Aircon Piping

Actually I rather have exposed air con trunking than to re-renovate my flat if the pipes need to be changed.

Why would there be this potential need to change? Because by 2016, aircons should comply to environmental friendly regulations that ban the use of R22 as refrigerant. Thus if you look at new A/C systems like Mit Elec, they use R410. The benefits besides being environmental friendly, it also saves more energy. It can produce a higher cooling capacity at lower power consumption, thus increasing EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio).

However, this R410 operates at higher pressure than R22. Currently our gas pipes for A/C are Grade22/23. Though manufacturers did recommend using Grade 21 (thicker) copper pipes, it is has not been made compulsory by authories simply because so far no buildings using G22/23 pipes yet running on R410 has resulted in any explosion.

My concern is that if I were to use G22/23 pipes now for my R410 driven A/C, and if authorities were to impose a minimum standard in future, I would require tearing down my built-in concealment.

P.S. I'm no aircon expert in practice. The above information about R410 and G21 copper pipes was re-worded from ahnaiz, who is a very helpful aircon guru who writes a blog about aircons

Nevertheless, I've asked my aircon specialist to quote me based on G21 copper pipes.

I think it is better to leave the piping expose in case if there is leakage or condensation in the trunking due to insufficient insulation or poor workmanship. You may consider increase the insulator if you need to run the trunking behind a wardrobe.

If u want yr air-con pipe to be concealed, u can ask yr con to give some access panels to access for repair works.

In addition, the pipes cannot be squeeze too much, i.e. more space for them. Notice that some concealed piping box up are too small for the pipes and all the pipes squeeze together result in problems later.

In addition, u have to ensure u sign up a servicing contract with the authorised air-con svc dealer to pump chemicals to wash those pipes at least once a year. Most of the time if dun maintain the pipes, over time when it damage will lead to condensation and water will drip on yr floor n damage yr box up etc. So do take note.