Why Coiled Line Sets Hurt Your HVAC System
Last week, our team was on top of a four-story building where all the condenser units were installed. Every single one had the same issue — a big coil of line set looped up before entering the chase.
Not only did it look sloppy, but it’s also a potential performance problem waiting to happen.
The Problem with Looped Line Sets
Those loops might seem harmless or even look like a “clean way” to handle extra tubing, but in reality, they can cause serious issues for your HVAC system.
When refrigerant lines are coiled or looped, they create low points where refrigerant and compressor oil can pool. That might not sound like a big deal, but it can lead to:
Oil traps – The compressor oil collects in those loops instead of circulating back to lubricate the system. Over time, that can starve the compressor and cause premature failure.
Refrigerant flow issues – When refrigerant velocity drops inside those coils, it reduces system efficiency and cooling capacity.
Higher energy costs – Poor refrigerant flow forces your system to work harder to achieve the same comfort levels.
An eyesore – Beyond the technical side, coiled lines look unprofessional — especially on high-visibility commercial rooftops.
At Keystone HVAC, we take pride in the details that others overlook. Our installations are designed not just to meet code — but to perform flawlessly and look clean.
Here’s how our installs stand out:
Straight, properly pulled line sets — no excess loops, no shortcuts. Every run is measured, aligned, and secured for optimal refrigerant flow.
Correct slope and elevation — to ensure oil returns properly to the compressor and doesn’t get trapped.
Manufacturer-approved practices — we follow strict specs for line sizing, rise limits, and support spacing.
Clean aesthetics — our line sets are tight, straight, and professional — because quality should look good, too.
When you see a Keystone install, you’ll notice the difference immediately. It’s organized, intentional, and built to last.
A looped or coiled line set might seem like a small thing, but it can shorten the life of your HVAC system, raise your power bills, and lead to more maintenance headaches down the road.
That’s why we’re obsessive about doing it right the first time. Straight lines, proper pitch, no shortcuts — it’s not just pride in our work, it’s protection for your investment.
Whether you’re upgrading a residential system or managing a large commercial property, our approach is the same — precision, performance, and professionalism.
We don’t just install HVAC systems. We build them to last.
👉 Contact Keystone HVAC at 757-344-4010 today to schedule your estimate and see the difference proper installation makes.
