Is It Ok For My R410A Level To Be A Little Low In My Minisplit? - Ask The Expert Episode 314

Today's question is from Paul.

"I'm installing a minisplit system that comes factory charged with 99 ounces of R410A, which it specifies for 100 feet of pipe. The install will be just shy 120 feet. According to the additional charge rule in the specifications of .2 oz per foot, I would need to add a little less than four ounces of R410A. Will being low less than four ounces of refrigerant cause problems in a split system? What should I expect from being low by that amount generally?"

You never want to run a unit on low refrigerant if you can help it. They have those specifications for a reason. It's not going to explode when you turn it on.

But, you could see frosting on the lines. Performance could suffer, and overtime you could have compressor damage.

It is also probably going to void your warranty.

So find somebody to charge it with four ounces of R410A if you can't do it yourself.