Even many of the hvac guys are taking too many shortcuts. In a way it is cheating the customers. Even when they know better.

I skipped it.

Years later it still works great knock on wood. But I did buy quality tools and was careful with my work.

If I had to evacuate the system in the future it could be an issue but otherwise hoping for the best. The savings I had for a pretty simple instal would pay for two more new complete units.

I can see the logic to brazing, as dependig upon what direction you want the line set I think it may be easier to cut off the connection on the evaporator, have a much shorter lever arm there to stress it, then just pull and secure the line set where it needs to be.

Don’t know enough about precautions on brazing and gas use, but if the systems are line mine, the line set is not lrechsrged, the condenser is. So one could pull hard vacuum on the evaporator afterwards fwiw.

What tools did you buy? Still have them? If I decide to DIY, do you want to sell them?

Purging with Nitrogen when brazing is to prevent formation of carbon bits inside the copper line that could flake off and clog small passages.

I think most line sets are not pre-charged except MrCool DIY kits that Vstech mentioned earlier.

All yellow jacket made in USA tools. Flaring tool with brake, reamer, good gauges, US made vac pump. SK crows foot to torque properly. Plus nylog.

I still saved so much compared to the HVAC scam artists that way overcharge on these things around here.

The pump is great for auto work, gauges may need some day, ditto for flaring tool. Probably wouldn’t sell but I’d consider a loan if terms were favorable.

I think most systems that have brazed connections have an inline filter/dryer.

Never looked into precharged, I used standard line sets on both of mine. Only difference being the type of insulation on them.