install split system air conditioner
This is 100% correct.
Why Vacuum??
Folks, if you want 100% efficiency out of the unit, you need to vac it below 500 microns using preferably a 2 stage vacuum pump and a vacuum gauge to measure. This removes all the air and moisture in the copper and indoor unit. You want ZERO air and moisture in the lines. If left in the lines it creates acid in the pump and your pump will rust like an old Torana (sorry Holden fans). Also causes blocked/frozen capillary which increases pressure in the system. This will eventually cause PREMATURE mechanical failure. Hence, this is WHY the warranty guys will not touch self installs and insist on a professional install.
Why NOT bleed?
Some people bleed them, but this removes some of the gas (which is also illegal). Some of the smaller unit ONLY carry about 300 grams of gas and the larger ones carry 1.5 - 2 kilos. If you bleed a unit even quickly, i'd be guessing you have removed about 100 grams at a absolute minimum, as the gas can come out at over 150PSI. So on a small unit you just removed 30% of the gas. This removes the efficiency of the unit by 30%. Best way to describe this.. Have you ever been in a car with even low refrigerant gas? It really struggles to cool, especially on very hot days when you need it most. Then you get it topped up and its freezing on hot days.
WHY WELD copper joins? and HOW?
These new R410 gas units run extremely high pressures, up to about 550psi. Scary. My car tyres run at 30-40 psi, my air compressor runs 150psi, so you can see why I like to weld joins with brown tip silver rods. You must run dry nitrogen through the copper when welding or the copper fills with black carbon which destroys the unit. At these pressures, I like to MINIMISE the flared joins. However, you will need to flare for connection to the compressor using a R410 compliant flaring tool due to the extremely high pressures and heavy gauge copper lines. When flaring, make sure the flare is the full width of the screw. It must barely pass the thread. The now older R22 gas unit run much lower pressures in comparison.
Once Vacuum'd and no leaks, you can open the cores on the gas pipe and the liquid pipe which releases the gas into the indoor unit. Ready to go.
I am a licensed fridgy, quite happy to sign of self installs to comply with your warranty, if they are installed properly. This is not illegal. However, conditions, are :-
1) Install is done well, indoor unit/outdoor unit is level and correct clearances to walls, refer to installation manual for these, simple really.
2) Correct copper used for gas type, I am finding many of the cheaper types are coming with the copper pipe supplied. The cheaper units seem to work fine. I have one at home and love it. Simple really.
3) Only I flair the copper, as this must be done correctly with the correct tools that I trust, and you need to make oil traps sometimes and sometimes not, depending on install. Most back to back systems are quite simple.
4) I weld the copper joins if required as you have to use the correct silver content rods depending on the type and run dry nitrogen through the pipes in order to comply.
5) I vac the unit and check for leaks, as I have the latest tools, including 2 stage vac pump, leak detectors, and gauges.
6) I put more gas if needed due to extended runs. Although rare on installs. You pay for the extra gas, fair enough.
Price = $120-$140 depending on location. This buys 1-2 hours of my time. I'm in Preston, Vic,close to Melbourne CBD and do these on weekends or weekday evenings. Call me on 0417 209 552 or email me. Always happy to help a DIY person (me being one). Will do topups and full installs, as well. You can help me, we can chat and you can learn, I'm ok with that.:)
install split system air conditioner
FOLKS. These units will last a very very very long time, like the old fridges, if installed correctly. I'll explain.
A friend of mine is a warranty guy and I know they carry ACID test kits which test if the system has been vacuumed properly (kits cost around $10). If the system has not been vacuum'd properly then it develops acid instantly (from memory, it is hydrolchloric acid) which starts rusting the inside of the all pipes, and pumps very quickly. This rust will occur very quickly, its worse than salty water, ITS ACID. Now, the system might go for about 1, 2, 3 years tick tick tick, but will eventually decrease performance due to blockage and sieze the pump, Hence its not fixable or covered under warranty. If vacuumed properly, I have seen these units go for 30 years + still going and have not leaked. Like the good old kelvinator fridge, will keep going and going. This is why the manufactures DEMAND professional installs in order to comply for your warranty(and it is illegal to self install. Insurance people also know this and will ask for it in the event of an incident). It protects their brand and covers them in the event of an exploded pipe incident. You know the saying, "I had a Kelvinator fridge that lasted 35 years and I out grew it so its chuggin along in the garage now. Keeps my beers really really COLD." They will last a long long long time if installed correctly. Also they ask for the license no of the installer and contact them if an issue arises. Hence no warranty if not installed by a licensed fridgy.
