How To Use AC Gauges

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Hope I was able to help you fix your AC! If so you should check out the sales acmetools.pxf.io/9gRWRy on Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, & more at ACME tools. They're a fantastic family owned company and many times have the very best tool prices out there. By using my affiliate link you're helping me keep making this content for free! If you think I earned a tip (even $5 helps!) you can send that here: www.paypal.com/paypalme/bensahlstrom Also check out one of my favorite tools on Amazon: amzn.to/4cCaqik You guys are awesome. As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@Rarebreed6]

Where can i buy 1 or 2 cans of r22 ? Do i need a license, ?

[@1722521795]

About time I find someone who can explain how to use gauges so understand what they are talking about. Thanks!!!

[@pucketts57]

I took classes for HVAC for parts of 4 years from a rip off trade school in Leesburg Va . -- Monroe Vo Tech They kept dragging the class work out for more money But I ve learned more in the 26 & 1/2 minute video than I learned in all the time I spent in the classes Not one person in all the classes made it into the HVAC field & I trusted them till I couldnt any longer Thanks you for showing me the right way to do this

[@NikoBellaKhouf]

That's awful. 4 years?! I took an accelerated class, full time for 6 months. It cost $12k. It was a rip-off also, but at the very least, they prepared us to work in the residential field. Can you and the others sue the school?

[@maxclark11]

Done refrigeration of 47 years. Excellent presentation. Suggestion if you find yourself in this situation. Hold the hose firmly against the valve and totally loosen the hose fitting. Then quickly pull the hose off the fitting. You will still get the blow off but you will have better control of where it sprays. If you have low loss fittings, I like to remove the high side first, then open both valves and return the refrigerant that is held in your gauge manifold back into the a/c system, then remove the low side hose.

[@Trumpisyourdaddyagain]

Word close high move it into low close low

[@vladimpaler2651]

Very very nice explanation. Thanks , and keep posting , you should be a teacher.

[@nkafordesmondforku1670]

Thanks sir I love your teaching and I will love to be with you all the time thanks keep on

[@paulchace2391]

Thank you!! Awesome info

[@justinjimenez6960]

Varsity move. Wax on, wax off ;)

[@Sdelgado0267]

Smart young man. You have the heart of a teacher, very easy to understand and follow. Thank you for sharing.

[@Norm475]

Great video Ben, Being 78 YO I probably will not be going out and buying a set of gauges. I will be selling my home and moving in about a year so now I am in the process of giving most of my larger tools away to family. I have decided to rent and let someone else do all the work and enjoy my final few years without having to fix everything around the house. All the same, I really enjoy your videos. One is never to old to stop learning new things.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks Norm! I really appreciate your comment. Sounds like you are a great guy that wants to bless your family. I look forward to continuing to learn along with you in future videos!

[@petebovenzi8119]

yer awesome Norm

[@wadeb.5509]

Norm!!!!! Uncle Norm....where ya been?

[@troyknowles9926]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom l

[@tanhupseong6915]

I shall tune up . True indeed information we really learmed

[@Mirandasrooter]

I know your video is three years old but out of all the videos I watched yours was the best and more helpful than any video here on KZbin. Thank you so much you have a new subscriber you rock.👍

[@geraldbalbaneda8335]

Man you are a clever guy......I thought you only do electrical works, but you you are also a refrigeration expert.

[@rockyd9089]

your ability to present clearly , concisely and accurately, is truly amazing. I am just starting AC service (I am retired 50 years this year from the general construction business, an old timer ) and have an interest in this side of the business. Thank you for making me know I can do this ... I'm starting with checking my own system today to practice.

[@TheRockhavok]

Sorry to go off topic, but I'm also Rocky D. LOL I thought I had already watched and forgot!

[@dbbd9890]

Are you licensed?

[@mcpolitechims3120]

It’s been a year now Rocky D how is your business doing 😊

[@kevinjinks5488]

​@@TheRockhavok0pwa😅😊pleedpeadsp9 lol 22

[@Allplayerchanger]

I want a refrigerator job

[@ccarlley]

This was an outstanding video. I'm a 70 yr old beginner and you were thorough, had GREAT video representation, and excellent explanations. Thanks so much for the time you spent making this video. I'll check out your other videos for sure.

[@sumbamotor]

I just took a whole semester on gauges in less than an hour...I can clearly understand everything you explained without a doubt....Next course for me will be on how to vacuum the system to release the refrigerant....Thank you so much

[@rupe53]

Just watched this as a refresher course for my old brain that's pushing 70 and 25 years out of the business. Great "old school" presentation without clouding the issues by adding spurious details. Yes, the other things are important, but more to do fine tuning and troubleshooting. The basics will get you going 98% of the time. Now I just need to dust off my Robinair gauges from 1973. Yes, still solid after almost 50 years, although the hoses are getting a bit stiff. Edit: I did the job and found a minor leak at the service valves. (not fully back-seated) Topped up the system and gained several degrees of cooling, measuring at the low side line. New air filter and got 17 - 18 degrees TD across the inside coil. Can't ask for much better!

[@stringlarson1247]

I'm catching up to you. I'm a grey beard who's been writing software for the past 40yrs. Lot's of electrical, plumbing, automotive, etc. as well. More of a learn by doing and/or reading person, so when I find someone like Ben, it's great.

[@rupe53]

@@stringlarson1247 ... update.... we're into July 2023 and the system is holding up with no bubbles in the sight glass. Guess it's fixed for as long as an R-22 unit will hang in there. Hopefully it keeps chugging along till I downsize, and the next owner can make whatever changes they want at that point!

[@stringlarson1247]

@rupe53 been too cool so far in No. IL. That'll change. It's been really nice, but we'll pay for it at some point.

[@rupe53]

@@stringlarson1247 ... I said the same thing and jinxed myself. We normally turn the system on by Memorial day (intermittently) and this year we had VERY comfy weather till near July 1st. This week was in the mid 90s with humidity in the mid 80% range. I'm in lower Ct. near the coast so humidity runs high, but not close enough to the coast to get a breeze.

[@ravindranarine4715]

I have done air conditioning since 2001 and seen it all I think you’re extremely talented keep up the good work

[@folarinafolayan1086]

Thank you so much sir. This video really helped me. I am in building Maintenance. Been doing it about 4 yrs now. Most of my time in Condos. So never had to deal with A/C issues. No i do at my new property. Today was my first time connecting Gauges. I did everything the way you demonstrated. Came out perfect. No waste. Thanks.

[@johnakagi1088]

I watched this video again for a tuneup on my AC gauge knowledge. Still THE best video on AC gauges I have ever seen. Just an update on the mini split 36k in my 30x40 R-4 insulated metal building. I did add rubber seals and brush seals to my roll up doors to help reduce conditioned air from escaping. The mini split has exceeded my expectations on controlling the temperature in my shop. It cools and heats where I am comfortable in all weather temperatures here in Texas. There is maintenance of cleaning the inside filter especially when wood working and I do clean the dust from the fins one the outside. I turn off the unit when mowing. When not heating or cooling I keep it on dry setting. My table saw jointer and planner do not rust because the system pulls the moisture out of the shop. Lots of humidity in Texas. Be blessed!!!

[@luislujan8715]

The video is a bit long. But I think every second was worth it. He is very detailed and helpful

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks!

[@johnakagi1088]

I watched your video again and it is still the best KZbin I’ve ever seen! I just installed a 36k mini split DIY, in my 20’x30’ metal building. It is working fantastically, but living In Texas, THE TRUE TEST will be Summer months with high temps and high humidity.

[@stantrammell6897]

Benjamin - this is probably one of the best video explanations I have ever watched on KZbin. Thank you!

[@stephengeorge3507]

Been mostly doing comerical ac,z lot of chill water for 35yrs,retired and doing more with freon units package, split units,a nice refresher vidio,i enjoyed it,thanks

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

I do understand that there is a lot more to come, but this is the first "educational" video that I have watched that covered the basic basics in a straightforward easy to understand video.

[@vacuumboy6.0]

As a person with learning disability the way you explain stuff is very clear and understandable. Your awesome Ben!

[@TheJohnClay]

I just paid $275 for 2 lbs of R22 and what you just showed me. I could have bought two AC gauges. Thank you.

[@russoft]

Thank you for explaining the bleeding/flushing of the lines for charging refrigerant! Some other videos explain how to flush the yellow line, but it never made sense to me that they ignored the air inside the low/blue and high/red lines. The fact that the refrigerant pressure is above ambient and thus the air won't enter the refrigerant loop makes sense, but I come from a cryogenics background where air and helium (refrigerant) mix quickly and readily and such a practice will likely kill the system in short order.

[@szpflyer4367]

Of all the highly relevant and useful information on Ben's video, the best part for me was the lack of mindless Muzak. Hallelujah!

[@davebooth7808]

Thank you for explaining the use of the gauges. As a young boy I often watched my father using them on refrigeration & could never understand ! As I was too young to understand at the tie. My father has since passed away, so I was still unsure asIve aged!

[@mark22732]

I'm honestly not sure why I watched this, I'll never do this, but you just have a way of making things like this really interesting. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Hey, now you have the base knowledge so that you can at least have an idea of what the process looks like! Thanks for watching!

[@suridodia8424]

Hi Ben watch your video is Pretty good and interesting

[@duaneroepke8840]

Watch this several times and take notes. If you have someone come service your unit you could look at the gauges and at least know WHAT your looking at and also have an idea if you are being scammed. By knowing what to look for even if you don't do the work is power and protection.

[@chimpwattero9918]

This is your sign to learn hvac and start a company

[@tomg4753]

Ben saved me a service call. My 2006 Rheem R-22 heat pump is cooling OK but thought it was time for a service call anyway. But after seeing this video, I instead hooked my gauge to the low-side that showed a bit over 65 PSI for R-22 that was right on target according to Ben's 65-75 PSI target zone. I cancelled the service call

[@tptm100]

Excellent communication skills on this subject, not too many people have both HVAC skills and teaching skills. Keep the video's coming.

[@aziziahmad8332]

You are the best dud love the way you explain

[@edgarrodriguez9684]

Starting my Career off as a Hvac Tech your videos are amazing and helpful 🙏🏽 clear and very detailed you have helped me a ton with the use of your videos, keep it up 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@yongminhuh146]

Thanks for "A/C manifold guage and it's hose basic". I've added refrigerant in my car. I couldn't have done without the video.

[@zzBlackFenix]

I just found your channel through your recent collaboration with Jay on the types of compressors. Glad I found your channel, I am halfway through an HVAC program and I love the in-depth and informative video's you guys do. Keep up the great work!

[@hpc1975]

Hello Ben, I appreciate it, your video is pretty simple and, that's what I am looking for since I want to become an HVAC technician and have no knowledge at all. Keep up the good work.

[@JWRhyneJr]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge & expertise! I am 75 years old and interested in learning to recovery of refrigerant, not for a job but a hobby!

[@juliosilva1671]

Ben I’d like to say that I have learned a lot with your videos and you seem to be a charismatic super professional guy that can teach anybody I wish I could be your apprentice in electricity God Bless you Ben

[@josephbob3252]

Love how you simplify the process.

[@JetDriver1111]

Great video Ben ! Thanks…..I needed a refresher course myself ! I rarely do ac work….

[@jorgeuribe4512]

Previous to this video I watched another one on how to read A/C gauges. It was a good video it had a lot of information but it never really went into detail about the inside readings. Your video helped me a lot to understand what all the numbers inside the gauge mean, I had no idea it was that easy to read. Thank you

[@GoAndStay]

Now I understand a lot better what the technicians did when they regassed my fridge today. Thanks

[@armandoramirez7531]

This very important thing to know about the check your Ac system in case you feel that’s is not working any good , it will be good to keep. Or send to parts to be seen once again that’s perfect.

[@almodo88]

Congrats on hitting that 100k... im a 8 month apprentice and this channel and ur advice has helped me tremendously. Thanks

[@EastDallasKicks]

Did you go into the trade with 0 experience? I know by now you know stuff but I’m just wondering if any knowledge is really required

[@scottnyc6572]

New viewer and subscriber here.You explained the pressure gauge instructions quite clearly however you touched on the compressor very briefly in the beginning but never followed up whether determining if a compressor is or isn’t functioning or if the capacitor would be the issue.Thanks

[@josedelpino6676]

You have a gift for explaining such a complex subject in a manner so easy to understand. Your talent belongs in a educational Institution to teach our younger aspiring technicians all there is to know about what you know! I watched the full video and got educated on HVACs, thank you for sharing! I subscribed and rang the bell for more content, great work!

[@freedog632]

Where I work, as a calibrator, we actually test those gages. They fail quite regularly. I attribute a large percentage of it to how they are cared for, but it might be something to pay attention to, for accurate charging.

[@jeffarp7409]

VERY HELPFUL, please make more, plus i am a new subscriber. I am a amateur trying to learn a little about the trade, so the simpler the better. Thanks

[@raymondpalacios3032]

Great video. Today I ordered a set of Yellow Jacket gauges with ball Valves. Model 49968 Titan.

[@BrentFreyEsq]

That's crazy how the filter actually makes that much of a difference. My family just told me they had to have their two systems replaced recently, and the guy commented on the bad air filters (this is according to my mom who probably missed some details). I would have never thought how much you can see the changes in the pressure like that just based on air flow. Cool video! *ba dum hiss*

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Yeah it is extremely important for sure! In my opinion a MERV 6 filter is about the right one to buy as the "fancy" high MERV filters cause lots of problems with frozen coils and furnaces that "ride limit".

[@Jon-hx7pe]

16x25x1" filters in general suck for anything above 60k btu/hr/2.5 tons. most people don't know.

[@mwatkins2464]

Jon [Insert Last Name Here] what?? A 60k btu is a 5 ton unit not 2.5 ton!!! 2.5 ton is 30k btu

[@Jon-hx7pe]

@@mwatkins2464 i was referring to furnace size.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

that why they can freeze up the evaporator

[@johnakagi1088]

Thanks for explaining the relationship between the pressure and temperature on the gauges and the temp. reading relating to low side and high side! Now I understand what causes “Freezing Up”. Wow the light bulb turned on for me! Thanks again.

[@clovertechdev4243]

great presentation. You explained better the regular professor, clear and concise.

[@Raider352]

I enjoyed this video and I did subscribe. These days schools only give you the basics and doesn't go into much details and examples. Thank you

[@danielgrabske3545]

I ve learned more on this channel then others I ve watched, awesome territorial.

[@oskardogrushfan]

Ok, great video as always. I need a new HVAC guy, and you need to be that guy. The commute will kinda suck because I'm outside Chicago, but you seem to be the only guy that would be honest and not try to screw people. The unions here are brutal and everyone wants to up sell you on stuff. Not sure what you charge up there but it usually costs an arm & leg to have someone walk in the door here. Keep up the good work!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Hey I'm only about 2 hours from Chicago right now!

[@guygarbarino6982]

I find Hiring Union companies means hiring honest and qualified technicians

[@freevipservers]

Great tutorial, thanks! Not many people make videos like this. Its even better when its a high quality video. Not some shaky mess.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks! Tripods are a hassle but definitely improve to quality!

[@bshx01]

man this video was GREAT!! I needed this. this will be my first summer doing a/c tune ups. I can say I feel a lot more comfortable with gauges now! thanks man!!

[@brow1901]

I would like to see more HVAC vids, especially something troubleshooting style like you've done with electrical.

[@warwolf4213]

I’m about to start a program of ac and heating and you are being way to helpful, I’m trying to understand and start learning stuff when I get to the program, you are really good are what are you doing 🙏🏻

[@ManuelMartinez-os5wb]

Benjamin I like how you explain in detail on how to use gauges. I needed to know how to connect the hoses and if you open the valves on the gauges while just solely checking refrigerant. "make sure valves are closed are will leak out" & how you explain to wear gloves etc. Great content! Awesome video! very well explained! I subscribed and watch the entire video because you explained every thin in detail!. A lot of youtubers have the gauges hooked up already assuming we know how to do it (BIG MISTAKE) lost my interest in their videos!

[@SenselessVybez]

Don’t forget to purchase some low loss fittings on your gauges, I always hated taking off the high pressure side until I bought them and it made life so much easier

[@brianaces4251]

Still leading the new era 💎💎💎💎

[@dougjones4538]

Ben, this was one of the best instructional videos I've seen. Thank you!

[@TimCurry04]

Thanks man, I am starting my journey as of today 12/1/21... I will study content on KZbin for this entire month. Added the 5 valve Yellow Jacket to my Amazon cart today. Will try for the EPA and NATE cert in Feb 2022. -TCurry ATL

[@onegreat703]

Thank you bro for full explanation right from the beginning

[@nimcanshariif3603]

Tbh I learned this video more than what I learned may 12 month course

[@mrkrause3]

Thanks Ben....easy to follow and understand. You’re a good teacher. I’m just trying to be more knowledgeable about Refridgerant’s and AC dynamics. I hope to install my own mini split soon.

[@truthhunter3538]

Great Job most people would get it! Common Sense and Logic always pays off in teaching newbie!

[@nizamnuddin8129]

Your explanation about manifold use is absolutely clear and vivid. THANKS a lot.

[@rooseveltdickson6142]

Hey Ben, I understand your teaching well. Thanks!!

[@JerryHill-d5v]

This was the best presented, understandable, and most concise video i have had the pleasure of viewing. Thank you Ben!

[@joemc111]

First time on your Station. Nice presentation getting ready to buy a mini split and think you are the best teacher.

[@neildixon1231]

When disconnecting hoses if you push the hose onto the port with one hand and then swivel the knurled coupler off, then release the hose you won’t get liquid refrigerant on your hands.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

True but that can be difficult to do sometimes in my experience.

[@Rey.Moskito]

You could backseat the valve so that you can take the the gauge out without having the gas leak out the port then crank it back down.

[@jamesbrand6139]

Good job. I'm a HVAC/R service tech and you explain it very well. Really get there heads spinning with " Super Heat"

[@robertwelch5584]

Excellent tutorial. I always wondered how to operate and read these gauges.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad you liked it!

[@larrylegania6255]

I'm just running across your videos. Thanks for the value you provide. Your teaching & instruction is super simple to understand. Again, thanks.

[@jameshisself7375]

Fantastic presentation. You know what you are talking about and know how to explain it. Thanks.

[@rooseveltdickson6142]

Thanks very much Sir, I’m really glad you helped me understand the gauge readings.

[@hedrict]

Probably the best video out there I’ve found on using gauges. Great job Ben

[@garygriffin3114]

Thank you Benjamin for a intro for gauge info and using it.

[@kamparsen]

By Far the BEST channel in this topic . THANKS

[@danielsmith2447]

You have been a fountain of good information. I subscribed at some point, not sure when. I do auto air conditioning and have a couple sets of Chinese gauges. At your urging I now have a set of yellow jackets on the way.

[@davidwatching9594]

This channel is awesome,for that matter you tube is awesome. I’ve replaced or repaired more units than ever! People are now loading their systems with compressed air, the wrong refrigerants you name it. EASY MONEY✌️🤗

[@tomthum5128]

Thanks for helping people to understand how to work gages

[@jameskelly9800]

You earned my subscription. Your presentation was the best yet in every way. Thanks!

[@StateofPeaches99]

Job well done. One of the best videos Ive seen in the category of AC. Thank you for positing.

[@heatingairservices8708]

excellent Explanation even for an old timer w/ over 27 yrs experience Hvac Installer Service Tech Thanks

[@jorgecampa57]

Excellent detailed video.You make it easy to comprehend the pressure readings on the manifold gauges and how they relate to temperature readings.

[@ralph9987]

This is so brilliant, thank you so much! I would love to see the same in depth explanation for 12v DC fridges for boats or campers.. Keep up the gr8 work

[@Froggability]

1/ Get hoses with ball valves. At least on the high side. And I like gauge with sight glass . Why go cheap? These things are your life as a fridgie . Ball valves allow you to suck hoses down before you disconnect. 2/ always purge hoses when you first connect up, in case you forget and send air into the system.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Good points! I have nicer gauges and the ball valve hoses but I wanted to show the process with "standard" gauges in this video. I'll make another video showing why the ball valve version is better as well as the digital manifold that I use. I agree with your points and that's what I normally do.

[@talisolin]

I think these points should have been mentioned in the video as the air was never purged from the hoses or guages.

[@Rdn0483]

Gotta give it to ya mate, from the great 'Land Down Under,' that's a really good KZbin video presentation; the best I've ever seen in fact! No wasted time, didn't even explain you were removing that piece of bark that had been annoying me, and your camera work was steady! You speak well, intelligent about your stuff, safety conscious without being ridiculous and keep on topic ! Great work mate - definitely hitting the buttons for you! Thank you very much!

[@corruptedbrain6]

im currently going to school for this and this makes alot of sense ! subbed

[@kawkvulcan500]

I had always thought adding liquid refrigerant (turning the tank upside down) was a no no.... Also, i see a lot of comments here about low loss/quick connect fittings. Sure if the system already had those... I don't thing the epa requires retrofitting a perfectly good system to quick connects just to get quick connects and I don't think the consumer would want to pay for that. Thanks for the vids Ben!

[@Froggability]

It's the gauge/hose that has Quick Connects not the machine

[@william474]

Detailed, and informative. Great job.

[@uchennanwankwo1503]

Hi I just watched your video and got a proper basic explaination, thank you. Uche from Nigeria

[@DrLuu-lf5de]

Ben that is a great presentation. i understand so much more with how you explained it . keep up the good work. thank you.

[@vpeters2647]

Wonderfull presentation, I'm planning on installing a few minisplit heat pumps, and thank you for the clear information.

[@rudolfkasanpawiro644]

Clearly explained and visually clearly filmed. Thanks. Just subscribed.

[@nickillidge2644]

Your videos are always the best and easiest to understand , hope you've considered becoming a teacher! You Rock!

[@jamest6558]

you gotta purge the hoses before charging, PSI absolute is 14.6969 the out side pressure, PSI gauge is sealed and read on a gauge

[@buddy6135]

I am very new in this field and I found video very educated

[@hondagoal]

Benjamin this is a great video. I really enjoyed how you simply explained every thing .

[@RobertBeck-pp2ru]

You presented a very complete and detailed course for the beginner tech. I knew very little about A/C maint. before viewing this. Thank you.

[@michaelirizarry4881]

My God I learned so much in just one video. Great job.