Air conditioners and refrigerators require a correct charge of refrigerant gas to function properly. Leaks or repairs may cause depleted levels, requiring recharging using a refrigerant charge manifold and a non-return service port or valve. Signs of depleted refrigerant charge include low efficiency, freezing coils, and oily residue. Recharging should be done with the compressor running and in small increments to avoid overloading the system.
All air conditioners and refrigerators rely on the correct charge, or amount of refrigerant gas in their systems, to function properly. Refrigerant charging refers to the replenishment of these gases when system repairs or leaks have caused depleted levels. Refrigerant charging can be done using bulk refrigerant containers or charging kits which generally contain only enough gas for one charge. In both cases, a refrigerant charge manifold with associated pipes, valves and pressure gauges is required to complete the operation. Refrigerant gas charging is typically done via a non-return service port or valve fitted to the system.
Air conditioners and refrigerators are designed to work properly with a predetermined charge of refrigerant gas. Under perfect operating conditions, air conditioners and refrigerators would never require recharging, but leaks sometimes develop that deplete refrigerant charges. Repairs to these systems also require draining and then recharging the coolant. There are several quick hints during normal operation that indicate a depleted refrigerant charge. These include low system efficiency, significantly lower temperatures from the condenser fan, freezing coils and localized oily residue on the pipes which may indicate a leak.
If a depleted refrigerant charge is suspected, the condition should be verified using a set of system gauges; this checkout procedure may need to be performed by a qualified technician. If the result is positive, the system should be recharged as soon as possible because low refrigerant charges overload the compressor. Most refrigeration and air conditioning systems will be equipped with a service valve to assist in recharging the system. These valves are typically of a Schraeder non-return design which allows for refrigerant to be charged without any system pressure loss. The recharge process is performed by a cylinder or a recharge kit of the relevant refrigerant via the manifold and pressure gauge assembly.
Refrigerant charging is done with the compressor running to ensure uniform charging. The system should also be given time to warm up to normal operating temperatures before charging begins. When recharging, refrigerant gas must be added in small increments to avoid overloading the system. Between each injection of gas, the system should be allowed to run for a short time to allow the gas charge to stabilize and pressure to be controlled. When the pressure is within the manufacturer’s operating specifications, the feed valve on the cylinder can be closed and the manifold removed from the system.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
