R-32 is the biggest refrigerant shift the HVAC industry has seen in decades. It’s more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and more stable than R-410A—but it also has its own rules.

2.5 Ton Up To 15 SEER2 Goodman Air Conditioner Model - GLXS3BN3010

And Jake wants homeowners and DIY installers to understand something critical:

“R-32 isn’t installed the same way as R-410A.
It’s safer, but it’s also more demanding.
You must treat the line set with precision.”

Because if you don’t?
You’ll get:

• pressure issues

• oil return problems

• failed brazes

• micro-leaks

• reduced SEER2

• shortened compressor life

This guide covers exactly how Jake routes, handles, flares, and brazes line sets safely and correctly in the R-32 refrigerant era.

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🧊 1. Why R-32 Changes the Line Set Game

Most DIYers think, “It’s just another refrigerant.”
Jake knows better.

R-32 has three key differences:

A. Higher discharge temperature

This increases stress on the compressor and line set if restriction occurs.

B. Higher operating pressure (similar to R-410A but less forgiving)

Even minor line imperfections can cause performance issues.

C. Lower flammability (A2L rating)

Yes—R-32 is mildly flammable, but extremely stable.
Still, it requires proper ventilation during installation.

Jake explains it like this:

“R-32 won’t explode. But treat it with respect.”

Daikin R-32 Refrigerant Safety Guide

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🧰 2. The Correct Line Set Type for R-32 Systems

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Not every line set rated for R-410A automatically meets R-32 requirements.

Jake always checks:

• Minimum wall thickness

• Max pressure rating

• Cleanliness standard

• Insulation UV rating

• Concentricity & roundness

Jake-approved specs:

If the line set isn’t R-32-ready, Jake does not install the system.

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➰ 3. Jake’s R-32 Bending & Routing Rules (No More “S-Shapes”)

R-32 has a stronger oil-return dependency. Improper routing causes oil trapping—leading to compressor starvation.

Jake follows 5 routing rules:

Rule 1: No bend tighter than a 5–6" radius

Avoiding:

• kinks

• micro-cracks

• oil traps

Jake says:

“If it looks like a pretzel, it’s wrong.”

Rule 2: Keep vertical risers straight (no offsets)

Oil must return cleanly to the compressor.

Rule 3: Avoid excessive horizontal dips

Every “low spot” becomes an oil pocket.

Rule 4: Limit total line set length

Goodman-approved lengths vary by model—generally:

• 25–50 ft recommended

• 100 ft maximum (with adjustments)

Rule 5: Use long-sweep elbows only if absolutely necessary

Copper Tube Handbook (ASTM B280 Requirements)
https://copper.org

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🔥 4. The Big One: Brazing R-32 Requires Nitrogen — Always

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R-32 is extremely sensitive to contamination.

Jake says:

“If you braze without nitrogen, you’re building a system with internal soot.”

Why nitrogen is mandatory:

1. Prevents oxidation

2. Eliminates black flakes

3. Protects TXVs & distributors

4. Keeps copper interior clean

5. Maintains SEER2 performance

Jake’s nitrogen sweep specs:

• Flow: 2–5 SCFH

• Pressure: 3–5 PSI

• Always flowing during brazing

• Flow meter recommended

Victor Nitrogen Regulators

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🎯 5. Brazing Temperatures & Techniques for R-32 Line Sets

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Most DIYers overheat the copper.
Jake uses tight temperature control:

Ideal Flame for R-32 Brazing:

• Soft, neutral flame

• No roaring or oxidizing tips

• Avoid direct flame on the base metal

Jake’s three-step brazing sequence:

1. Pre-Heat the joint gently

Slow heating prevents seasoning and warping.

2. Apply rod to the heat—not the flame

Let the copper pull in the alloy.

3. Cool naturally (never water or forced air)

Rapid cooling causes cracks.

Jake-approved brazing rods:

• 15% silver (most common)

• 5% silver for general use (if manufacturer-approved)

Never use solder

Solder is not pressure rated for R-32.

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🧪 6. Pressure Testing R-32 Systems (Jake’s PSI Formula)

R-32 requires a strict pressure test before vacuum.

Jake uses what he calls the 3-Stage Pressure Routine:

Stage 1 — 200 PSI

Quick check for obvious leaks.

Stage 2 — 350 PSI

Hold test for 20–30 minutes.

Stage 3 — 450 PSI (Maximum)

24–48 hour test for full line set integrity.

Jake says:

“R-32 isn’t dangerous—leaks are dangerous. Pressure testing prevents all of them.”

Verified Reference Link

Goodman Refrigerant Handling Guidelines
https://www.goodmanmfg.com/

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🧭 7. Deep Vacuum Rules for R-32 (Microns Matter More Than PSI)

R-32 systems demand perfect dryness.

Jake uses digital micron gauges, never manifold gauges.

Jake’s vacuum targets:

• Pull to 300 microns or lower

• Isolate & verify it holds under 500 microns

• No rise above 800 microns in 10 minutes

If it rises?

• Moisture

• Leak

• Contamination

• Improper brazing

• Loose flare

AccuTools BluVac Micron Gauge

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🧰 8. Jake’s R-32 Flare Rules (Yes, R-32 Can Use Flares)

While many pros still prefer brazing, properly torqued flares are 100% safe with R-32.

But only if you follow Jake’s 5-point flare checklist:

Rule 1 — Use a powered flaring tool

Hand flaring = inconsistent bevels.

Rule 2 — Shine the copper face

Polish to remove micro-burrs.

Rule 3 — Use flare nuts rated for R-32

R-410A nuts are acceptable, but check pressure ratings.

Rule 4 — Lubricate threads only (never the flare face)

Rule 5 — Torque to exact specs

Jake never tightens flares by hand.

NAVAC Power Flaring Tools

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🚧 9. Safe Routing Around Walls, Attics & Crawl Spaces

R-32 routing challenges differ from R-410A in key ways:

Avoid hot areas

Attics can reach 140°F, degrading insulation.

Avoid siding contact

Line sets rubbing against siding cause noise and punctures.

Protect UV insulation

Sunlight destroys cheap foam quickly.

Jake always uses:

• UV-rated insulation

• Protective line set covers

• Anti-vibration wall brackets

SlimDuct / RectorSeal Line Set Covers
https://rectorseal.com/

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🧱 10. Fire & Ventilation Safety with R-32

Jake teaches every DIYer the truth:

“R-32 won’t catch fire under normal install conditions—but you should still ventilate when opening the system.”

Jake’s Safety Rules

• Never braze in an enclosed space

• Never pressurize with oxygen (explosion risk)

• Ventilate during refrigerant recovery or opening

• Keep ignition sources away

Verified Reference Link

AHRI R-32 Safety Resources
https://www.ahrinet.org/

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🔚 11. Jake’s Final Word on R-32 Line Set Installation

Jake loves R-32 systems because they are:

• easier to service

• more efficient

• lighter on refrigerant charge

• future-proof for regulations

But only if you respect the details.

Jake says:

“R-410A taught you the basics. R-32 forces you to master them.”

If you follow Jake’s rules for:

• routing

• flaring

• brazing

• pressure testing

• vacuuming

• safety

…your R-32 system will run cooler, quieter, and cleaner for 15–20 years.

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In the next topic we will know more about: The Grounding Trick Jake Learned at 19: How to Stop Nuisance Trips on Modern R-32 Compressors