My current compressor grounded common to start. and i was told the line set and heat exchanger are now fouled and need flushed.
Just because the compressor had a electrical malfunction does not mean the refigerant is bad. It sounds like either you got bad advise, or someone looking to unneeded work. If you really need your refigerant replaced you have to have a couple of things. 1) U.S. E.P.A. license and training to do it, and buy the right refigerant type. 2) A vacuum pump to pump out all the refigerant. 3) A U.S. D.O.T. certified refigerant tank to capture the old refigerant. 4) Compressed nitrogen tank to flush the system. 5) Vacuum gauges and a temperature and pressure chart to help properly fill it, or know how to measure the correct temperature difference on the hihg side and low side.
Supply houses sell a flush kit. Cost about $100. Then you need a nitrogen bottle and regulator about $400 and a set of hoses. Best left to a pro.
it might be easier and cheaper to replace the line set. not sure about flushing.
time to call a professional. They can check the refrigerant system to see if it is contaminated or not. Like stated before, just because the compressor is shorted/grounded doesn't mean the system needs flushed. Flushing is not using a hose and water. You need a professional with the resources to check it and do it.
It has most of the answers your looking for. That should give you an idea of what they are going to do. This is NOT something I would recommend the homeowner do.
