HVAC Tech wanted…

[Tyga]

So currently at one of my locations I have a 24K Friedrich breeze ductless split. Things have changed and I need to relocate…curious if there is any way of salvaging the unit. I don't think it will be possible for me to re-roll up the line-set without damaging it. Whats my best option? Can the line set's be replaced rather easily?

 

[Asslover]

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[barefootseeds]

I've had to do this a few times. My hvac guy did it for next to nothing. Managed to save and re use the line set once the other time he just used some he had leftover from another job, cost two or three bills for the uninstall/reinstall and probably took 2 hours max

There are some DIY YouTube videos on it . Looks straightforward but in my case worth the $ for the tech to do it and save the risk and warranty on the units

 

[rbt]

this is easy a tech can evacuate the existing refrigerant cut the line tape it off relocate the unit purge the system and recharge the unit with the same hopefully it is the new 410-A and not the old R-13 getting harder to get and more expensive. Should only take and hour but that depends on where he has to relocate the condenser lines and controls.Some of them made today have a 24 SEER or better making them very inexpensive to run some are multi unit each with it own temp control. AC lowers humidity too

 

[coldcanna]

^ What he said.... When you cut the lines at either end make sure you leave enough room to work with when it gets re-installed- maybe 6" off the unit. The lineset should be easy enough to roll up just take your time and don't try to make it too small of a roll as that might cause kinks. If kinks do happen you should be able to cut off the insulation and burn in a coupling, then add more insulation back onto it. I'm not super familiar with the internals so this could be non existent- but there might be some type of valve or vent used to purge air out of the system, if you break the vacuum in the unit and allow it to be drained easier. And finally I'd recommend you tape ALL open ends of pipe or the unit with that blue scotch painters tape, duct tape leaves a residue that can fuck up the brazing process

 

[Asslover]

The PROPER way of doing it is by doing a "pump down". Have a buddy stand next to the breaker for the AC unit. You attach a low pressure gauge to to charge port on the gas side service valve, the fatter line. Purge the gauge hose by cracking the low valve on the gauge and letting out a small blast of r410 and quickly shutting the valve ON THE GAUGE.
Shut the valve on the liquid service port, the smaller line. Turn the unit on, on cool, full blast, low temp setting. Watch the gauge. When it reaches zero you quickly shut the valve on the gas port and flip the breaker. All the r410 is now in the unit and not in the line set.
From there you "unbuckle" the line set. If you don't damage the line set then you'd simply reinstall it as you did, only now you'd need to vacuum the line set before releasing the charge.
But if you do damage the line set you can simply unbolt the buckle harness and undo the lines at the service ports and use a regular line set/flare to connect the indoor/outdoor units. It really is easy, I've done it several times.

 

[rbt]

The PROPER way of doing it is by doing a "pump down". Have a buddy stand next to the breaker for the AC unit. You attach a low pressure gauge to to charge port on the gas side service valve, the fatter line. Purge the gauge hose by cracking the low valve on the gauge and letting out a small blast of r410 and quickly shutting the valve ON THE GAUGE.
Shut the valve on the liquid service port, the smaller line. Turn the unit on, on cool, full blast, low temp setting. Watch the gauge. When it reaches zero you quickly shut the valve on the gas port and flip the breaker. All the r410 is now in the unit and not in the line set.
From there you "unbuckle" the line set. If you don't damage the line set then you'd simply reinstall it as you did, only now you'd need to vacuum the line set before releasing the charge.
But if you do damage the line set you can simply unbolt the buckle harness and undo the lines at the service ports and use a regular line set/flare to connect the indoor/outdoor units. It really is easy, I've done it several times.

LOL, Ok or call a TECH that has the real good flush and purge with equipment the lubricant, while he can also look at the evaporator coils and comb them if necessary remove any particulates that are their causes them to freeze up. Check the compressor pressure and terminal contacts. for the compressor you forgot that and you don't have to stand next to the disconnect if are at the unit you can do it from the open terminal box. If you worry about tape residue then you haven preped the brazing surface properly and flux it. CALL A TECH it's cheaper in the long run 2 hour service call max independent @ about $50 and hour. 2 hour max. I have been in the trade for over 40 years and HVAC tech for 20 of those.

 

[rbt]

Oh also the refrigerant hose assemblies high and low pressure gauges from Harbor Freight. DONT WORK ON RESIDENTUAL/COMMERICAL AC UNITS. different connections can get adapters of course, and in several states you need a HVAC license to purchase refrigerant. plus all the refrigerant you pull out should be scrubbed. It will take less time to find a guy you can trust to help than to run all over town trying to gather all this stuff for one time relocate. and have the slightest chance of a failure. Good Luck either way

 

[Asslover]

WAY beyond the scope of what he's trying to do.
The particular unit he's talking about is a "quick connect", not the standard flared line set.
Why scrub the r410 when it hasn't been exposed in any way and he's not having issues with the unit? Pumping down a mini split in order to move it is s.o.p. But whatever, you've got 40 years exp so you already know that...

 

[Ez Rider]

So currently at one of my locations I have a 24K Friedrich breeze ductless split. Things have changed and I need to relocate…curious if there is any way of salvaging the unit. I don't think it will be possible for me to re-roll up the line-set without damaging it. Whats my best option? Can the line set's be replaced rather easily?

Linset should be under 300 for a mini. Unless you have a gauge set, and vacuum pump, or access to them, it's probably cheaper to find a tech.

Pumping down the condenser and detaching the lines is simple enough. However, you'll need to vacuum purge the new/old line once it's reattached.

$100/2hr is WILDLY optimistic, unless you find some guy working out of his garage who's your friend, or doesn't have a clue. I'd charge $400 minimum to r&r a mini split(assuming the locations are close), and that's not including materials. Done correctly, it's an all day job.