When we bought our home, I thought I was being smart about upgrades. I budgeted for a new mini split system, but when the installer asked if I wanted to reuse the existing AC line set, I figured, “Why spend extra if the old one still works?”
That single decision became one of the costliest mistakes I’ve ever made as a homeowner. For More Knowledge:
HVAC copper tubing size options
When the Summer Heat Hit Hard
At first, the system ran fine. The cool air flowed, the house was comfortable, and I felt good about saving a couple hundred bucks by not replacing the copper line set. But as soon as summer rolled in, the cracks started to show—literally.
The unit began straining to keep up, electricity bills climbed, and the bedrooms felt muggy no matter how low we set the thermostat.
Then, one afternoon, the entire system quit. The technician’s verdict? The reused HVAC line set had tiny leaks and sludge inside, choking the system until the compressor burned out.
That “shortcut” ended up costing me a brand-new compressor and a lot more than I had ever planned for.
What No One Told Me About Line Sets
Like most homeowners, I didn’t think much about the line set. It’s just the copper tubing that connects the outdoor unit to the indoor one, right? How important could it be? line set
Turns out, it’s everything. The line set is the lifeline of the system. When it’s old, contaminated, or poorly insulated, it drags down even the most efficient AC. You don’t see it, so you don’t think about it—until it fails and takes your whole system with it.
The Turning Point
After my wallet took that hit, I swore I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. The next time around, I did my homework. That’s when I found Plumbing Supply and More.
Instead of leaving it to chance, I ordered a brand-new mini split line set—high-quality copper with the proper insulation and sizing. The difference was immediate. My system ran smoother, cooled faster, and—most importantly—stayed reliable through the hottest weeks of the year.
Why I Recommend It to Anyone Installing AC
If you’re reading this and considering an AC upgrade, learn from my mistake. Don’t let an old AC line set sabotage your investment.
Here’s why I now tell every friend and neighbor about Plumbing Supply and More:
Peace of mind – I know the refrigerant lines aren’t contaminated or corroded.
Lower bills – My system doesn’t overwork, which saves me money every month.
Longer system life – No more stressing the compressor with dirty, undersized, or leaking tubing.
And here’s the kicker—the line set itself didn’t cost much compared to the thousands I lost the first time. It’s one of those upgrades you never regret.
The Lesson That Stuck With Me
We homeowners like to think we’re saving money by cutting small corners. But when it comes to AC systems, the hidden parts matter just as much as the visible ones. To learn more:
The compressor may look like the star of the show, but the copper line set is the unsung hero. And after my experience, I’ll never let anyone install a system in my home without a new one.
So if you’re on the fence, take it from someone who learned the hard way: get your line set new, and get it from a place that knows quality. For me, that’s Plumbing Supply and More—the only place I trust for the piece of the system that no one talks about, but everyone depends on.