulnerable to dust and build-ups. If you wonder whether you can reuse your piping system in the new aircon, it depends.
You have to know how contaminated the pipes are and how much the wear and tear have damaged them. Read on – Should We Change Our Old Aircon Trunking When Installing New Aircon? to get a more detailed answer to your question.
Can you reuse aircon trunking?
When buying a new AC, it’s not an obligation to replace the trunking. There are some scenarios in which you can leave your old piping system in place. You have to make sure that it is in good condition and doesn’t have serious damage. Also, you have to look for pipe build-ups and assess the possibility of removing them.
The source of contamination may find itself in different areas of the trunking system. Cutting-edge cleaning technology doesn’t allow to clean long pipes along their entire length. If the build-up is in easy access, the professionals can clean your ducts and enable them for new use. Here are all factors that determine whether you can use your old trunking when installing a new aircon.
1. Damage gravity
In areas with hot and humid weather, air conditioners experience heavy use. This can cause damage to the pipe over time which can be impossible to repair. If repairing the damage is possible, but it costs a lot of money, you are better off buying new trunking. Leaks and condensation are the most common types of damage professionals find during the inspection.
You can try to check the ducts for leaks yourself, but it’s way better to call for a team of HVAC experts. They have advanced tools that allow them to inspect the pipes in close detail. Thus, they can detect even the tiniest leaks and repair aircon.
2. Aircon model
Different aircon models have a different attitude towards reusing the piping system. Some AC models are not compatible with modern pipe cleaning technologies. This way, you have to replace your old trunking when buying a new aircon.
Fortunately, some models are ok with the cleaning of pipes and ductwork.
To make sure you can keep your old trunking in place, ask an HVAC professional to identify your unit’s type. If it supports pipe cleaning, proceed with preparing your old trunking for new use.
3. Length and size of the pipe
The length and size of the old pipe can give you an idea of whether or not it is reusable. Long pipes are more difficult to clean. Professional tools are not able to clean the pipe along its entire length. If there is a clog in the middle of the duct, there will be no way the experts can remove it. Hence, you will have nothing to do but replace it. On top of that, long pipes tend to be more fragile and easier to damage than short ones. This is why in most cases lengthy pipes are unavailable for new users.
How does condensation affect the lifespan of your trunking?
Trunking condensation is a major source of damage for your home and AC unit. If the experts find a lot of condensation in the aircon trunking, you will have to replace it. This phenomenon suggests that something goes wrong with your piping system. There are some causes of water dripping from your trunking.
First of all, it may have to do with poor insulation. If the insulation is not thick enough, the water from the air conditioner can make its way outside. Please note that water dripping is not always a sign of a malfunctioning aircon.
Condensation is a natural process happening inside the aircon system, but it shouldn’t get outside. If moisture gets outside and you don’t notice it, it can cause mold growth. That’s why make sure you replace your piping system with a properly insulated one. Do not keep the old aircon trunking with the new AC, as it can cause premature damage.
Poorly installed trunking joints are sometimes to blame for the abundant condensation. If the joints don’t fit seamlessly, it causes tiny leaks that allow water from the unit to drip.
Here, it’s not necessary to replace the whole trunking system. If it is not worn out and is free of build-ups, you can give it a second chance. Call for a professional team of installers to connect the pipe joints properly. You are good to do it before condensation causes moisture damage and mold to your walls and floor.
How to prevent trunking condensation?
1. Don’t buy a cheap aircon
Most of the time cheap aircon come with thin insulation. This increases the risk of condensation. To make sure your insulation is high-quality, invest in a more expensive air conditioning system. This will save you time and money on regular inspections, repairs, and trunking replacement afterward.
2. Hire highly qualified installers
Even if you buy a high-end aircon, you may still struggle with condensation if they install it improperly. You want to avoid cheap installers that do everything in a rush and aren’t skilled enough. They may fail to make joints fit each other, which inevitably brings water droplets dripping through the leaks. Instead of saving money on installation, you are better off paying a highly qualified team to do the job properly.
Should We Change Our Old Aircon Trunking When Installing New Aircon? –
Final thoughts
When installing a new aircon it’s not necessary to replace the old trunking. You must do it only when the pipe is damaged or doesn’t suit modern cleaning technologies. Also, if the pipe is long, you can’t clean it entirely.
So, you will have to replace the trunking. When it comes to damage, it can be wear and tear-related and condensation-related. If you address condensation fast, it will cause no damage to your home and AC. If you are late and damage has occurred, you will have to think of replacing both the aircon and piping.
