How To Vacuum Down a Mini Split with Analog Manifold Gauges

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

UPDATE: I made an update video that shows more details and how to check for small leaks. Here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epjEgYOvdr-GitU The line set can also be tested for leaks with a low cost can of R152a propellant. Before vacuuming the unit, the line set can be filled with the R152a and tested with soap and water for any leaks. KWIK-E-VAC on Amazon is R152a. Here is a link. amzn.to/3AlXVpH

[@JackofAllTrades1]

I actually run the AC in my classic 70s car with R152a. I use canned air duster which is the same. Thanks for the tip.

[@jkk040]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. One question is that the port for vacuum is no need to remove the valve core. Thanks in advance.. John

[@mikafoxx2717]

That tip is golden. I wss wondering how to do a bubble test without getting a costly nitrogen tank to verify, and dont want to trust beginner quality vacuum pumps without having a quality micron guage. The unit itself is well under 1k so it would be silly to pay 5x that for an install even IF you brick the thing or shorten its life. Pressure test shpuld be dome before trusting any mediocre vacuum because a fraction of moisture from above 500 micron isn't immediately fatal but a refridgerant leak sure will be.

[@codypalmer3713]

Very helpful!

[@brettxxx4]

Yeah, if you forget to open the mini split valve, it’ll run exactly the same for 25 minutes or longer

[@marcus_b1]

This is possibly THE BEST and easiest mini split vacuum video on KZbin. 99% of the videos on KZbin either skip this part in detail or don't explain it well. For the record: YES I DID USE THESE INSTRUCTIONS to vacuum a non DIY mini split and it's been working with NO PROBLEMS. HVAC "contractors" or "Con-tractors" wanted to charge me $400-$800 just to vacuum. Like I told the last guy "You all keep overcharging and turning down work it won't be any work left sooner or later".

[@patrickkelley8177]

😂 I've been seeing these con-tractors losing their mind in the comments on minisplit social media ads. They are scared of this tech!

[@haulotteConstruct]

I'm not a HVAC contractor, but am a contractor.. I just gotta pipe up and say that cost was fair! I can't even open my door for less than $300.. You gotta keep in mind, insurance, fuel, licencing, experience, man the list can go on and on.

[@raindogs451]

You literally get what you pay for. Google has turned everyone into armchair genius's.

[@oshitomaha]

@@haulotteConstruct300 for an hour of work? $100 for your parts and insurance , and $150 per your hour of work assuming you’re driving from 15-30 min around the city. $300 is too much and $400 is insane.

[@chriswitek9455]

Overhead, profit, gas/insurance/wear, time, knowledge+skill all adds up Figure its an hour hold under pressure 30min to setup/pull a vac, 15 to disassemble/close up/pack up tools in the truck. Add in a 30min drive each way(could be more could be less) and youre at 2:45min from start to finish time wise. A set of gauges and a vac pump would cost you 150 bucks from home depot. 400 sounds about right, 8 is nuts unless its a 3am emergency. Now youre more then welcome to do it yourself, buy paying a tech also means if it doesnt hold a vacuum theyll correct it. If they mess up theyve got refrigerant ready to go. When i quote clients (different business) i factor in 10% for overhead and 20-30% profit. That would put this job at 300 for me and i dont have the overhead a licensed hvac tech does. ​@oshitomaha

[@harmonyhub79]

The only video on youtube with a comprehensive explanation of the correct way to pull a vacuum on a mini-split

[@gg-gn3re]

no, will prowse and andrew something have better videos. This is the top 3 though

[@chrismartins4932]

😳😳 someone please give this fella a medal 🏅 been searching for a simple and straightforward video on how to vaccum a system and everyone seem to be going into some sort of rant and still not much information to take away and then I found this and my whole life changed never been so desperate to save a vidoe.thank you so much sir👌🏿👏🏿👏🏿 air con guys in the UK trying to charge £300 and I have 2 unit to do.

[@sepulkariy]

🎖🏅🥇

[@joseg.1301]

Thanks bro. Saved me 800$ I just needed the lines vacuum. Straight to the point no BS. Thanks again.

[@ceejay8078]

Yo!!! You just saved me 300$!!! I just installed a mini split and needed only the lines vacuumed, I got a quote of 250$ and 50$ for drive to my house. I ended up buying a manifold gauge set for 83$ on the Walmart app and bought everything else you posted from Amazon. Thank you so much for this easy to follow guide!! Man it feels good that your video helped me out during and save me a couple bucks!

[@michaelnguyen370]

can do it for free... autozone and o reily lets you borrow the pump and gauge!

[@marcus_b1]

I was quoted $800 lol.

[@Bostonn617]

@@michaelnguyen370autozones manifold gauge doesn’t work on mini split set ups - there hoses are 1/2 and mini split requires 1/4 hvac hoses

[@lokey5430]

@@Bostonn617you gotta buy the adapter

[@bigfranksworld]

Exactly what I needed to see. Going to be installing a mini split for the first time in a week or two. Thank you!

[@captcaveghost5570]

This is THEE BEST Video on YOU TUBE on how to Vacuum the Mini-Split Lines. I have never done this before but you made it SO SIMPLY and EASY to follow. Other videos do not go into the detail that you did but your video gave me the confidence to do it myself and IT WORKED PERFECTLY! The HVAC guys wanted almost as much as I paid for the entire Mini Split to do this which would have doubled my cost. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@giucenation]

Best and most clearly explained vaccum procedure out of the last 10 or more videos I watched. I had a leak (or so I thought) turned out it was the cap on the vacuum pump. Helps to close the valve on the guages before shutting off pump!!! Thanks!!

[@jadesumsion]

Thanks. I needed to k ow how the blue line comes off. You nailed it.

[@JohnBercier-v7h]

Thank you sir. I spent $200 on pump, gauges and flare kit. Saved myself the $1,920 ac guy wanted to get four minisplit units vacuumed.

[@freddimeglio5212]

Best video on vacuuming a line set for mini split. Straight forward. No drag out BS.

[@MrMarineGomez]

Man thanks so much for your video! The first mini split I installed, they charged me $285 just to vacuum it! I spent $180 on a pump and gauges and adapter and doing it myself! Priceless Info since I’m currently Installing mine in my bedroom! I’m currently letting it vacuum but soon I will have cold air and won’t have to call the HVAC guy no more!!

[@Big-Foot-Randy]

Very nice job with a good step-by-step explanation of what to do when and how. Thank you. Oh and thank you also for NOT having loud music going and jumping into the opening of your video with a bogus “WHATS UP KZbin” scream! LOL… Subscribed…

[@mnkybizzz]

This man has turned something very simple into art. Fantastic video. 👍

[@raymondpalacios3032]

Installing a mini split today. A friend of mine had the gauges and I borrowed them. Simple enough and your video simplified it further. Thank you.

[@emilioloera1411]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm planning on installing a mini split and was planning on having a contractor come out a vacuum the lines. This video gave me the confidence to do it myself. Great job on this video. Thank you so much for sharing this information.😎👍

[@Ultimatelocke]

How did it turn out?

[@alixxworkshop846]

This video was very usefull.. 600eur costs 2 AC Installations in Slovenia,now I've done everything myself and It works perfectly... Thanks for upload,It helped me a lot!

[@JO-nh6mo]

Here in Austria I got an offer for -3000- euro for an installation (work and AC unit for a small room) , excluding costs for electrical wiring. So it was not a difficult decision to do it myself, this video helped !!

[@alixxworkshop846]

@@JO-nh6mo I understand you. I usally go for couple days in Steiermark and I know that the prices of everything are just crazy...

[@sepulkariy]

Excellent video, very detailed and really helpful explanation. Every time I am forgetting exact steps.

[@Ricky_Mason]

Simple and straightforward. Thanks!

[@donaldsexton3501]

You all are right this video I found straight to the point, and it looks like he’s doing it with a pioneer mini split just like I installed. This guy‘s voice sounds a lot like the dude that I listen to for my Mini Cooper repairs.

[@blacksheepsquad9294]

I've already installed one mini split and on my second. Thanks to the guidance of this awesome video.

[@tomsorensen3624]

Great detailed video. No grey areas ,just straight to the point and detailed information. Thank you.

[@din0kill]

Thank you. Did my vacuuming and charging 1st time and your instructions were perfect and simple to follow.

[@cevink1804]

Amazing!!!! Was able to install my mini split before family came over Thank youuu

[@Justin-wl5gi]

Thank you! I was able to full install my minisplit by myself with your video and tool recommendations. Your the man! Thanks a bunch!

[@getoffmyacct6115]

Great detailed non rushed video.

[@januario66]

Thanks for the video,I just installed my Mini Split and saved $250 I bought a vacuum pump and did what you did,step by step and had a leak that would be a problem,but vacuum pump helps Thanks

[@SparkeyCox]

I was almost ready to hire this out - I will come back after install and give you an update. I loved how you explained on the video.

[@waltd888]

After watching 20 installments videos, the only question I had left was the sequence when it comes to vacuuming the line set. Lo and behold, perfect video just for that.

[@JuhaErkkila]

Thanks for this very clear explanation! You certainly know yor stuff! THANKS!!!

[@mikemitchell7505]

It’s already been said over and over but I had to say it too. Outstanding video! Perfect explanations! Thank You! BTW. Gauges can be bought at Harbor Freight for less than 30. Vacuum pumps can be rented from auto parts stores etc.

[@nicholassylvester6502]

Thank you for this video, I was able to install my Rovsun mini split following your tutorial

[@StoicThrower]

I had to laugh. Looks like you bought the pump and manifold the same place I did 😁 Makes for an awesome instructional video. Everything is identical!

[@erastosevdoxiadis9913]

I used this video and was able to do my mini split without issues. I found the pump used for $96 on Amazon.

[@alexmahabir6755]

Very simple and easy to understand thank you.

[@joseluissosa-kx4nj]

I like yr explanation on Analog dials and digital.I have the same vacume pump and manifold I use then on my 2 minisplits inverters I have been thinking of buying a digital micron gauge"but too expensive"Il just continue to use the oldschool equiptment !!it hasnt faild yet¡¡

[@terjehovde6818]

Werry good explanation and hello from Norway, here in Norway they hide informations like this because the government want us to rent "proff people" for this werry easy job, so thank`s for a werry easy and understading video I give you 10 of 10 best from Terje - Norway

[@209elchino]

Easy and simple explanation

[@SihAza]

Thanks. Ready to vacuum the lines on my Della mini-split (relabeled, most made by Medea of China). I have the Harbor Freight gage set (automotive) and their vac pump, similar to your setup and frustrated I had no fitting for the mini-split port. Should have found this youtube earlier. Down until I receive the adapter you mention. Thanks.

[@raindogs451]

Out of curiosity, I called a tech guy at I know at Carrier. This morning, he told me once when he was in the field, he couldn't get his micron gage below 550. He re-pressure tested with a tiny bit of 410 as a chaser. At 300# for 30 minutes. No leak. Because he used some 410 as a chaser his electronic tester found a tiny leak. 300# of Nitrogen for 30 minutes is valuable, but it's only one step of two. The 300# test will not reveal small leaks in 60 minutes, but will drain the system in 20 days etc. The micron gage will find small leaks.

[@adamwhitney7430]

Good job. You made it super easy

[@jkhandy1]

Great video! Very clear and easy to follow steps. Thank you!

[@miguelhuerta5826]

I think that after releasing the refrigerant onto the lines. Then, you should close it again to disconnect the vacuum valve. Then open agai. This way you only lose a minimum amount of refrigerant.

[@carlosv4312]

Saw another video where the guy put 1 pound of refrigerant inside and let it sit for a while to see that there are no leaks with positive pressure. Then he disconnected with the 1lb of pressure instead of high pressure, so lost minimal gas. Then opened all the way

[@Stevegoodine]

Good video did one the other day the same way works perfect and saved hundreds of dollars.

[@lifeisgood612]

Prob the best video on here ,installed 2 units last week .thanks brother

[@exotruck5731]

How do you know the schrader valve is depressed and you're not just vacuuming out the hoses and not the lines?

[@Pathmakumar05]

I have the same doubt how can the low pressure line be vacuumed if the schrader valve is depressed

[@joelrosenwinkel5467]

Hey great walk through, super easy thanks!

[@brianw6814]

Thanks for the video. Some mini split manuals indicate to open the high-pressure valve by 1/4 turn for 5 seconds before removing the vacuum connection. This allows positive pressure in the lineset to prevent 'sucking' in outside air when the vacuum connection is removed. Fully opening the refrigerant valves before removing the vacuum connection (as you did) also prevents outside air from being 'sucked' into the lineset, however, in that scenario I think you lose refrigerant from the lineset that gets 'sucked' into the vacuum hose, because the vacuum hose also was in a vacuum along with the lineset before the refrigerant is released. The refrigerant 'lost' in the vacuum line might not be an issue if your lineset is less than 25 feet, since the mini split may be designed to contain sufficient refrigerant for a 25 foot lineset.

[@joshsoorlin579]

This was the one thing i noticed he didnt do that others seem to prefer to do, thanks for clarification

[@TrueStrategicEyes]

Best one yet

[@giuseppebuzzanca381]

Fantastic, cristal clear, instructive! Thank you so very much!

[@gilbertotrevisan6538]

How do you possibli know tha there's a leak with the low pressure valve closed on the manifold gauge?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

The valve opens and closes the center port. The manifold gauge side is always connected and on.

[@gilbertotrevisan6538]

​@@HVAC_MechanicMy bad, man..😅😅..I'm a rookie and didn't realize that the manometer wasn't controlled by the valve...I disassembled mine's to know how it worked...🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼

[@jwells1501]

Assuming both shut off valves are open going to the heat pump?

[@patrickmuenchen1863]

Awesome video. thanks. Getting ready to install mine and this helps greatly.

[@joelschrock4590]

Great video very well explained

[@greggv8]

How does a DIY installer find a tiny leak without a nitrogen pressurizing setup? I used Nylog blue on the fittings, made sure the vacuum hoses are clean and tight, got a brand new vacuum pump too. It pulls down almost to -30 but no farther and when I close the valve and turn off the pump, in about 30 minutes it's back to 0.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Usually, the leaks are at the flares, but the line-set will need to be pressurized and tested with soapy water. If you do not have Nitrogen, a low-cost KWIK-E-VAC Line Set Flushing Kit can be used to pressurize the line. Here is a link: amzn.to/3AKpE3u

[@HiepNguyen-zs4up]

Really good simple video to understand 👍👍👍👍👍

[@nick4506]

I once got burned on that last step a long time ago from the escapeing freon. I heard puting like 1 psi in the lines from the unit then takeing the set off then opening the valves is a good way. But then i heard that freon messes up the valves, idk what to think.

[@toolman380]

Great video, helped out a lot

[@monikaramos9891]

My pump smokes when I open the low pressure valve, instantly climbs to -30and when I close the valve is zeros out immediately, I'm thinking I need to pressure test?

[@michaelcaldwell4890]

I've installed a few mini splits without evacuating due to not knowing it was necessary. I am about to install one and wanted to evacuate. My question is this... How is it possible to evacuate the lines when the valves to both connections are closed?

[@ffsteel111]

I have a dual zone system so I have two low pressure ports. Do I need to connect my blue and red hose to pull a vacuum on this unit and after I pull a vacuum do I fill with 410 A on both low pressure hoses? Or do I connect just a blue one and my yellow line to my 410a

[@gerarddumont199]

Is there a leak if the blue gauge moved fractionally to the left when I first turned off the pump but then stayed at the same position for over 2 hours?

[@danielhuynh01]

Thank you, awesome video.

[@robdurham6745]

When looking up this guahe set on Amazon, it looks like it now has the adaptor included or am I seeing that wrong?

[@walter2670]

Thanks* for showing the disconnecting of the blue line.

[@keithy831]

I see the vacuum pump says R410am does it work with R32 freon too?

[@bsd3662]

new mini split lost all refrigerant when i vacuum the line set do i leave the values to compresser open or closed ?

[@haiyanqu698]

Thanks for showing "De minimis release", never heard of that. I am wondering if you should read the gauge before you remove it from service port? So you know if the mini split hold full refrigerant. Thanks.

[@tomhanwayescape]

definitely! otherwise you won't know if it came fully charged. I had two new ones come low on charge.

[@JohnSmith-dp3cx]

Question. How did you pull vacuum when the valve was closed? Is that valve 3 way valve?

[@NicolasHerreraAmezcua]

Quick question, when you open the valve to release the refrigerant into the system, does the AC have to be on? Or does it have to be turned on right after? TIA

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

The unit should be off until the refrigerant is in the system.

[@NicolasHerreraAmezcua]

@@HVAC_Mechanic thanks a lot, great video

[@drimont21]

You’re suppose to open the 2 way valve first. You can even open it a quarter of the way for 10 seconds, close it, and check for leaks using dish soap and water on all your connections to make sure you have no leaks. Then after you’re sure there’s no leaks open the 2 way valve all the way. Then open the 3 way valve all the way. Besides that good video.

[@mosessithebe9325]

Very useful info.My question is that what's the procedure if at first I didn't perform a vacuum because I didn't have the vacuum pump.I have bought it with all required gauges,Is the procedure still the same as the unit has be running for couple weeks.Do I need to follow the same procedure or something else. Info will be highly appreciated.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

If the unit was not vacuumed down before releasing the refrigerant, then there are contaminants in the system. To fix it, the refrigerant will need to be recovered, the unit vacuumed down, and new refrigerant added back in by weight.

[@mosessithebe9325]

@HVAC_Mechanic thanks for the advice.

[@bertpainter8385]

@@HVAC_Mechanic Does this hold true if you did do a vacuum but years later sprung a leak and unit stopped working with code saying low refrigerant? Do I still recover what's in the system? I closed both hi and low ports for now repaired the leak (bad shrader valve or should say probably loose, but replaced it anyway). Now was going to vacuum line set as there was only 60psi left in the line set after closing both ports and hooking up a gauge to test. Pushed on the shrader valve to see if anything started to come out and nothing. I assumed refrigerant escaped but don't know if that means air go in too.

[@TomSon-ej3pw]

How important is to tighten caps? Are they playing any role except dirt protection?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Mainly for protection, but those valves can sometimes leak with age, so they can also help seal the system if they do leak.

[@simonwilliams2455]

Great job very helpful indeed

[@Poekieman]

Well, that seems easy enough to do. Thanks for the video.

[@ernestassiusis1333]

what if I connected the vacuum pump hoses wrongly?

[@andreipangilinan-b1u]

Sir When releasing the refrigerant to system what should I open first the suction or discharge valve or it doesn't really matter?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Its best to follow the manual from the manufacturer. Most state to open the suction line first while others don't say. Personally, I don't think it matters.

[@andreipangilinan-b1u]

@HVAC_Mechanic thanks

[@OpticalReward]

On the Daikin 4mxs outdoor condenser, it has a liquid line and gas port service valve. I assume you're only required to vacuum down the gas port? Everyone of these videos only shows a mini split with one service port, but some units have two service ports (each line).

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Units larger than 1 ton often have ports on high-pressure and low-pressure lines. When setting it in a vacuum, only the Low-Pressure big line is used.

[@michaeldivincent9487]

Great video, thank you so much for sharing.

[@diysolaradventures7894]

How do you put pressure back in the lines if you think you lost it all would that keep the outside compressor from running because mine's is running very slow it's not producing no heat there are no leaks it seems like my compressor is really not creating no pressure in the lines there's nothing in them when I checked them

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Did you release the refrigerant from inside the outdoor unit? If there is a leak and refrigerant escaped, more will need to be bought and added back in with a weight scale.

[@diysolaradventures7894]

@HVAC Mechanic no refrigerant leaked out at all I pumped down the system yesterday by closing the one line and allowing the refrigerant to return to the compressor because I needed to disconnect it now I did make one mistake once I reconnect everything I opened the valve releasing the refrigerant back into the lions and car myself bleeding out the air but it hasn't worked since

[@davebastien9921]

Why are there 2 valves for releasing the refrigerant? Is this a 2 zone system?

[@IADHDD]

Did your Adapter have the small part that presses the shrader valve on the compressor connection? Some take off the shrader valve on the mini split compressor connection

[@pedromiranda2711]

What if I'm adding the refrigerant? What is the procedure for that?

[@IFix-Things]

Thank you for making this video. Helped me. Does it matter which way the yellow hose is installed? I notice it’s reverse from the other two

[@negenmiljoen]

Hello friend, won’t the blue line fill with refrigerant if you release the charge? Shouldn’t i first disconnect the blue line (after vacuuming) before i release the refrigerant?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

The blue low-pressure line is turned off. If the blue gauge line is removed before releasing the refrigerant, it will lose its vacuum. So the unit doesn’t lose the vacuum; the line is removed very quickly with only a small amount of refrigerant being released.

[@FishLoaves]

​@HVAC_Mechanic I removed the vacuum and then released refrigerant, did I destroy my unit?

[@SteveP116]

Thank you! I got down to vacuuming and could not finish.

[@kuzik2525]

If it’s a multi zone mini split. Do you just do the same for each line. Or just on the main line.

[@Gradybravo]

Where did you get the 5/16 adapter?

[@tonylam583]

Thank you, thank you...awsome! Just the video I was searching for.🖒

[@grahamchannel2452]

Yeh best vid i have watched

[@zu1502]

How about the 2 freon release ports do they need to be open or closed . Does the unit need to be on wheb vaccuming ? Also when refilling does the unit need to be on

[@zu1502]

And when re filling does the freon ports need to be open or closed .

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

If the unit loses its refrigerant, the leak is fixed, vacuumed down, and new refrigerant is added in by weight with the ports open.

[@zu1502]

@@HVAC_Mechanic yes the unit lost all refrigerant . Do this with the unit on or off ?

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks Pro whil this pomp do the r32 coolant

[@JeffStaska]

Thank you for your mini-split videos! My Mr. Cool unit quit heating efficiently. To service I would like to vacuum, check for leaks and recharge. I'm assuming vacuuming is the first step. Do I CLOSE the two valves on the line set to do this. Then re-open them to charge?

[@Artseventy6]

Can you use an automotive style gauge set?, I got one from O'Reilly's, but the fittings didn't match up

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

They should work. Mini splits need an adapter to attach to standard gauges. A link is in the description.

[@Artseventy6]

@HVAC_Mechanic thanks, but I researched the brand of gauges I got from O'Reilly's, it says it doesn't work for residential style ac units. I have that adapter already. I'll have to get the gauge set at Harbor freight.

[@sherryg1621]

Can you tell me to do if Ive checked everything and it is still no holding a vacuum?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

There are different methods to find a leak. The most common method is to pressurize the system with nitrogen or a propellant, and the fittings are tested with soap and water to see if there is a leak. R152a propellant can be bought on Amazon. Here is a link. amzn.to/3AlXVpH

[@jerrylegocki1157]

Great and very helpful video!

[@toders211]

Hello, I had a question, I vacuumed down my mini split according to your video and it held for an hour at -30microns. Then I released the the high pressure valve and the low pressure valve shot up on the gauge accompanied by a squeal. I discovered a small leak at that connection point with the soap. I fixed the leak but don't know what to do next. Am I ok to do the electrical and run it? Or do I have to do a pump down. Thx for the great videos.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

If the leak is fixed and the unit is working, then it is likely good. If it is still leaking, then it would need to be pumped down and refrigerant placed back into the outside unit while it is fixed.

[@fooch00fhan1]

My gauges have a copper fitting in the middle where the yellow line holds up? Is that supposed to be open or closed?

[@matthewsimon3714]

I lost a bunch of refrigerant when unplugging the vacuum pump. Is that going to affect the performance?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Some refrigerant will escape. If you think it was too much, the only way to know is to see how well it works.