R-410A Charging! Charging a System that is Very Low on Refrigerant, Avoid the Evap Freezing! Part 1

[@acservicetechchannel]

Our Inverter Mini Split Resources: Mini Split Book on Our Website- www.acservicetech.com/mini-split-book Mini Split Paperback on Amazon- amzn.to/3ytHJSs Mini Split Paperback on TruTech Tools- www.trutechtools.com/BooksGuides?aff=8 Mini Split E-Book on Google- play.google.com/store/books/details?id=HN-iEAAAQBAJ Mini Split E-Book on Apple- books.apple.com/us/book/id6445178399 Our Single Speed and Two Speed Air Conditioning Resources: My Paperback and E-Book: www.acservicetech.com/the-book My Paperback: www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech Read the book reviews on Amazon! Check out our new Articles at www.acservicetech.com/articles Support the Channel by purchasing tools through Tru Tech Tools! Use this link www.trutechtools.com/?Aff=8 Save 8% at checkout using code "acservicetech" Support and Tool List- www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech Support- www.patreon.com/acservicetech For those that are looking for the tools used in the videos: (Linked Below) Here is the Link for the Yellow Jacket Refrigerant Manifold Gauge Set used in the videos- amzn.to/2aenwTq Here is a link to Refrigerant hoses with valves used in the videos- amzn.to/2aBumVI Here is the Yellow Jacket Manifold Gauge Set including standard hoses- amzn.to/2vLVkV9 Here is the Yellow Jacket 4 Port Brute Manifold with Hoses- amzn.to/2BkuGIq Here is the Fieldpiece SMAN360 Digital Manifold Set- amzn.to/2BdoaD4 Here is the Fieldpiece SMAN460 Digital Manifold Set- amzn.to/2nB4Fe6 Here is the Compact Ball Valve Attachment for the end of the Refrigerant Hose- amzn.to/2KUisW8 Here is the Quick Disconnect 90 degree attachment for the end of the refrigerant hose- amzn.to/2MMtVcg Here is the Link for the newer UEI DL479 Multimeter with temp sensor- amzn.to/2jtsUbJ Here is a link to the UEI DL389 Multimeter used in this video- amzn.to/2av8s3q Here is a link to the Imperial 535-C Kwik Charge Vaporizer for Charging Refrigerant- amzn.to/2wFHtBW Here is the link to the Fieldpiece ST4 Dual Temp Meter- amzn.to/2wc1ME3 Here is a link to the Digital Refrigerant Scale used in the videos- amzn.to/2b9oXYl Here is a link for RectorSeal Bubble Gas Leak Detector amzn.to/2ckWACn Other tool links can be found in the video description section. ACSERVICETECH is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Check out other videos on the HVACR topics of interest at- kzbin.info/door/OZR-1IqsAer9wzlvFgb4mAplaylists?view_as=public If you want to support the ACSERVICETECH Channel and receive more HVAC content, check out www.Patreon.com/acservicetech

[@mikeautostudent5562]

I bought your book and ebook.we need to see your complete book by adding heating and later on refrigeration. I hope when you add heating to your book giving me discount.

[@mikeautostudent5562]

I am from Madison if you like to check. Thanks.

[@longshot82383]

How do you charge a h/p that has zero refrigerant in it because it was all reclaimed? Same principles?

[@jawbrace]

You can tell when someone knows their craft when they speak in and easy to understand language without trying to overimpress the other with big words and ambiguous concepts. Thanks for your videos!

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks glad to help!

[@Ghostad92]

*Easy to assemble **Fastly.Cool*

[@coy2051]

cool.i graduate December 22, 2016. ive done building environment, electricity, blueprints, refridgeration,. I move up to tear 2 which is heaters and boilers.... goldmine trade!!!! shout to valley college, martinsburg west Virginia!!! awesome instructors but I love my youtube for more knowledge! thank you!!

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks for the Comment! My most hungry and hard working students will go home and watch more youtube videos and come back in the next day with questions on them. Keep up your drive, it will reward you!

[@ronaldcach2779]

Where have you been? Now i have a great HVAC learning channel to learn from. Alot better then the other HVAC channels I have watched.

[@acservicetechchannel]

It's been hot out there, been working days and nights on AC units. I just uploaded. I am glad you are enjoying the Channel!

[@michaelcostello6991]

I worked with a guy for 6 weeks and he told me nothing as he kept all info to himself. (Very frustrating) Now i dont care. With your videos i will know much more than him soon :) :) Thank you

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks Michael!

[@boris9331]

How does the vapourizer work, does it have a check valve which stops too much pressure passing through at once, hence less gas? I always watch the guage and very slowly crack the low side open and let the compressor naturally suck a tiny amount without low side pressure increasing anymore than 20 PSI over it's natural suction pressure while running.

[@mattyboyahoy2326]

BEST REFRIGERATION VIDEOS ON KZbin

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thank you very much mattyboy ahoy!

[@mattyboyahoy2326]

what marco?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks mattyboy ahoy for your comments!

[@jimmyung3212]

Love the way you teach.Best teacher ever thank you!!!

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks!

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thank you very much! Feel free to share these videos with the online HVAC community to get the word out! Anyway, thanks for your comments, they are appreciated! More to come!

[@twotoned2774]

Great video and tutorial. My unit leaks out coolant once a year in May and I am tired of paying the guy $300 every time to fill it up. He doesn't use any thermometers or anything. He just hooks up the hoses and fills up. On his way within 10 minutes. Then next year, same thing.

[@acservicetechchannel]

Did he look around in order to try to find the leak? It is not being set to the proper charge level but it also may be leaking out fast and not running efficiently!

[@twotoned2774]

@@acservicetechchannel He found a leak after the second year. It's in the attic (some coils). I cant remember what he said it was called but said since it leaks once a year it's okay until it starts leaking a lot more. But, I need to get it fixed.

[@ba177ba18]

This is exactly what is happening to me. My guy refills my R410a unit every year. He does not use thermometer also. He hooks it up and refill to 150 Psig (sometimes he would swap out the capacitor) and on his way out in 10 min with 300 bucks 😓

[@johnconnor7501]

I would of rather be making payments for a new unit than waste money with that unit, just saying.

[@twotoned2774]

@@johnconnor7501 I just started filling my own freon. Works great and last a year.

[@SuperWingman69]

Thank you for your time and effort in bringing us great content. Hope you're still responding to questions..... this unit you're working on doesn't have a liquid line service valve, only a compressor discharge Schrader connection. I'm working with units that do not have any manifold gauge set valve connections. They use pressure transducers and suction and liquid line temperature sensors. The high pressure transducer is measuring compressor discharge pressure, not liquid line pressure. No subcooling information has been provided. I don't know how I'm supposed to calculate subcooling, can you help?

[@nickma71]

It's interesting how inspection is so different than from MVAC. Of course in automotive, there are different systems and there isn't a hard fast way across the different manufacturers.

[@HowToDoitright]

I’m the beginning are you charging with unit on or off?

[@ismaelortiz3718]

How much are your videos helping me! Thank you for sharing it and God bless you so much! Thanks again!

[@acservicetechchannel]

May God Bless you too, thanks ismael ortiz!

[@waynekellen9043]

I had a system that was low on R410A. Someone came out and checked for a leak. He couldn't find anything, so he started to charge it. I had already watched your videos. He connected the bottle and purged the air. His gauges did NOT have a vaporizer in line with it. He opened the valve and would leave open for a minute or more at a time. He got a charge in it quick. Then shut it all down and started sniffing for the leak again. Found a spot on the outside coil. It was under warranty, so they ordered the part. 15 minutes after he left, there was an awful sound coming from the compressor. So far they haven't been back out with the new coil to replace. I am betting he will be replacing the compressor too.

[@acservicetechchannel]

That noise doesn't sound good. You can do it without the vaporizer but it would be done slower, thanks

[@waynekellen9043]

acservicetech Came back out and found out it was the accumulator not the coil. They had to order it. Another week later he came back with it. After 4 hours of installing it, he pulled vacuum. Then hooked the bottle on again without a vaporizer (Is it needed without the compressor running?). After filled, he turned the system on. The compressor was LOUD! He let it run that way for about 5 minutes and it kicked out, then kicked back on after about a minute. He then calls his boss to tell him what it was doing. His boss wants to hear it over the phone. Now they are ordering a new compressor. He said he will be back tomorrow. I don't think I want him back tomorrow. Ugh. The system is at most 4 years old.

[@charlieb8417]

if suspected low refrigerant should you check with bubble Leak Detector around caps even before removing the caps? and then again at each schrader valve after removing caps but before attaching your gauges? isn't the schrader valve the most prevalent cause of slow to very slow refrigerant leaking?? Should you replace your older valve caps with newer o-ring caps?

[@kristinastorlie7909]

Can you post a video of the set up from the beginning? This video started from all equipment hooked up. It would be nice to see troubleshooting and equipment hookup.

[@acservicetechchannel]

Check this one out done recently, thanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/b52Wn2qvhsSBa80

[@arthernandez1363]

Great video. I have one question, I was under the impression that when 410a leaks out of a system, it should be recovered and replaced with new refrigerant.

[@acservicetechchannel]

If the unit is leaking while it is running then it is usually leaking at a correctly mixed rate. If it mainly leaked while off, the refrigerant with the higher pressure will leak out faster. Only if it is a significant leak would you need to recover all and replace with all new refrigerant. Other zeotropic blends would be a different case though, thanks!

[@arthernandez1363]

@@acservicetechchannel thank you for your reply.

[@savedbygrace6365]

Acservicetech the link you sent is a great answer to my questions. I did not realize that there is so much going on to prevent the slugging. Thank you so much!!! I'm looking forward to your next vid. Thanks again.

[@acservicetechchannel]

That's great!

[@EastDallasKicks]

On superheat/piston charging do I use the high side sat temp?

[@Muttt13]

Please help…I have a packaged carrier unit like this that uses r-22 and doesn’t specify if there’s a TXV or not….can’t find a manual anywhere including the carrier website…if it looks like this, is it safe to assume I can hook up the gauge the same way?

[@godbluffvdgg]

Thanks so much for these videos, I've subbed...I've learned a lot! I am in the trades and the one trade I haven't studied well was HVAC...It's a lifetime of study, I wish I had started 30 years ago...Although, I am glad I don't have to work on an air handler, in an attic on a 100 degree day...:)...You guys earn every penny and then some! I'm glad my brother in law is the AC guy in the family...:)...I fix my own system with the easy stuff e.g. filter, pressure switch, cap, blowing out condensate line...But the gauges and different refrigerants are above my expertise...Hire a pro to do that stuff...They're worth every penny! :)

[@acservicetechchannel]

Glad you enjoying the videos!

[@HowToDoitright]

So for all 410a charging I have to have charge in vapors? I cannot charge the system as liquid directly without vaporizer device?

[@acservicetechchannel]

You can add as a liquid slowly but must protect the compressor. Here is a video, thanks- kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYTTl3WOndBjpLM

[@coreybast8904]

Also you can charge the unit with liquid into a liquid receiver if they have one on the system, but the unit must be tuned off when ‘bombing’ the charge in

[@stevengao8345]

thanks for this wonder video, the 410a is free for anyone to buy not like r22, my question is that inside refrigerant tank contains liquid or gas? i checked only, it says it is on gas form ? but i heard the water flow sound when you flip over the tank, thanks.

[@tmmyjay]

Did you fix the leak?

[@djfunkychicken]

I'm from Australia and I find it funny that you turn the bottles upside down.. I haven't seen that in many years. We have bottles with a liquid port joined into the suction (liquid side has a straw that internally goes to the bottom of the bottle). That vaporizer looks cool but personally I still wouldn't trust it.. zeotropic gasses on a large system might get effected using this method. If a system is empty, the way I like to charge is open the bottle (with scales of course) and wait for the unit and bottle pressures to equalise.. this usually gets you pretty close to the right charge.. but watch them scales! If it's a small system.. real easy to overcharge

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yeah I do not use the vaporizer when charging a system from scratch with the unit off. Just weigh liquid refrigerant into the liquid side until you get to the exact weight or a little less, then turn the system on and check charge in subcooling. All new systems I put in have txv's. Those tanks are what we have in the US. It sound like your tanks for virgin refrigerant resemble our recovery tanks. If you have a solid column of liquid coming out of the bottom of the bottle and then it hits the vaporizer and puts sat state or vapor refrigerant into the line then the refrigerant is coming out of the bottle as mixed. What is nice is that I can charge very fast with a vaporizer and not here any compressor noise changes, Thanks!

[@sortom2766]

Thank you ac service tech very informative video

[@acservicetechchannel]

Glad to help!

[@danielodea5675]

Do they sell replacement gaskets for the imperial liquid vaporizer your using?

[@Codextrm]

very nice ! ! ! Explained very nicely and pointing out the little details that makes the difference

[@acservicetechchannel]

Exactly, every little detail helps! Thanks!

[@Codextrm]

I'm using your videos to learn HVAC , apart from reading .

[@Codextrm]

Studying for my EPA certification , cant afford the schooling so learning from work and insight from customers . I work at an HVAC and appliance store , so I know basics

[@acservicetechchannel]

Keep at it and good luck on your test! Here are two videos that may help you prepare---kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6KvqHhtgMesl9lh----kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4WznnuQn5eLbs0

[@greenhornetbandit5437]

mad skills good information easy to understand keep the videos coming

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thank you for the Comment!

[@roviegretchelbucad2316]

I would like to ask if is it possible to add or charge the package system in the vapor side with liquid R410A with out the use of the liquid vaporizer. Just using a normal 3 way gauge manifold. Thank you in advance! Great video,!!

[@MVPProductionsBeats]

I was at a house today that was almost flat, so I charge it up quickly up to passed freezing but after that, the low side stopped sweating and wasn’t that cold. The compressor still sounded normal but system wasn’t blowing that cold. Did I flood the compressor or maybe the evap froze during the process? I was not using a vaporizer like you were. Also, it was a TXV inside and subcooling was perfect.

[@MVPProductionsBeats]

I was concerned about possibly slugging the compressor so I told the customer to leave the system off and allow the furnace fan to flow (in case of evaporator freezing) for a couple hours then turn the system back to cool.

[@thebmo-man7863]

really cool video. best i've seen on this topic. i'd love to see your instructions and input on charging and dealing with mini splits that don't have a high side port and proper charging of those units.

[@acservicetechchannel]

Unfortunately we have to charge by weight if it is an inverter which means that we need to pull the charge out, fix the leak, nitrogen test and weigh it back in. If it is a single speed unit then it can be done with two temp sensors, thanks

[@thebmo-man7863]

yes i found ur mini split videos. very cool man. thx for the fast reply. just got a P4 error on my 33k midea.

[@pickelrick6377]

If the system has a liquid accumulater, won't that prevent liquid flood back anyway? So would you not have to throttle in the r410a?

[@dm4789]

What does one do when the system has gotten low enough to short cycle? My understanding is the compressor needs to be running to meter in the refrigerant.

[@rocker8692]

Do you ever put the refrigerant cylinder in warm water to get all the refrigerant out?Thanks

[@acservicetechchannel]

I just recover the rest to save time once the liquid is gone. You can put it in hot water though, thanks Chad!

[@sweettymack6326]

Do you guys offer gauges for beginners...???

[@FlyEaglesFly19111]

Did the leak ever get found and fixed? Isnt that an EPA requirement per being a cardholder of refrigeration? Also 410-A is that an azetrope refrigerant?

[@acservicetechchannel]

I do video on training units and units in the shop so this is an example of charging a very low system. Unfortunately at this point in time per epa 608 guidelines, you don't have to fix small leaks but it is not smart to just charge and leave either since it will leak out again. It can also cause water damage problems in the building fue to freezing the coil and possible compressor problems with low oil return and less cooling of the compressor. For finding leak videos look up" acservicetech finding refrigerant leak" and also look up ultrasonic leak detector, thanks!

[@kenmarriott5772]

Why not purge the service line with gas from the tank? Or is it better to loose a little liquid and keep the blend mixture intact?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Keep the blend mixture intact, thanks

[@crustymooguke2049]

Nice videos! I just had a tech come out and recharge my Rheem 3.5 ton unit and this has me worried it was done super fast. He said the unit was really low and added about 3lbs 14 ounces of 410A in less than 30 min. From what I could see on the inside panel, the Rheem gives you a chart of pressures that should be read on a fully charged system depending on ambient air temp so I was watching his digital meter. Although he ran out of refrigerant before it was "fully" charged (he offered to come back later if it wasn't cool enough). Looking at your vids, I can't see one that is exactly like the Rheem but this makes me more comfortable knowing what they are doing and hopefully more comfortable doing it myself in the future. Thanks.

[@acservicetechchannel]

I am very glad that you appreciate the videos!

[@summitm18hvac90]

Package units are differnt than split units. You don't have to be as cautious charging as with these types of units I'm guessing.

[@truckinforever985]

My ac system is very low on 410A, and my split system is calling for 8 degrees of sub cooling. I have a txv and the sub cooling is at 2 degrees. The low side is currently at 30 degrees in the middle of the evaporator cooler. So when I start my unit up do I need to wait for 10 minutes before I start to add 410a on the low side, or should I start it up and begin to add 410 immediately. All your videos are real good, and I have been buying many of your tool posted. I will be getting the scale as well when I pick up the r410a Thank you for all your very knowledgable videos.

[@acservicetechchannel]

Add the refrigerant after about a minute in that case and yes don't let the evap feeze. You can start by adding maybe 3-4 ounces and give it a little time, then just 1/2 oz-1 oz at a time and wait. You are asking the exact right questions. Great to hear and thank you very much!

[@MohammedTaqe]

Some say that if a leak occurs, the entire charge must be emptied, and the charge should be zero, because when leaking, you do not know whether you lost gas or liquid, is this true?

[@benrichards6963]

As a matter of interest . What happens to the compressor or the system in general if you accidentally overcharge the system?

[@acservicetechchannel]

When you have a txv in an air conditioner, it costs more electricity and lower capacity, compressor wear and tear. For freezers, the unit will never reach the correct temp and just run and run because the low side sat temp is too high, thanks!

[@jasonray6547]

had my unit charged today with 410a tech told me he added 2lbs to it but i watched him and after watching your video i am now certain that he only added a few ounces. he only cracked the service line a couple times and just for a few sec each. pretty sure i was grossly over charged. my unit was cooling just not keeping up in the heat of the day. still had a 12° deference between return and register.. knowlege is power. wont let that happen again

[@acservicetechchannel]

I am glad you enjoyed the video then and that it was useful for you! You are right Knowledge is Power!

[@savedbygrace6365]

Thank you for your quick response and the link. You are correct its wonderful, and we will reap our reward which is much much closer than when we first believed. Thanks again!!

[@DHVAC]

Does it matter if im in heat or cooling mode??

[@jamesrockford5145]

If the pkg unit had a piston, would you then change to superheat?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yes if the unit had the ports in the correct locations. You could also use the Total Weight Method from when the system is in vacuum and just weigh exactly what is stated on the rating plate, thanks James!

[@jamesrockford5145]

AC Service Tech LLC Didn't learn about locations in school. I got an old R22, piston, no data plate running, for a senior And was curious how it could be charged. If my memory serves me, the port on the suction line was less then 6 inches from compressor.

[@cruzer8862]

I was told R410 is a blend of 3 refrigerants and if it’s low you can’t just add refrigerant cause your blend with be off, you have to remove what’s left and recharge with new R410a is this true I feel like I have been doing more work than what’s needed?

[@steveandrushko75]

I can't get a straight answer does R-410A fraction if there is a leak like R-134A?

[@acservicetechchannel]

134a doesn't fractionate because 134a is only made up of 134a. R410a is made up of r32 and r125 but is near azeotropic so the fractionation will be very minimal and if it is mainly running while leaking then it will leak at an even rate during the run time, thanks and see if you can find the leak, thanks!

[@steveandrushko75]

@@acservicetechchannel Thanks!

[@20rajtube]

hi mr acservicetech thank you very much for sharing your knowledge . your teaching and explanation is very good and informative. i learned a lot from your teachings. i got some questions. 1) what is the target super heat or sub cooling temperature which we have to set while charging the refrigerant for the ac unit. do we have to check the specs plate on the unit to consider the target super heat temp or sub cooling. some times they dont give . they give only pressure on high side and low side . in that case how do we charge. what kind of method used sub cooling method or super heat method? or just hook up the meters on high side and low side and let the refrigerant into the system on both sides and set the pressure? could you please explain or make a separate video step by step.thank you raj

[@acservicetechchannel]

For answers on superheat and subcooling---kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGjQnmiad7N4m7Nh----kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5LSdmNnYteYZ7Nh---kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGjMmYSggpJlnrdh---kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWulmZ9hphrZ9k If a unit's rating plate is wore off and the unit then usually we figure 8-12 degree of subcooling.Check out the superheat playlist for how to find and apply the rating. I is a little a little bit involved. These videos should answer your questions. Please give me another comment with any other questions that were not answered in the above mentioned videos. Thanks!

[@mark.r8900]

hi, so if this system has a fixed orifice you would take the temperature at the output of the evaporator then? thank you.

[@timjacobs1997]

Can you mix 410a with r22??

[@johnnysoco8852]

410r does it need to be charge liquid?

[@victorsr6708]

Wait why are the unit panels off during changing or even checking the refrigerant? Did you fix the leak prior to charging ?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Hey Boxing Guru, the ports were in the compressor compartment on this unit. This did not affect indoor or outdoor airflow, thanks!

[@rb02bab46]

Can you point me to a video or link to help me understand how much refrigerant I should plan for when changing out a complete system. I know the manufacturer list the pre charged amount for 15' of line set.

[@acservicetechchannel]

I state weights in this video but would like to put a video out on that, thanks

[@AliAhmed-kq7lc]

Great work thanks ... can I use PT chart in automobiles air conditioning system too?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yes but the problem is that the auto compressors are not single speed so you can't use superheat because this will change depending on the compressor speed, thanks

[@savedbygrace6365]

I have a question that may be a dumb question, but here goes. on the low side/suction side of the compressor, it's a vapor going into the compressor . When the power has been off long enough for the entire unit to be at ambient temp. #1 does that vapor become a liquid? #2 If it does can it slug the compressor on start up?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Great questions! The vapor meaning the low side and the liquid meaning the high side will turn into a saturated state at ambient. Picture it like a large refrigerant bottle with liquid at the bottom and vapor at the top. #2 is a very great question. I will refer you to this article due to the length of the answer--www.achrnews.com/articles/113991-the-professor-refrigerant-migration

[@acservicetechchannel]

I wanted to add that I am Saved by Grace as well! It is a beautiful thing!

[@perpetuant5452]

If you kept the bottle right side up, wouldn't that also give you vapor?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yes if the virgin R-410A bottle was right side up it would be vapor but the manufacturers of equipment and the refrigerant manufacturers do not want you to take refrigerant out of the bottle unless it is in liquid form so that the two refrigerants that make up R-410A have the proper mix. This differs from R-22 freon as that is made of just one refrigerant. Thanks Perpetuant!

[@melvin292]

acservicetech - excellent point so why not evacuate and replace with virgin liquid?

[@stevee7774]

@@melvin292 - because it would take twice as long and time is money. Not only that but on a system with 6 pounds of refrigerant that is 2 pounds low, you would end up recovering 4 pounds of perfectly good refrigerant and then turn around and put 6 pounds of virgin in. That stuff ain’t cheap.

[@LuisC202]

I have a question. Suppose you get vacuum pump oil into the lineset. You notice this happens and you use Nitrogen to get it out of the lineset. You perform a good vacuum and open the service valves. You then realize the line dryer can still be saturated with mineral oil. What is the best step to remedy this situation? Thanks

[@acservicetechchannel]

If you did not turn the system on yet meaning running the compressor where the poe oil is at then you could recover not pump down, then cut the filter drier out and braze another in because the oils didn't touch each other yet. You could also use nitrogen to blow more out once the old filter drier is gone. How much vacuum pump oil are we talking? I am assuming you had an older style vac pump that didn't have check valve. Just a side note but everyone should always install filter driers inside so that they don't rot. It is not harder to do as some suggest. I am assuming that the filter drier was right next to the outdoor service ports. I hope that helped! Thanks for the question!

[@LuisC202]

+acservicetech he already opened up the service valves and the system has been running like this for 4 days. so he should recover the freon and place the dryer inside the house vacuum and recharge with new r410a. is this correct. The pump is an older Robinair 5400. WE bought a new Appion TeZ 8 with the Megaflow kits to get a fast vacuum.

[@acservicetechchannel]

Depending on how much we are talking yes that should be done, you are not going to be able to get all of it out though even doing that because it is now on all of the walls of the tubing and piping and in the compressor. That certainly will help though! Thanks!

[@LuisC202]

Thank you very much. I asked like 10 guys on youtube this same question and NONE will help answer them. Keep the videos coming you are awesome at the videos. Some of these guys on KZbin are pricks... I am going through my EPA 608 pretty soon. I have more equipment than 90% of the techs that have arrived to my house...

[@acservicetechchannel]

Ha ha nice, yeah keep up the diligent studying and searching for answers. There are some good people that I get to talk to that are really going for it. Initiative is the most important thing. After you get done that EPA 608, check out my video on techs entering into the trades. I list some other easy to get certs that will help! You can find any video you want on the channel's VIDEO page by typing in the search box. Thanks!

[@MrJwinne]

I come from the commercial end . I'm just getting use to the way techs charge units on the residential end when the pressures are low . My question to you is , did this unit have a leak ? If so , why not go through the appropriate steps of recovery , nitro, leak check , repair , and recharge method ? I'm not scrutinizing, just wondering why residential techs rarely do that ?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Many of the videos are made to show what if scenarios and not actual service calls. This would be as if they found a leaky Schrader or txv fitting. Here is a video on weighing in the full charge from vacuum after nitrogen test. Thanks Joseph --kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTKfXePp9uBbNk

[@MrJwinne]

Gotcha . Thanks for the feedback . Great videos btw . Very informative.

[@wild_boys_yt]

If a system is completely flat after a repair (package unit), how would you go about recharging?

[@boriel91]

you would need to pull a vacuum and just fill the system to factory recommendation.

[@wild_boys_yt]

@@boriel91 I pulled vacuum (470 microns) and but my scale broke, so I added what thought I needed and it froze, went back next day, realized I overcharged the day prior, then recovered, then got pressures where I needed. 65 ambient / 72 low / 270 hi / 18 subcool, which exactly where the manufacture specs were set for. So no issue there. but it kept freezing over, went back today and when I opened the blower motor compartment I noticed it was smoking....fried blower, so my lack of airflow was causing the freezing. fun days. that's why I hate doing repairs for other techs. Lesson: Diagnose it yourself even if you're just there to do the repair. I had swapped a txv and spent 2 days on refrigeration when it was likely just the airflow issue.

[@charlieb8417]

verify everything first, common HVAC sense, remember your schooling.

[@markd16]

Great video, learning so much. Does it matter if heat pump is in heat vs cool mode?(aside from where hoses are connected)

[@acservicetechchannel]

You have to check the charge in cooling mode so the accumulator is drained, thanks

[@Flowcap]

Hey the company I recently started working for told me to charge liquid refrigerant through the suction line where in school I was taught to only charge liquid through the liquid line I don't know what I'm suppose to do any advice

[@larryvaughn327]

Assuming this procedure is being performed while in AC mode, what if anything needs to be done differently when in HP mode?

[@acservicetechchannel]

The issue really is if the system has an accumulator and in heat mode, you don't know how much refrigerant is in the accumulator due to the varying load on the outdoor coil. Some people try to check superheat but it can't be a consistent number. Also if this charge is correct just say in a heat pump then the outdoor coil could still be freezing and is actually supposed to be due to the winter temperatures not that that is a good thing. This does not happen in cooling mode and that is why we can get the exact charge in during cooling when the accumulator is drained. If there is a bad leak then you recover the refrigerant fix the leak and weigh in the exact amount needed into the system. You would need to weigh in what it states on the rating plate plus any additional feet worth of lineset. Thanks!

[@johnaleen6099]

I have one question that always confused me. when and what side do you charge the systems low or high side?

[@acservicetechchannel]

You always charge the system into the low side when the system is running but if the system is vacuumed down to 500 microns and off, you can weigh liquid refrigerant into the high side. Thanks for the question!weighing in at 500 microns kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTKfXePp9uBbNl3harging in real time kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX2wioWJYt6pjrM

[@jimmypopejoy2259]

A/C froze up. Low side was 75 410a. Man came by added Freon. Compressor was loading up hard and started shutting off and on. I stopped everything. Bought some gauges and had both low and high at approx 250 and 600. Started letting off pressure in empty bottle. It settled down but pressure is at 130 and 420. Sounds smooth but very nervous. What should I do from here.

[@rocker8692]

Why do people use the AC gauge hoses with the shut off lever on them?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Are you talking about the shut off on the hoses? It is so you have more control over your vacuum and your refrigerant from coming out when disconnecting. When you pull a vacuum, you can switch to the refrigerant without losing the vac. Thanks

[@michaelcostello6991]

You said aim for EVAP saturation temp of 35-48 degrees. Is this the case just for some refrigerants or all. Or does it depend on the application such as a fridge or cool room. Thanks Michael

[@acservicetechchannel]

Most all air conditioning systems unless extremely low wb inside or very high wet bulb inside, not refrigeration, thanks

[@phillipjoy8191]

How do you know if the refrigerant didn't fractionate when it leaked? I would think you would have to recover and add virgin 410a.You have Great videos. I really enjoy them. Thanks

[@acservicetechchannel]

Great Question, because this is a near azeotropic refrigerant with .3 degree temp diff on the pt chart, they tend to leak at the same rate. The manufacturers recommend to charge as a liquid to be safe. On R-410A safety tests such as ESCO and EPATEST.com you can top these off after you have fixed a leak. Thanks and I am glad you are ejoying the videos!

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job and video

[@Z71Ranger]

Great video... Will there be a part 2...

[@acservicetechchannel]

This is part 2 ---kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWTQXnisrtucnLth--- Thanks

[@easterncoolingheating1398]

HI and ty for the info , One question if ok .may I ask was this unit running or off when you were charging . Ty sorry if this was a dumb question , I couldn't tell or here if it was running or not . thanks

[@acservicetechchannel]

My mic cancels out background noise and yes it is running, thanks!

[@michaelmead2076]

I’m very glad I subscribed to your channel! I have a question for you. How come you’re turning the bottle upside down to introduce liquid into the system and letting it go through that vaporizer on your gauge to change it to vapour, when you can have it up right and open the vapour port on the bottle and introduce it that way? Is this turning the bottle upside down technique when the bottle gets low and you can’t get all the liquid from the tank through the liquid valve on the bottle? I’m curious! Thanks!

[@acservicetechchannel]

It is because R-410a is a near azeotropic mixture and has to come out of the bottle as a liquid to keep the proper mix, thanks

[@michaelmead2076]

acservicetech okay I do understand that but isn’t there two nozzles on the bottle it’s self? Blue for vapour and red for liquid? Doesn’t the liquid port have a tube that draws from the bottom on the bottle?

[@stevee7774]

@@michaelmead2076- 3 years late but no, only one port on the cylinder. Upright, you get vapor. Inverted, you get liquid.

[@ericmcintyre2137]

i have a question about 410 why would my company say i have to recover and vac down 410 even if its a little low because its 410. i have added 410 to many air conditioners and it works just fine

[@acservicetechchannel]

They are saying to recover to find and fix the leak. There would be no need to do that if you were just adding some due to a small leak. That will not be a problem with R410A. That could be a problem with a more zeotropic refrigerant such as M099 or NU22B but not R410A much since it is near azeotropic, thanks!

[@truthisstillthetruth]

R410A is a blend and I was told that the refrigerant needs to be removed and a new virgin charge put back in so you maintain the correct blend, what is your comments on this rule of thought?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Great question! In the case of R-410A, manufacturer trainings will say it is ok to top off systems as far as the blend is concerned because it is near azeotropic even though they want the refrigerant to come out of the bottle as a liquid to avoid fractionation. Obviously not over and over again. If you are working with other zeotropic refrigerants then more care must be taken when fixing leaks and adding to the charge. Here is some good reading material. Thanks for the question! www.achrnews.com/articles/82752-blends-101-an-introduction-to-refrigerants

[@truthisstillthetruth]

Thank you for the information!

[@benrichards6963]

I have a MV1000 Scotsman Ice Machine. That has a 3 phase compressor with R22 gas. What should my ideal pressures be when operating (freezing) stage and also at defrost stage? I have a feeling that my high pressure is operating to low.

[@baltazar0007]

what is the minimum demands for the pressure gauge set. a 2 way system or 3 way or 4 way. i see different versions on the market.

[@acservicetechchannel]

You don't need anything other than a two handle, 3 port set such as this- amzn.to/2aenwTq - amzn.to/2aBumVI --. That will take care of any ac system. The 4 valve, 4 port manifolds are if you want to vacuum through the gauge set which I don't do now. look up "acservicetech full vacuum procedure". The single gauge 2 port ones are for minisplit systems that only have one service port, thanks

[@dangerdane2197]

great video! very informative

[@acservicetechchannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardmaurer9002]

layman's question: What is the basic difference between refrigerants, such as R-12 R-22 R-304 R-502? I don't mean chemical analysis, but is it possibly a viscosity thing? Why do vehicles converted to 134 from R12 seem to be less efficient with the mandated refrigerant? Thanks, Fritz

[@acservicetechchannel]

These really have to do with what temperatures these refrigerants change state at from liquid to gas. They are developed due to these constraints for certain applications only. Thanks!

[@benkadavilalexander5975]

Great video sir. you said txv so I am assuming it is a not a VRF system. My question is this, can subcooling method be used to charge a VRF system?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Subcooling could be used to monitor but not to charge. You have to use manufacturer approved methods for them but obviously they say they like us to weigh in the correct amount due to length, thanks.

[@benkadavilalexander5975]

Thank you sir. yeah, that is what they said.

[@amitbiswas8302]

Sir ,what is the best gas charging method?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Subcooling for txv's, superheat for piston or capillary tube systems, thanks

[@nunyabusiness6746]

Subcooling for txv? I don't think so there sparky, superheat is what you check, and in the forty five years I was in the field I never even once did anything other than feel the suction line with my hand for a proper chill. You guys are anal ! And that chargemaster POS is a useless device, I never wasted a dime buying one, just meter the gas with your manifold and don't be so slow about it, especially with a scroll compressor, no pistons means much less fuss charging the system.

[@stevee7774]

Lol! 🤣

[@roadstar499]

do you use same gauge set as with auto ac? if so are the connectors the same also? thanks

[@acservicetechchannel]

I have the end hose fittings for automotive linked in the access port section on www.acservicetech.com/tools

[@urbanojuarez3268]

quick question. what if the saturation temperature is 60 ? do I need to add more refrigerant to bring it down to a 40 degree coil?

[@acservicetechchannel]

That is too high, you would need to check the superheat and subcooling to determine the problem, thanks

[@urbanojuarez3268]

acservicetech Its a new system I install I still need to add like 6oz more of 410a refrigerant . Do you think that will change anything ?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yes it may if the superheat is high and low on refrigerant but you would need to know if you need to check in subcooling for txv or superheat for piston. We can't go on just the sat temp alone to figure it out. Check out some of these videos on reading the gauge set subcooling and superheat, thanks- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqGroZl5etZrf7s

[@brianellsworth4767]

I have the same problem with some units. 88 outdoor temp with 88 indoor temps. Subcool 12.Suction pressure 148 with superheat 30 degrees. I am going to check it today and hope to find it more in the ballpark.

[@michaelcostello6991]

Does the system have to be in any particular state when checking charge. For example does the room stat have to be turned up full or if there are 2 condensor fans, do both have to be running etc etc. I am new to this field so there may be other considerations. Please advise.

[@acservicetechchannel]

You can check both unit compressors if you have the system on full cooling or just check one at a time at half the airflow 1st stage cooling, thanks

[@newtong579]

Hi very informative video. One question, what's the difference between the discharge port and liquid port? Thought they were the same thing...

[@acservicetechchannel]

Great Question! So the liquid, high side, and discharge are all referred to as the same thing in the field. The discharge off of the compressor before the condensor coil is where this manufacturer has placed its service port and there is no port on the liquid line at all. This compressor discharge port is reading the refrigerant at its hottest point in the entire system as a vapor. This manufacturer stated to take the pressure reading from this compressor discharge and a temperature on the liquid line after the condensor and that is why they are calling for such a high subcooling even though that technically is not a subcooling but a total temp decrease measurement. This is not the norm as most have a liquid port where you convert to a saturated temp on your gauge set minus the actual temp only a few inches away to get the actual subcooling. Thanks for the Comment!

[@will2power23803]

Just out of curiosity, is the system off while you are filling it? I didn't hear it mentioned anywhere whether or not the system is off while you're adding refrigerant.

[@joshuagaddy2206]

It can be both honestly

[@qb6025]

How much pressure should be on working blue 410a gauge?

[@acservicetechchannel]

It will depend on the heat load on the building. Check out "acservicetech superheat playlist" and "acservicetech subcooling playlist" for more info on checking the charges. Unfortunately we can just use pressures but superheat and subcooling, thanks

[@SombraLocs]

Another great video! You make some great educational videos.

[@nolayaheardme402]

If a 410a compressor is low but has a r22 coil upstairs...should you fill it or will this cause overpressure in the r22 system?

[@acservicetechchannel]

The evap coil would have a metering device for r410a and a tech would only reuse a evap if the design pressure was high and able to handle r410a. If the equipment was designed to run together then it can be charged using the subcooling method if it has a txv or superheat method if it has a fixed orifice. I would find and fix the leak or it will just leak out again though, thanks!

[@ketomoments8703]

Great video! Very informative. So, how to do you charge the system if empty(new install) and the AC wont pull refrigerant because it wont turn on. Doe's it have a shut off safety until it detects Freon. Inside unit runs, but not outside. Fan runs when I push the contactor button. I performed all pre-charge and diagnostics concerning the contactor, compressor and input power to the unit as instructed in your e-book. Keep up the great videos, it's a great help to us who are trying to save a few bucks! P.S I have a American standard 2 ton system 4TTB3024H1000AA

[@lv5960]

Thank you so much - Great video - Very practical and informative

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks Lo Vv!

[@arrealhandymanservice4459]

Since the temp was so low does that mean the unit will ice up

[@arrealhandymanservice4459]

Never mind you answered it in ur video

[@jamesrooney7689]

i have a dry condencer no freon when i add freon should unit be running ?? thank you jim

[@acservicetechchannel]

You need to attach the lineset, pressure test, release the nitrogen, vacuum down below 500 microns and break the vacuum with refrigerant. Look up "acservicetech vacuum playlist", thanks

[@panzerfaust6th263]

Another Great video! Good Q and A in comment section as well.

[@acservicetechchannel]

I do try to answer each of the questions in the videos, thanks!

[@bykaycieviray5286]

can I ask if refrigerant for window type and split type are the same?

[@acservicetechchannel]

They will be checked with the superheat process since they have a capillary tube metering device if you have a brazed in service port. Most do not have ports but you can check to see if you have an 18-21 degree temp difference between the return and supply after ten minutes of run time, thanks- superheat playlist- kzbin.info/aero/PLxnHR5_D2ojwGvhU1rseXQLJ-XBjBZMMk

[@5822huron]

is a liquid vaporizer useful?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Yes absolutely, and I only use the imperial 535-c and not those small little orifice ones. They really make it safe for the compressor I can add faster with not worry about damage. You can hear if you add too much liquid but I don't hear anything really using that "Kwik Charge".

[@mattyboyahoy2326]

hell yeah i want one

[@mattyboyahoy2326]

you can destroy the compressor if liquid refrigerant gets in it

[@chieuyang3116]

hello, are you sure the service valve is on the discharge line? that doesn't make sense. when you are checking subcooling, you are checking how much heat is getting rejected from condenser coils. if the port is on the discharge, the refrigerant hasn't even had the chance to enter condenser coils. what would be the point of checking it at the discharge? I might be wrong. I just wanted to confirm

[@acservicetechchannel]

You are right. This is an odd charging technique. It is still incorporating the subcooling reading into the analysis though. This is different from a normal subcooling procedure since it is a package unit. The manufacturer has run tests on this and knows exactly what the temp reduction should be including the subcooling in the calculation. I don't know why they didn't just give a service port after the condensor coil. They did however give the data on the inside of the cover to show what subcooling was needed. They called it subcooling even though it was actually the heat rejection from the discharge gas, through the sat phase and subcooling numer added together. You are thinking on the right page. This was an odd one and not a normal subcooling charging procedure, thanks

[@ba177ba18]

Hi, I just found out my first floor condenser unit is completely out of refrigerant. In this case, how do I recharge the system? Do I have to have the condensing unit running to charge? My unit also have low pressure switch and it is preventing from system to start up. Please help

[@Froggability]

niZmo. Step 1/ find and repair the leak

[@stevee7774]

More like: Step 1 - Find a qualified technician to diagnose problem cause you ain’t got a clue.

[@tomesky]

Hey mate I saw a video from another bloke where he is adjusting the superheat by adjusting the TXV. Am I correct in thinking what he was doing is incorrect? When would it ever be necessary to adjust the TXV? Is that just during the commissioning process?

[@acservicetechchannel]

Most txv's in residential light commercial comfort cooling systems are set to hold a superheat of 14 degrees and are non adjustable. If a txv was factory set and is good for a range of 1 ton then they would not need to be adjusted usually. If they are a more broad capacity or someone had messed with then they may need to be adjusted to maintain superheat. A txv may need an initial adjustment for walk in boxes or freezers.

[@fixithvac9360]

I have a very fundamental question! Where on this Carrier/Bryant unit can I see how many degrees of subcooling do I need?

[@acservicetechchannel]

On this one it was on the inside of the shroud. It was not like a normal unit which would have a liquid line port. The subcooling which they called it was to be taken with the pressure from the high pressure discharge line port after the compressor but before the condenser and an actual temperature on the liquid line after the condenser coil. That is why the number of degrees it was calling for was so high, though that is not really a subcooling but actually a temp decrease in vapor form across the condenser plus the subcooling. I would have asked the same question if I didn't see it myself. Thanks for the Comment! This unit could have also been charged by recovering the refrigerant, vacuuming to 500 microns and holding and then weighing in the exact amount of refrigerant on the rating plate. Thanks