Refrigerant Q & A

[DIYDan]

 Discussion Starter · #1 · a moment ago

Hi there,

How do I get refrigerant from the A/C back into the evaporator coil? I year old 3.5 Ton Carrier heat pump - R410A

*I want to move my A/C unit about 12 feet, still on the same wall as the electrical. Disconnecting and extending the whip seems straightforward, and from my research, I should be able to suck the refrigerant from the lines back into the A/C unit using manifold gauges. Assuming that is correct and I extend and braze the copper lines, how do I get the refrigerant from the A/C unit back into the system?

I know calling a professional is best, but I can't get a HVAC guy out for less than $2k. I don't want to sound cheap but as a long-time experienced contractor, I have a difficult time paying for something I can probably do myself in half a day (I hope lol).

Also, if I need a vacuum pump, is there a specific one I'll need?
I'm aware adding the additional length of lines will require more refrigerant, but with a thermometer and gauges, I should be able to do that.

Am I being foolish trying to do this myself?

Any advice would be great, I appreciate you guys/gals.

Thanks,

Dan.

[samihabib]

If you take into consideration all the tools and equipment needed, it's too much for a homeowner , not even getting into the refrigerant handling without being licensed. You're gonna need to pump down, cut, braze, added new wiring since you can't splice in additional wiring, then pressure test for leaks, pull a vacuum, then release the charge and add charge -which no one will give without holding proper licences-

It's basically almost as a new install. 2k seems steep depending on location you live in

[Porcupinepuffer]

2k does seem a bit steep. Being an experienced contractor, you should have at least one connection to someone in the field who can do better. The cheapest way to go about this would be having a licensed contractor properly pump it down for you. Then you move the unit to its new location and complete all the wiring and have it all ready for that hvac guy to come back to extend the refrigerant lines and finish the vacuum, charge, and starting it back up.
Realistically you could properly braze in the lines yourself, but a proper tech should be doing so with nitrogen running through the lines to prevent oxidation that can plug critical components.

I wouldn't recommend any DIYer to try this themselves with a 3.5 ton carrier heat pump.

Just an example of the costly tools and supplies needed is gauges, torches, nitrogen, vacuum pump, micron gauge, refrigerant (Almost all items an average person will never need to own or have a use for ever again). Also, depending on if it can't be properly pumped down, it could require a recovery cylinder, recovery machine, and a refrigerant scale.