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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.

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is the refrigerant in the line set, or in the compressor unit? or both. If you have the unit serviced,

David Lloyd

My fitting that come out of the compressor is frosting over. Thanks s this normal? Should I get some insulation on them. The factory supplied insulation was a few inches short of covering it.

Mark

I am in the same spot. I would like to add R410a myself. I have come across two ways to do it. One is with a scale which I don’t have the other is with a gauge and a small tank I can get on eBay. Adding a small amount at a time until the gauge shows about 120. I don’t remember the exact numbers now. So I can do the gauge method. Question is would that be ok or am I just looking for trouble?