Helppp..Heat Exchanger quagmire

**a12548** · 05-28-2010, 03:40 PM

I finally replaced my 20 yr old a/c here in Florida two yrs ago. I opted to not have a heat recovery unit on the new system. The installer, whom I cant locate or changed hands, snipped the lines dropping out of the old box. However, there are still copper lines coming out of my siding and into the defunct box. I want to take the box down and put new siding under it. I turned the valve on the box and water was dripping out very sloww from the packing nut, which i then tightened. So can it be still connected to my water heater?? Looking at my water heater I see no extra lines coming in. The other side of wall where pipes go thru siding is boxed in under new a/c so i cant see. Would an installer normally leave an active line with just the shut off outside? Anyone have any suggestions? Who would eliminate this line if it is active..a plumber or HVAC? Here is a pic...
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/v...texchanger.jpg

**johnjh2o1** · 05-28-2010, 04:47 PM

If they are still connected then you should see the other end of the lines at the water heater. My guess is there still connected to the heater. Most AC contractors would not touch a existing water heater. Post a picture of the heater.

John

**a12548** · 05-28-2010, 05:17 PM

John..heres the heater photos..
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/v...48/heater2.jpg
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/v...48/heater1.jpg

**a12548** · 05-28-2010, 06:19 PM

I should note that the copper lines coming just after shut off valves on top of heater are for a garage sink. is that line that goes to bottom of heater the heat exchange line?

**johnjh2o1** · 05-29-2010, 04:48 AM

There are TWO heat recovery lines. They are the two insulated lines. They come off the top and bottom of the heater. I also see they have valves on them. You could try just turning them off ( if they hold ) then you could then remove the lines outside. The more permanent thing to do would be to cap the lines at the heater.

John