How To Add Refrigerant / Freon To Your Window Air Conditioner R22 & 410a

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This video is for educational purposes. Any and all HVAC repair work is done at your own risk. Any person attempting to deal with any type of refrigerant MUST have their EPA 608 certificate. The DIY HVAC Guy channel is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information.
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[@7x779]

I have used those A1 and A2 to screw saddle valves for decades, and occasionally gone back even years later to follow up on them and I don't recall one of them ever leaking. However, local suppliers here shifted to another brand with three screws and defeating coming off at it add an angle, the name is called bullet in an orange box I forgot the brand but I have had those leaked and in some installations they won't fit well. The one shown in this video are the best ones to get I would avoid others

[@billiamc1969]

This is the BEST ac channel on KZbin...I have learned how to service all my units at home saving 1000s

[@lindabullard1596]

Yes, I have had such bad experiences from the AC company I bought my complete system from. Now I check with your videos and take care of my system myself. Thank you!!

[@Harry1s]

I've been an AC tech for 35 years - I've never seen a bullet valve that did not leak. I highly recommend to never leave them installed. If you think the circuit is low I recommend: 1) remove the remaining freon. 2) find and repair the leak. 3) leak test. 4) add factory recommended charge. 5) test operations. One other thing I've found a lot of people that work on window units don't know is that a lot of them have condenser water slingers = a plastic scoop on the cond fan that slings the water from the evaporator on to the cond coil. This helps keep the cond/high pressure down. If this is not operating properly the unit will not cool properly.

[@synowiecj]

You are completely correct. Bullet valves are temporary. And refrigerant in these units is measured in ounces, over charged is good either way

[@BradBennet-md4tv]

Your right. But all that your saying is not worth doing on a window unit. A cheap charge is a good go to before tossing it

[@Red-Raider]

First off a new a/c unit is $200-$300. For a homeowner to do this will cost the charging adapter, the freon and the valve. Your close to $200 right there. What have you saved? You still need to uninstall, and reinstall. You could save time, effort and headache (if the valve fails over time) by just replacing it! If you already have all the equipment, then try it, otherwise not worth it imho

[@JetSettingBotanist]

So I got a fairly new (2019) GE window unit for free on the curb. I don’t have brazing skills, so I was thinking about adding a bullet valve to add refrigerant, and UV dye so I can find a leak. What are your thoughts on repairing a leak with something like JB Weld? I wouldn’t be selling the AC so I’m ok with a little bit of risk, remember, the unit was free

[@jalixvarietytv7849]

I agree with you. I also do the same as a technician.

[@illiniwood]

I think I'm going to learn to braze. I'm starting to believe it's a skill that's worth its weight in gold.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Silver, actually.

[@grundyb]

Neat! I have the exact same gauge set as you. I don’t do HVAC work every day so this year I needed a little Freon and it worked perfectly. My condenser coil was so dirty that maybe 1/3 of the air could pass over the coils. I added Freon until I was about 38 degrees F. I added a tap years ago and added Freon to my mother in law’s refrigerator but the compressor was just not able to keep up and we needed to replace it. Refrigerators are easy to know when they aren’t working properly when the ice cubes can’t be made.

[@TheRealRenn]

You find the coolest products. Thank you for sharing.

[@jameswest3890]

Always great information Thank you. So many HVAC guys think there brain surgeons. I got a 608 just to work on my own equipment. Any half wit can pass the 608 test.

[@Notdave29]

lol just don’t forget that the 608 test has nothing to do with being an HVAC tech.

[@stevendevilliers471]

Thank you. All your explanations are brilliant

[@AverageJoesracingteam]

I have learned so much from this channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@jamesszalla4274]

I’m a retired HVAC technician. You don’t change to above 32 on the temperature scale. You use superheat or subcool to change. The way you’re doing it, you can end up being overcharged or undercharged.

[@7x779]

Have you ever checked your infrared thermometer against a real physical thermometer? I have three different ones and I pretty much gave up on using them professionally because they're so inaccurate and inconsistent. And when you're on a job with multiple people waiting, some of them in emergency situations, you don't have time for screw-ups and errors and confusion when you point the thing at something and it reads one thing and then you point it again and it reads differently. You need accurate readings. I get it though, all of us are lazy and would much rather point something in a register then get up and sometimes need a ladder to stick an actual thermometer in there but at least you know you're getting accurate reading Also a lot of people don't even understand that the infrared does not read the pinpoint that the laser is pointing to, but rather it's an ever-expanding funnel shape that measures a bigger and bigger Circle the farther the object is a way that you're measuring That should be taught to your viewers as well

[@7x779]

Also, a very important piece of information missing, was that the temperature of the intake air to the evaporator coil was not measured in either before or after. I get it, it did get colder after adding freon of course But for the sake of accuracy, the most important thing is how much the temperature drop or split changed, since we don't know if the intake air temperature changed during this comparison. I just charged very expensive portable Runway air conditioner that keeps an emergency helicopter cool when sitting outside in 118° and blazing sun I had to charge it in actual operating conditions, so I brought it outside the hanger hooked everything up put my thermometers everywhere and started charging, and one of the staff members just opened a regular door several feet away from where I was working and I noticed it through all the readings off. I wondered why my ambient dropped 10°, if I went by my emotions and subjective feeling, it still felt hot outside and I could have ignored it which would have made me ignorant of the facts and what was happening. Just buy the guy opening the door it let enough cool air out of the hanger into the outdoors where I was working, that some of it was getting sucked into the condenser, so I would not have been charging it in actual conditions. Then I could have left and they bring it out to the helicopter and it goes off on high head. I understand this is not a concern when you're making casual videos for KZbin, but when you're actually out there on the line in the most extreme conditions and circumstances were people absolutely depend on you, you can't afford to be as casual and lackadaisical with your instruments and measuring methods

[@frankdeleon9293]

Pretty good and informative. Most techs I have asked about it say to replace the unit.

[@thatguy3468]

Can use some help advice. My house has 3 4 ton central systems. All except one put out about 54 degree air, the one I’ve been concerned about only puts out at best 68 degree air. The condenser is clean, the refrigerant pressure is where it needs to be. The refrigerant I believe is 410a. The system in question cannot keep up when outside temperatures go above 95. Needless to say it’s been costing a fortune to keep the rooms on that system cool.

[@qinlingzhou8815]

R410A is very expensive. This method can be used to fix dehumidifier too if using R130A. :)

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Awesome video for servicing window AC units, you could see the frost was gone from the tubing after you got done. Also its a good idea to wear safety glasses when doing this or any work around freon, I know a guy that is blinded in one eye today as he serviced his own AC many years ago and some freon under pressure sprayed into his face and hit him in one eye.

[@katisugarbaker7349]

To figure out the size of the line tap valve, you could also use that math you said you never needed in adulthood and just measure the line circumference. Then divide by pi. Some calcs have a pi button, so you can get a more accurate number or you can just use 3:141592. I’m not a handyman, though, so I’d consider the thickness of the pipe itself, too. Hopefully the AC unit specs would tell you. But do they differ that much from unit to unit?

[@RobtTa]

By far one of the best videos I have seen in a long time, Thanks!!

[@cesarvazquez4658]

Excellent video. Thank you 👍🏻

[@jazzfreek54]

Perfect timing! Same operation with a dehumidifier I assume. Your info is amazing! Thank you... again!

[@superspeeder]

Could you do a deep dive video on how to read gauges? I’m sure many would appreciate it!!!

[@TechnoAlliance1]

Curved brim finally 👍 Just playing. Love the channel man.

[@brandog1734]

I prefer to braze them on.

[@scoobtoober2975]

We'd love your thoughts on the newer heatpump window units. Midea who makes the aciq stuff. $400 for heating and cooling. heat that is way more efficient than electric space heater. tech ingredients here on youtube did a demo. but that was with an old unit. He said he's going to provide some improvements too, soon. Love you both. my aciq 2 ton inverter is sweet, even with colorado 100 deg day right now

[@MrAcacio]

This is a great video. Thank you so much for teaching. I would like to suggest making a video on how to soldering Cooper ac pipes. May God bless you. 1000 Thanks

[@MrHVACguy71]

Did the wall a/c come from the factory low on refrigerant or is there a leak somewhere? I know once a piercing valve is installed they can seep at that location over time

[@izb1678]

This guy doesn’t seem to totally understand the consequences of some of the things he does

[@jkmarshall3553]

Then just add a bit more in two years...otherwise you need to trash that unit and buy another.

[@borshardsd]

Oh yeah lol piercing valves are for temporary use. Hilarious. I remember one of our guys videos [mostly this guy is 100%] where he had the general public vacuum out there condensate lines but never told them to prime the trap after, negating the point of the trap. But what do I know =D

[@D2O2]

Yes, everytime I have used a piercing valve it because the definite leak point, if not immediately, it did begin to leak shortly. I belive the vibration of the lines causes them to loosen and leak.

[@skasev]

Stop asking questions and top her up dude

[@23x31]

These piercing valves do work although are hit and miss with leaking. They're used quite often on refrigerators that are low on gas.

[@ChavezDIY]

That was awesome. I didn't know this was possible. Would adding some nylog to the saddle valve help it seal better?

[@terrillfloyd]

Very good video I have about 8 window units that aren't cooling.I just took them out and buy another one now i'm not confix them

[@1951Roy]

Can you make a video on what an A/C company does when they come out to the house for yearly maintenance check. Thanks for sharing.

[@kylelaw7210]

What gauges are vacuum pump would you recommend for a DIY person that wants to be able to install car (134a) and home AC (410A)? I don’t want the cheapest junk possible but also wouldn’t need top of the line equipment.

[@9to5techs]

I am in a mobile home and was wondering if you could help. Backstory: The unit started to freeze up at 64F inside house, thermostat set for 60F, 85 outside (i like it 🥶 ❄️ at night). I was using standard 3m merv 5 pleated filters on the A-coil( but tech said the evaporator coil was getting the cardboard/filter pleats that the filters are made of wet makeing more restrictoed air and to use those metal mesh A-coil filters 16 x 25) And merv 1 on return door(20in x 30in)= merv 6 Total. Those metal mesh A-coil filters are not that good at catching dust is their any other filters I could use on the A-coil evaporator without getting the paper pleated filters wet. The company that installed the unit put a R-410A 5 ton A-coil evaporator with a 3.5 piston in A-coil then put a 3.5 ton condenser outside. The air intake is a 20 in x 30 in with blower (4 speed up to 4 ton HP/AC, 2.9 FLA, 1/3 horse power@ high speed 1460

[@denniszhaunerchyk6191]

Nice video. Thank you for the review!

[@s2sailingfree]

Love your content, thank you for sharing. Could you please make a video performing the same service on an RV roof top AC unit. These units are notoriously expensive and it’s almost impossible to find anyone to service or recharge them. Additionally is there a sealant that can be safely added to repair small leaks? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@user-rk1bf4eh2p]

Arizona used swamp coolers they work great if it didn't rain, we used to get the afternoon thunderstorms in monsoon season and then the sun would come out and they're worthless than

[@user-rk1bf4eh2p]

That's really cool no soldering, cuz I suck

[@tyronehowell3909]

can you add a small can 134a from auto zone

[@jscott5042]

Great video. Thanks!

[@rollandjoeseph]

Great tip if you have an EPA certificate i guess?

[@natersalad889]

Quick online test and you can have one too....

[@boblevey]

Nice video! Thanks !!!

[@albundy3696]

piercing valve may install to check out if there any Gas Left in the Unit , if some you can use that valve to remove how much then when gas out you can install permanent valve , unit what I seen in video already have valve on same pipe , why install second One ?

[@jkmarshall3553]

Great stuff! Thanks!

[@lunacyworks]

can you post the actual link to valve you used in the video, the listed valves on amazon listed are not the same.

[@salvadorcastillo1539]

Thank a lot of for the video very good and helpful information......

[@MrInkotime]

To install the saddle valve, don't you lose the refrigerant inside. How will you recover the refrigerant before?

[@GhostReaper2043]

you wont loose the refrigerant until you screw in the cap all the way in then it will pierce the line.

[@MrInkotime]

@@GhostReaper2043 I meant the other valve that was brazed.

[@illiniwood]

I'm no HVAC guy, but I'd first install the piercing valve, recover the refrigerant, Remove the piercing valve, then braze on the other saddle valve in its place. Like I said, I'm no HVAC guy, but that's what I'd do. Please correct me if I'm wrong. We're all here to learn.

[@ChavezDIY]

Yes, if you want to braze on the saddle valve you will need to remove the refrigerant. HVAC techs have the equipment to recover the refrigerant so it doesn't get released into the atmosphere.

[@rdlockrey]

awesome video, thank you so much!...

[@fishlanding2]

what do you think about the aluminum framed reusable electrostatic filters ?

[@Dicofol1]

What is your opinion of the PRO-FIT Quick Connect Fittings from Rectorseal? Looks like a Sharkbite version for HVAC, looks safer to use with R290.

[@jdthewelder8308]

Great vid but what normal person has all that gear. Is there a diy kit like there is for auto ac jobs?

[@northernliving2387]

How much freon dose a window A/C unit hold

[@jimhoward1655]

Did i miss the ambient air temperature??

[@american_patriot6218]

I have a 4-year-old system, and the service tech said there is a leak in the coil. He said I will have to replace the coil, and the R410A would be $700, and the labor would be almost $3000. Is this normal? Can R410A with stop leak be used instead?

[@erikyoung5139]

Is it possible to use staybright with these brazed ports?

[@donc461]

Not sure why you installed your own saddle valve . The one below yours looks usable .What am I missing.?

[@skyscraper37]

I suppose this would work for a refrigerator too

[@GhostReaper2043]

yep

[@johnverdin6600]

How to fix the heater on a two year old GE window unit

[@TSGEnt]

Great tips! Great information! Thank you! Ok, the elephant in the room is; How does one get an EPA certificate?

[@colinnwn]

You can study and take the course online. He's got other videos about how to do it.

[@bluejay713]

Hi i used skillcat to get mine he has a video on that.

[@TSGEnt]

@@bluejay713 Thank you.

[@TSGEnt]

@@colinnwn Great. Thank you.

[@user-rk1bf4eh2p]

What happens when you don't have the ports to add the stuff

[@blackout7615]

If im getting 35 to 40 degree air exiting my mini split and air entering is 70-75. Is that cold enough?

[@christhinksit]

First Channel I have ever wanted to join and even after watching a video on it still cant find the join button.

[@phoneblaster]

...if I can ask a question please. You turned the freon cylinder upside down. If you can explain why it will be helpful. I am new to all this. Thanks

[@diyhvacguy]

So that you get liquid refrigerant

[@phoneblaster]

@@diyhvacguy ...then you would only fill the side that is 'liquid' ? Is this correct. Thanks

[@donc461]

410 is a mixture of two gases, if your only take the vapor off the top of the liquid you will not get the proper ratio of the two gases.So you invert the tank to get liquid and then add it slowly to avoid slugging the compresor with liquid.

[@Time-Trvlr]

Would you benefit cleaning the line before installing the saddle unit?

[@GhostReaper2043]

to get a good seal I'd would think so but I dont think it would matter though

[@TheDopalgangr]

Yes you would and he fails to mention that although if you watch the video closely the line magically goes from dirty to clean when he’s installing it so I guess he forgot that step then went back and did it during an edit.

[@davidyummus6259]

I have an old Chrysler Wall A/C unit, probably early 90's,... Hosed the rear coil out at the end of last summer, ran fine now will turn on but won't make cool air. What did I do wrong ? lol.

[@annettesurfer]

Reminds me of the time I hosed out a couple A/C window units and it wasn’t long before I had to replace the fan bearings. Easy and cheap but I learned not to do that again.

[@googacct]

A few years ago I was given a window AC unit that had lost its charge. I tried using one of those piercing valves and instead of piercing the copper line, it crushed it. I am not sure why that happened. I did not have any time to mess with it beyond that, so the AC unit eventually ended on the curb for big trash pickup day.

[@MrNorthstar50]

I have never used a piercing valve on AC, but I have have replaced many of the piercing valves that are leaking when they were used on plumbing. The rubber seals deteriorate in time or they have crushed the copper like your has. I would never use one on an AC .

[@borshardsd]

​@@MrNorthstar50if we use them in the field it's temporary. I agree with you fam

[@MrNorthstar50]

@@borshardsd I knew you were just doing it for a demonstration, you always try to do things the right way. I just thought some would think could be a permanent fix, I always like watching your videos.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

You are awesome.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

Surprisingly most of what he said was correct. The problem is finding and repairing the leak which most probably is in the condenser or evaporator coil. The unit was fixed once already as can be seen by the brazed in Schrader valve (brass cap). Those saddle valves are known to leak over time also. For a DIY with no experience in HVAC, by the time you get R410a, manifold gauge, valves etc, just to have it leak again, you are way better off just buying a new window unit then constantly charging at $100.00 or more a pop each time it leaks out.

[@BillyBobDingledorf]

A two year old AC unit is already low on coolant? That's the real issue.

[@joeearley3351]

Why does it leak? If it was made right it shouldn't leak for 40 years.

[@skasev]

I added 6 pounds to mine and still don’t work

[@Igotstaknowit]

Amazing it is legal to buy r-22 online for about $30/lb if you are unlicensed and state you will not use it yourself and only plan on selling it to someone who is licensed. Like who is going to send the r-22 police to your house? What should be illegal is the thousands of dollars companies charge for a refill.

[@bluejay713]

Hi only if your Epa 608 certified its not cheap 30 pound jug cost $845 from ability refrigerants they sale a recharge kit that has 2 pounds for $153 you can use skillcat to take the epa 608 test thats it thats how i got mine.

[@tellittotheworld857]

Or just throw it out and get a new one.😮

[@brucey5585]

It's pretty useless for non certified technician. Also, if you need to add refrigerant, then it must be leaking somewhere. I have a 20 year old window a/c and never needed refrigerant. It is cheaper to just buy a new window a/c.

[@seangriffon6502]

Yep, and all ac units today use a midly flamable R 32 A refrigerant. They have been using this refrigerant since 2016 so this unit this guy is servicing has to be way older thsn 2 yrs old.

[@xSuperManW3x]

This is all completely pointless LOL.... These units are DESIGNED TO FAIL after the 1st season/year When you buy a new a/c if it does not have a drain, drill a couple drain holes........ These aircons are made to pool water and then spray that on the coil, well it certainly increases the efficiency rating so they can sell them for a higher $$$.... but in reality this increased efficiently is almost meaningless in reality........ All this does is spray outside air and gunk and clog up the outside coil to the point that the ac fails because the outside coil is so clogged that air can no longer pass through it .......... well saving 25$ in a year sounds good..... until you realize that after a year you have to pay 500$ to replace you broken A/C......... BUT IN REALITY this a/c design builds up pools of stagnant water and gunk which it then sprays on the coil which then clogs up the outside coil and essentially makes the aircon blow up after a single years use... certainly having a few drains slightly decrease efficiently, but the gains outweigh the detriments...... With a few drains the water never builds up and becomes gunky, and this dirty sticky water is not sprayed onto the outside coil just to clog it up and make the a/c fail after a single season........................ I am honestly surprised soo many ppl defend the anti hole drillers here... LOL

[@nonyaanon6801]

Know it all video, damaging trade value type.

[@kitchenenterprise3787]

👏👏👏👏🇺🇸😎

[@Notdave29]

We just throw them away and buy a new one. If I have to work on it for an hour and buy a part then it’s cheaper to just replace it. Same for refrigerators. I only work on laboratory/medical or large commercial refrigerators. Anything smaller is almost never worth the time and money.

[@worlddemize]

what a dork .

[@GeorgeWashingtonLaserMusket]

Uh I'm deeply concerned about this video. You're seriously advising people to use a tap that isn't soldered on there? That's going to cause more leaks... HVAC isn't something where pressure fit is viable, every connection should be soldered/welded. This is disappointing, that tap would be legitimate for once time use to extract gas if you then seal/cut and replace the damaged pipe that'd be fine. Is that even rated for use in the free world? It looks like something that wouldn't even be legal in China or India, remember just because you can buy it doesn't make it legal. Also in the USA you have to be licensed to do this. I didn't hear you say that as a legal disclaimer/warning.

[@GhostReaper2043]

Anyone could do this as long as you know what your doing and are using proper equipment. Plus if you read the video description notes you would find his disclaimer/warning next time read the video notes not that hard to find. Yes, he is a licened HVAC Contractor in the state of Utah. Copied from the video notes he stated.... "⚠ Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes. Any and all HVAC repair work is done at your own risk. Any person attempting to deal with any type of refrigerant MUST have their EPA 608 certificate. The DIY HVAC Guy channel is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information."

[@skasev]

Qualified maybe but not to teach

[@silat13]

Are you saying he's wrong and what he said? If so could you write the correction in your reply?

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@silat13 Better yet, document your certifications and experience to make such a statement. Everyone has a keyboard and can type anything they wish. Actions speak much louder than words.

[@user-rk1bf4eh2p]

Dirt and dust

[@therealdheel8177]

Go ahead and put gauges on a unit without that EPA 608. Take pictures and send them to me. So, i can turn you in and make that money. An piercing valves are garbage. It is going to leak again in the future. Get a schrade valve with a copper stem. Burn a hole in the copper, and braze on the schrader valve

[@izb1678]

Why would you add another one just another point to leak from

[@jkmarshall3553]

Dude!

[@mikemike4415]

Because that's probably the only demo unit he had on hand. He stated someone else installed the 1st one. Had to install the saddle one to make the video.

[@diyhvacguy]

For demonstration purposes

[@brandog1734]

I prefer to braze them on.