Question about A/C lines

[BuffettFan]

I had a new HVAC system installed last fall. Heat pump and air handler, installed by a well known, long time local contractor, who had installed the original system in the house in 1977.
There has been a buzzing sound, kind of like a transformer, every time the system kicks on, but doesn't typically last for more than a few seconds.
Last night, I happened to be in the basement, standing between the air handler and the location of the heat pump just as it cycled on. I pulled down a ceiling tile and this is what I saw.

View media item 84749
The soft copper tubing was resting on a sharp steel edge of the joist bracing.
Needless to say, I did not like this at all. I took some pipe insulation and covered both the copper and the brace to prevent the two from rubbing together.
I didn't take down any more of the panels, as it was getting late but didn't see any other places where the lines were resting on the braces.
My question is, Should the lines be secured to the floor joists? I didn't see anyplace where they had been clamped or secured, just fished through the cavity above the suspended ceiling. The distance from the air handler to the outside wall is about 20'.
Thanks!

 

[mbrede]

I'd secure em, otherwise you'll be dealing with a leak shortly

 

[justinjoyal]

Yes the lines should be secured. Do it yourself or call ´em back!

 

[rburke65]

Call them back and show them.....then ask if they think that this installation was done in a workmanship like manner.

 

[bonneyman]

I'd be looking over the whole install just to confirm that spot ain't the only problem. And I'd be giving the company a call. For all the money you paid they can get someone out there and do a PR inspection and discussion with you.

Refrigerant lines should be as short as possible and insulated well. Liquid lines (the smaller one) don't necessarily have to be insulated (as you want them to lose heat to the surrounding air) unless of course it's running thru a hot attic. Both lines should be separated so as to eliminate rubbing against each other and secured every 5 feet or so with what I can guarded hangers. This spreads the weight of the filled lines over a larger area and not concentrated in any one spot that might cause a leak.

Also, most units design have max length and rise distances as well. Typically no more than a total of 60 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically. (See the installation guide for your particular system). Any elbows used to fit the lines have to be counted up and subtracted from those totals - a typically 90 deg elbow adds the equivalent of 3 feet worth of friction. (Many company's installers don't do this). Most installs are plenty short enough where this doesn't come into play but if you're getting close to the max a couple of elbows will push you over and cause problems.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Call them back and show them.....then ask if they think that this installation was done in a workmanship like manner.

This. The lineset has to be isolated from dissimilar metals and secured anywhere it contacts anything to eliminate vibration wear. What you have now will be a leak in a year or two.

Tommy