How to Repair and Recharge A Portable Air Conditioner

In this video Iain goes over how he diagnoses and repairs a portable air conditioner that no longer cools due to low refrigerant charge. This video goes over how to reclaim the refrigerant, braze on a service valve, find the leak, and finally recharge the system.
Note: working on a portable air conditioner requires an EPA type 1 certification. Type 1 exams can be taken online or at a local trade school for a low cost.

[@tylerszabo]

This is very impressive; after a few minutes it was clear that I do not have the hardware to do this repair myself but I kept watching because of how interesting this whole process was. Thank you for choosing to turn your repair into such a thorough tutorial.

[@eunyoungchae2621]

Purchased: August 2022 - still works GREAT! kzbin.infoUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn I live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install.This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment.I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!

[@MHdollrevievs]

We bought a Media Dou inverter portable a/c it's SACC and regular BTU rating are just 2,000 BTU difference so it,s very efficient, It cools our bedroom to meat locker temperatures almost to were you can see your breath.

[@SirDella]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'll just buy a new one

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

This superseded my skillset about 35 seconds into the video.

[@lottabodys]

Geez!! Too much man!!

[@JayMaverick]

@@neilyaremchuk6798 lol noob. I made it all the way to 2:29. edit: ok I lied. I gave up at 1:35. Interesting video though. =P

[@maggiebohoslawec2008]

All that equipment! Buying a new one is definitely cheaper, lol

[@brooklyn2rome]

@@maggiebohoslawec2008 THATS A FACT

[@blueghost510]

Figured out 10 minutes into this video that repairing AC is over my head. Stuck around to watch the rest all the same. Great video

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@Kalanchoe1]

did a similar thing. concluded i dont have enough of the equipment for this endeavour to be worth it

[@ctkhullo]

I appreciate the thoroughness and clarity of this how-to. Makes me feel like I could do it if I had all the tools! For now I think my AC is going to remain busted

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@roycelouie3786]

instaBlaster

[@chenglo8999]

Exactly my case too!

[@lugo57]

F f. J. V b B b n v??

[@jaison7828]

The most thorough troubleshooting I’ve seen for Portable AC so far …. Thanks for your time and effort sharing it to us…. Keep it up

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@dutchk9833]

This is beyond my skillset and available tools, but even at 2am, I had to watch the whole thing. Well done and explained.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@dannygarcia8968]

What are the odds I’m watching this 1 year after your comment at 2:09am

[@jiggygraphics]

Vvvvv​@@iainportalupi

[@m109rdude9]

Awesome video. As somebody that works on many mechanical things, this guy clearly knows what he's doing and has all of the right equipment. It is so refreshing to watch a quality KZbin video going through all of the proper steps for the repair rather than half of the garbage on here posted and uploaded by some idiot just because they can. Great work, you can tell this guy is an experienced portable a/c repair tech.

[@andresnizri2027]

I totally agree! I have not seen a video so clear and simple on something that seems to be quite complicated (HVAC). Most videos are so confusing as they dont take the time to record all the process and tend to say techinal language. For example, Iain saying: "brass connection that transforms refrigerant from liquid to gas", instead of some complicated explanation.

[@mikemaj8467]

Many people dont understand that an older repaired unit might work better than a new one. Ive seen this with window ac units and rv rooftop units. Im not sure if its how they rate btu's nowadays but this is why i opt to repair alot of stuff. Nice video! You really helped me with my camper rooftop ac unit.

[@rogersmith7396]

Many of the environ safe freons of today are less efficient in heat transfer.

[@miam4639]

I was playing with the idea of rechargin my old portable AC unit with freon myself because i can't find anyone in my area that does repairs and recharges but after seeing your video I will go and look for a qualified person. DIY only goes so far. Thank for the video, still helps.

[@franciscouseche9926]

Now we know why there aren't many technicians that do repair portable AC, and if they do is very expensive. The problem is knowing the right technician like you , so we don't waste time and money in a sketchy job. Depending on the price , age , quality of the portable AC and finding a good trustable technician. Congratulations on the video , you took all precautions and right equipment to do a good job. Certainly is not job to play around.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@thierrybegin-l.9150]

I have a Forest Air A019-08KR - 2 years old with the same issue. Compressor is working but no frozen pipes or hot air so I guess there is a leak and I arrived on this video because I like to repair stuff but just at the piercing vice grip tool with a tube, I knew this was game over for me!! "simple huh?" XD Very nice video, I didn't know it was such a delicate processus and I enjoyed it through the end even if I can't do anything with it hehe Thanks for your time!

[@Kiluhbeez]

I agree with some of these other viewers, if i had the equipment, id love to be a technician like you brother. Wonderful work and terrific helpful very thorough video. You didn’t stutter or miss a beat when speaking. Impressed me, you did. 🖖🏻

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@sewellfamily4306]

Wow - what a difference compared to the last video I watched. The other video left everything important up to the imagination, except for the model number of his unit. Your video was so much more practical and informative; just enough to let me realize I don't have what it takes to handle my own repair. Thank you!

[@silentkhaos]

With all those aluminum fins acting as a massive heat sink, can't expect too nice a weld. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for teaching with clarity!

[@jjhauntsmadness9021]

Very much enjoyed watching. As an Hvac tech myself i couldn't stop watching. Please if at all possible do as many leak finding videos as you can. I find it is the hardest part of this field. I do more of the larger coolers and Multi ton ac systems. The small stuff is exciting to me.

[@eddieblackford4919]

Thank God this task is so easy. Thought I was going to have to by new tools and equipment for this job.

[@iainportalupi]

Don’t forget the license for buying refrigerant.

[@oq17]

Very good video - now I know that I cannot do this . I don’t have the tools , skills , or knowledge . You have pointed me in the direction I need - I’ll buy a new window unit . Thanks again

[@jonathanho8751]

Made me laugh. I'm getting a window unit instead also.

[@geerstyresoil3136]

Yep sadly these are disposable and poorly built (designed to fail) imho.

[@CodeineRadick]

@@geerstyresoil3136 Just like light bulbs. It is called planned obsolescence and it is a necessary evil in todays world. If the manufacturers make products to last lifetimes, they go out of business since no one needs to replace anything. At which point, you would not be able to buy one because no one makes one. Such an economic catch 22.

[@bmck9097]

Good job bud, I'm an A/C tech and your diagnostics and procedures were flawless. Thanks.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@oscarpaz27]

I really appreciate the level of detail and clarity of the explanations. I now know for sure that I correctly diagnosed my unit and correctly assessed that I don't have the tools to do this. Conclusion: I have to buy a new one. No one fixes these things anywhere I know, and I am certain that if there were, they'd shake me down.

[@pandafox6993]

I learned so much from this video on top of the fact that I'm screwed. Thank you so much! Subscribing

[@andrewbutler1423]

Great video Iain, you kept more stuff out of the land fill and taught us all a good lesson, new subscriber now.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@AFineLineA]

Well stated, easy to follow, slow enough to get it, great videoing nice and clear. More answers and things to look for that were not known prior to watching! All in all well done and most useful!!! Thank You very much!!!

[@ronkierstead]

I love how thoroughly you explain each step and the why of it all. Thanks!

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@sonoramurphree6538]

i am a universal technician type I,II,III with 20 years experience so just some other tips for your viewers,"great job by the way" but Before you go after the fly with the bazooka use a leak detector and check before you assume the system is low on charge, if you don't have one check for any restriction on the discharge exhaust line , or if the pipe is 2 long (if your not using factory provided one .They always rott out from uv sunrays on older systems )second check your evap or condenser coils for clogging .you can easily use a water hose to clean out but keep water away from electrical control box and watch the water psi or you'll flatten the fins and then have to get coil rake to fix.good luck all .9 out of 10 time when I serviced some ones ac in window or on wheels it just needed a good cleaning

[@private2809]

Youre saving lives with this tutorial (hottest summer yet. Folks literally cooking in apts.) Your service is appreciated. Love from Canada

[@private2809]

Alright. So after going through the video an the comments my conclusion is to repair or recycle my current portable air conditioner and replace it with a window unit ASAP, as those have less maintenance issues and are more commonly supported by shops.

[@shafi420]

Thank you for making the video. You are amazing on your exact details on the proper service. Also using proper tools.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks for watching!

[@bio10155]

Brilliant video! I really appreciate your attention to detail 😊. I shall take on board your guidance when it comes to my AC fixes! Subscribed as well!

[@iainportalupi]

bio10155 thanks! I should have some more refrigeration videos coming out soon.

[@libertyauto]

I learned a lot in this video. Not just how, but why. Thank you for posting.

[@iainportalupi]

libertyauto thanks for watching!

[@andreilucian10]

Sir, you are an artist!! WHAT A JOB!!

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@christopherpaul6062]

One of the best videos on the internet. PERIOD.

[@iainportalupi]

Louis Johnson thanks!

[@bwcress1]

@@iainportalupi do you offer this service to the public?

[@usmanmalik5631]

@@iainportalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner 14000 BTU. knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. Turn off the cool air. Suggest a solution.

[@usmanmalik5631]

My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.

[@usmanmalik5631]

@@iainportalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.

[@Gluluman]

you are very clear and precise. You should be an instructor and help a lot of young people needing a great profession and income.

[@znuh]

Very thorough and very helpful, thank you!

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks for watching!

[@angelodallas2009]

Awesome Video! Very Informative & easy to understand! Thx!

[@keithlance1]

Very informative detailed video, would like to see more diy videos from you.

[@iainportalupi]

keith lance thanks, there’s more where that came from.

[@jerseyjeeper1575]

Best video out there on this subject! Thanks.

[@leebarnhart9725]

You can fix anything but a broken heart! I found the soap kids use to blow bubbles with works great for leak detection and it only cost a buck or two. Good video.

[@iainportalupi]

Lee Barnhart thanks! The kid’s bubble soap is a great idea I’m going to use that next time.

[@edradtke287]

that's what I always used.you cant run out cause there's a Walmart every mile.

[@Idontrunntoofast]

Tell that to a Cardiac surgeon.

[@ThePrincesselise06]

The braze looks great I’m not used to doing it this way I do it differently at work so I don’t feel confident enough even tackle this I thought I scored this a/c but I’m bummed because they didn’t know how complicated of a repair it would be. Your amazing I’m luckily only out 50 bucks but I’m disappointed I won’t be .able to repair my a/c.

[@DisrespectfulRob]

So you need equipment that nobody besides an AC repairman is going to have to do this. Got it. Still did a great job of explaining and showing the process for anyone who can use this though.

[@lottabodys]

Exactly!!

[@davidrobertson8035]

very good .. i actually learned something today .

[@gswella3294]

Dude... you seriously know your stuff, I wondered if it is possible to recharge these things, but by the time I bought all the equipment to do it its more cost effective to buy a new one. Its a shame they don't make these easier to recharge i.e. at least put a service valve on the thing for a start. I watched the entire video anyway as it was really interesting and its always fun watching a craftsman / technician (I say carftsman as you need to be able to braze well!) who knows his shizz, do their shizz! Well done to you sir but I will buy a new one when the time comes, shame you don't live near me as this could be quite a lucrative service / business.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@christondavis9641]

Very detailed tutorial on the best way to do this.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@breannestahlman5953]

Great video, I learnt so much. A big thank You ! ! !

[@iainportalupi]

Glad to hear it!

[@yakbassin7196]

Very informative. If I had all the gauges and tools I would attempt it.

[@chromatic1976]

learnt heaps, thanks mate!

[@abdul-q-khan]

Best of the best video on repairing A.C

[@dalemihocik4732]

Right at about the 15:00 mark after you remove the refrigerant to the recovery tank you then do a system vacuum . What are you pulling from the system and are you venting what ever that is into the atmosphere ? This is a very well done video from a person that has really great skills . I would love to gain the knowledge to do this but the cost of the equipment would make it not feasible if only working on your own households appliances . No doubt this is why repair services charge what most consider excessive . Again , well done and thank you .

[@iainportalupi]

That is a really good question. Because the system had a leak I’m only required to pull the system down to 0psi during recovery. This is to prevent ambient air from being pulled into the system through the leak. This ambient air could contaminate the recovered refrigerant. In order to braze the service valve on I needed to purge the system with nitrogen gas. To get the gas into the system and I needed to pull a proper vacuum on it. The vacuum pump did vent the trace amounts of refrigerant that remained in the system but that lost is unavoidable.

[@mikemaj8467]

I applaud you for fixing!

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@Solomonamagache]

You're absolutely great in your explanation on everything. What brand is the vacuum pump?

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks. The vacuum pump is the 2.4 cfm Harbor Freight one.

[@mrkereokee806]

Great video. I just wish I had the brains to do what you did!

[@CayRome]

Very good, detailed video, great stuff, looking forward to see more of your work, thank you for this video.

[@iainportalupi]

Cay Rome thanks and thank’s for watching!

[@fuad4345]

Very good explaination..

[@iainportalupi]

fuad thanks!

[@fuad4345]

Thanks for sharing..have a nice day sir

[@gregr6626]

This video did the trick. When I pulled off the cover, the top coils were about 80 clogged and the bottom coils were about 30 percent clogged with a layer of gunk. My living room opens to my kitchen with a pass-thru and, even though I have a fan over my range, I suspect the gunk on my coils contained oils contained in kitchen odors. I removed all of the gunk and my unit is much more efficient In the past, I had cleaned my removable filters by vacuuming them, spraying them with Fantastic, rinsing them and drying them. QUESTION: Is there a safe way to remove kitchen gunk from the coils? (I vacuumed and brushed them to remove dust and gunk but I imagine there might be some residue covering the coils that can only be removed by a solvent.)

[@ash9964]

I feel like I could be HVAC certified after watching this. Very detailed nice job . I learned a lot

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@Ottonic6]

Like I'm really going to do this at home. Not practical for the common home owner cause how many have this setup stowed away. Interesting? Yes!... Can I do it? I know I could... But if I need this done, I'm sure I could take it somewhere and have them do it. Thanks for a very interesting and educational video....

[@lindabedow6343]

Great tutorial!

[@iainportalupi]

@@lindabedow6343 thanks!

[@frasert8779]

This is fantastic, just a bummer I have none of the tools 😩

[@alexchliwnyj5941]

Excellent tutorial. Great explanation on the lack of airflow with the cover off which will come on handy this afternoon when I replace the compressor on my AC. I will rig something to preserve the airflow. I laughed when you caught the foam on fire. I learned years ago when sweating copper pipe in walls that aluminum foil is really helpful. I

[@iainportalupi]

Alex Chliwnyj the foam smelled nice. What brand compressor was the old one?

[@steemium]

.............. Simple huh!? Amazing video!

[@iainportalupi]

Steemium thanks for watching.

[@orlandomedrano5344]

I really enjoyed the video.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@tonyfoxxbuilds1920]

Great now I want all these new interesting tools!

[@pulesjet]

Good Stuff from You Sir. Yea it helps having a second Wrist and elbow some times. Nitrogen is your friend. LOTS and Lots of Nitrogen. Dries things out most well. A little jewelers torch would have been handy. Micro Torch.

[@iainportalupi]

pulesjet nitrogen makes everything better in refrigeration systems!

[@pulesjet]

@@iainportalupi The Stuff is magic being used in Piles of ways. Drying lines out just one way. And it's easy to obtain.

[@iainportalupi]

pulesjet and it’s dirt cheap too!

[@ConvexSpade]

Nice work!

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks!

[@jburba21]

That was very interesting and incitefull thank .

[@iainportalupi]

@@jburba21 thanks for watching!

[@skywalker1991]

This is beyond any of us couch potatos can do, it was amazing watching you and learn how ac works, Well i came to conclusion that i will give mine away free and byt new unit , thanks for make this tutorial.

[@dickrichard6322]

Hey! Working on this thing and everything was going great. I took it apart and I was going to put it up in my attic and then I was going to run some longer wiring for the receiver and for the control panel. I was going to run it down into my bedroom and I was going to connect the AC to the ventilation for my bedroom and then exhaust the hot air outside of the attic through an insulated tube or duct. Long story short I have plenty of experience and I know what I'm doing. However I made the mistake of cutting into the wiring for the control panel. The jacket says 26 AWG but when I look at the wiring it kind of looks like it could be aluminum or it could be something else like could it possibly be fiber optic?

[@kwacz]

Oh yes, the classic coil repair. I've done this many times.

[@ibukunsokeye4559]

Thanks for the well explained video. I have had a Commercial Cool 10000BTU portable air conditioner for 5 years. It served me for those summer periods. But the problem now is that it doesn't cool again. It only blows fan. Could the issue be that the Freon is low? Or it has reached the end of its life cycle? Thanks.

[@2vgod460]

Lmaooo hahahah nice one boss, love how he wiggles the hose to make it change sound,

[@meowmeow1733]

Love the helpful people who contribute to KZbin. Hate the censorship & commercials. 😔 you have to take the good with the bad.

[@roystongibbs7189]

No commercials with premium subscription...

[@richardTEPUZ]

Awesome video 📹

[@sikiew30340]

Great video and your explanation but I don't have most of the equipment to do this. Thanks

[@reaxions]

Thanks for the awesome video. So, I can either buy all of the tools to maybe fix my broken portable AC and then spend several hours doing the work, or I could spend probably about the same amount of money as the tools cost on a new portable AC unit and only take two minutes to order it? Amazon, here I come!!!

[@private2809]

Just make sure to recycle your old one properly so someone else can make use of it.

[@publicmail2]

Excellent job and video. What are your feeling on the fact these units have to allow outside air in as it exhausts? Wonder why they are not concentric hoses. Perhaps another hose to an input to condenser air in? Still not bad for a basement in summer. Bet your deltaT is 25-30 degrees F now.

[@iainportalupi]

Thanks! These portables have their place if you have a situation where you physically can’t fit a window unit in. However I personally don’t like portable air conditioners for the very reason that they pull the air it just cooled out of the room. Some of the better ones coming out now have 2 hoses. (This one only has one and if it was mine I’d modify it to have an intake hose) However even the two hose ones are not as efficient as a window unit since the exhaust hose isn’t insulated so it radiates some heat back into the room . They also tend to be noisier than window air conditioners since the compressor and the condenser fan are located inside the room instead of hanging out a window.

[@publicmail2]

@@iainportalupi When I compare my 8000BTU EER 11 1000 watts window unit to my central air 3 ton 13 SEER 36000BTU 3000 watts it's 50% more efficient. The hit is airflow or lack thereof, the compressors running either way and you just don't get 500CFM per ton it seems on window or portables. And enough coil both evap and condensor.

[@iainportalupi]

A D I’m not surprised since they probably have to make all kinds of design compromises for the smaller units to fit in the required form factor.

[@breannestahlman5953]

26:36 " . . .Simple . . ." Not for a beginner, but it's very interesting and very good video.

[@Dragonsbrath]

Nice video. I have a magnovox portable unit that I only used one season and now doesn't cool. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment to properly service the unit so I am looking for someone to fix it. Most people I've spoken to don't work on these types of air conditioners. Any recommendations?. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@NoferTrunions]

Nice detail of the repair process. But still maybe worth doing if you're in the business and doing your personal unit: a manufacturing process problem resulted in the pin hole at the bend so it's likely other pin holes are going to occur.

[@guidois14]

Nice vid. Do you have a link were i can get all you're braze fitting and tools?

[@LoveItDirtyOffroad]

Classic...not getting cold 👍

[@karollupa8798]

Nice video I know in this case it won’t make to much of difference but r410a it’s a zeotropic blend and shall not be reused form the system that had leak in it also it should be charged as liquid other wise you will get different composition as one gas will evaporate early and other will stay as a liquid

[@DavidTheDave]

Thank you for this. Now I know why I can't find anyone to fix mine! Bloody annoying as it cost over $1,000.

[@iainportalupi]

David Shields thanks for watching! Yeah, most shops around here won’t touch these or dehumidifiers.

[@thelordismysaviour7647]

David Shields They don't know how to modified a charging valve on it. Expert level needed haha

[@theresageorge5796]

Awesome video. I don't have the training or certification. Are you in Vermont?

[@spandangle334]

great video ...iv just subbed 💪💪

[@clobeaul]

Very well described, but I can't do that myself, don't have the tool. Is it true that it would be cheaper to buy a new one vs getting someone to come and repair it?

[@lyrapkfvl4374]

to come and start + tools 110 euro, 1u 60euro, 1kg refrigerant 120euro, in België

[@shybmdenboy7527]

Thanks 🙏

[@rociodavila841]

Question. Would any hvac place be able to fix mine ? I think mine has a leak somewhere as i cleaned the filters out well and i drained the water but its just not as cold anymore . I dont wanto to throw it away either

[@bookooc5605]

I have one that is blowing cold air from only one side. I have cleaned the coils and filter on the back. I would appreciate any ides for troubleshooting.

[@blingmotions6996]

Mine have the suction the compressor and accumulator are something straight to the evaporator , can I add my access value in between like a tee. Since it didn't ave any ports?

[@thewakenedwolfs1198]

Dude your a god ❤❤

[@ecalleros1]

Yeah this was an awesome video once it started it was hard to stop it. I have a question how much does a Kobe like this cost. Or is it better to just buy a new Portable AC.

[@JROrg2009]

There are makes and models that make disassembling to repair / replace the fan motor(s) so incredibly hard and convoluted, (OR) you can not get replacement parts, some people that can afford it just buy a new, better made quality unit. Black and Decker is generally such a quality make, there are of course others.

[@jongonegone1262]

do you know of any portable ac brands that have service ports from factory already built in, under the covers ? thanks.

[@Topsurgeons2]

Just curious, you cleaned the outlet tube just before piercing it, to drain the freon. You used, sand paper I think. Your rubbing action was on top, yet you pierced it from the bottom? Had I previously sanded the bottom or? Just wondering... But I enjoyed the rest of the video

[@iainportalupi]

urbie green I used emery cloth because is it can take bending better than sand paper can. If you watch very closely around @4:40 you’ll see a cut in the video. That is where I cleaned the bottom and sides of the tube. I didn’t show it because my arm was in the way so you couldn’t see any of it anyways. Plus who wants to watch somebody sand the outside of a pipe?

[@911appliance]

What was the final pressure of the Freon? Thanks.

[@vipinmasih9740]

This is a very good DIY video🤣🤣😃😃😃😃😃😅😅😆😆😆. Professor Being honest May B May be a good video for a technical schools I wonder if he made that video that on mind

[@praestant8]

A decay test might have been interesting with the leak.

[@usmanmalik5631]

@Iain Portalupi My Portable Honeywell Air Conditioner knocks while walking. Then the fan starts. The cold air turns off. The fan runs for a while without cool air. After a while the cool air starts again.

[@Z-Ack]

Knocks while walking, that will get you caught... supposed to run after knocking.. thats cool.. and yes is hot when you run..

[@EveryoneneedsaGary]

Soon as nitrogen got mentioned I realised I won’t be doing this myself

[@bwcress1]

Do you offer this repair service to the public?

[@user-qc6yq1jh4j]

can you fill from the high side? if you had a high port