Introduction: How to Turn an Air-conditioner Into a Heat Pump (on a 1969 Airstream Trailer)

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I have a 1969 Airstream Ambassador travel trailer with the original air-conditioner.  I like to upgrade things while keeping them as original as possible.  I decided to rebuild the air-conditioner (new compressor, new fan motor), but while I was at it, I figured I would turn it into a heat pump as well!

A heat pump is just an air-conditioner that can change the path of the refrigerant.  In cool mode, the refrigerant goes from the compressor to the heat exchanger outside the cooled space (condenser), through the capillary tube (or thermal expansion valve, TXV), into the heat exchanger inside the cooled space (evaporator), and then back to the compressor.  In heat mode it goes from the compressor to the heat exchanger inside the heated space (condenser), through the capillary tube (or TXV), into the heat exchanger outside the heated space (evaporator), and then back to the compressor.  Remember, heat flows out of the evaporators and into  condensers.

Here's a link that provides a more detailed explanation: http://www.heatpump-reviews.com/heat-pump.html

This unit uses a capillary tube to restrict refrigerant flow and generate the pressure needed to condense the refrigerant.  Modern units use TXVs to regulate the pressure of system.  While they are more efficient, they generally only work when the refrigerant flows in one direction unless they are specifically designed for heat pumps.  A capillary tube is a long, thin tube that is a specific diameter and length to generate a specific pressure.  There are no mechanical parts in a capillary tube, therefore refrigerant can flow through it in both directions.  So in order to make this A/C a heat pump, I only needed to add a reversing valve and reroute the copper tubing.

Here's what I did:
-Remove unit from roof of trailer.
-Get part numbers of compressor and fan motor to find compatible replacements, if needed.  (I did)
-Measure copper tubing diameter so you can but a compatible reversing valve.  Reversing valves come in different sizes based on how big the unit they are designed for.  Try to find a valve that has the same size fittings as the copper tubing in the A/C unit.  If not, you'll have to get adapters to step up or down sizes.  Remeber, refrigeration copper is "tubing" and is measured on the outside diameter and not "pipe" which is measured on the inside diameter.

Step 1: Install the Pieces

Once you get your reversing valve, you have to figure out where to install it.  I my case, there was plenty of room in the unit.  I put it on the base and secured it with a heavy duty zip tie.  Get some refrigeration copper tubing (whatever size(s) you may need) and come up with a layout.  The reversing valve will have labels on it letting you know what goes where.  The solenoid on reversing valves come in different voltages.  Make sure yours is the appropriate voltage (mine was 25VAC).  One thing to remember, you'll need a bi-directional filter.  Install the filter just prior to the compressor intake.

When you're ready to make the connections permanent, solder them up.  If you only have a propane torch, you'll have to use Harris Stay-Brite 8 silver solder and flux (melts at a lower temp).  If you have an acetylene or MAPP torch, you can use  Sta-Silv braving alloy.

Step 2: Evacuate, Fill, Use

Once you've got everything soldered in, it's time to get all the air out of the system.  You can get an A/C evacuation pump at AutoZone as a loner tool (that means free!).  Sometimes the counter reps don't even know they have it, but it's on the plastic mat that has all the loaner tools.  You'll also need manifold valves, which you'll probably have to buy, but that's ok because if you can do this 'ible, you'll be using them on other A/Cs and heat pumps.

Hook the pump up to one of the service ports and turn it on.  Let it run for about half an hour to get a good vacuum.  If you want, fill the copper tubes with a dry inert gas and bring it down to a vacuum again.  I just ran it down to a vacuum once.

Use your manifold to refill with refrigerant per the specs on the unit.  R-12 and R-22 are regulated and can only be purchased by technicians.  However, you'd be surprised what you can find on eBay.

You'll need a thermostat that is made for heat pumps.  You'll also have to run an extra wire from the thermostat to the heat pump, if an unused wire is not available.  The heat pump thermostat will send a signal through this wire that will activate the reversing valve solenoid.  When the reversing valve reverses, it goes from making hot, to making cold.  Everything else in the unit is doing the exact same thing.

I made this modification about 18 months ago and so far it's working great!  It has kept me cool on 110 degree days and warm on 25 degree nights! 

Good Luck!