My Central A/C stopped working and I called a Serviceman. He said the Unit is 30 years old and to get a new one. He didn't even open the cover to do a diagnostic test. They quoted me $11k, plus a permit fee for $400. After watching your videos, I inspected the Starting Capacitor and it had leaked fluid. I bought a new one for $9.86 ,installed it and now I'm freezing in my home. Words cannot describe the feeling when that Compressor kicked on and my Girlfriend called me a Genius. Thank you so much, for what you do in helping out us DIY'ers. My words of gratitude does not come close in appreciation.

@diyhvacguy

9 ай бұрын

That’s so good to hear. Happy my videos helped you out! Cheers

@dporrasxtremeLS3

3 ай бұрын

YES!!!

@johnnyappleseed6665

Ай бұрын

@anthony-ju6qo Cool story bro! Straight 🧢

@marclaurent4831

Ай бұрын

Same here! AC stopped cooling my home…condenser freezed up in the middle of the summer. Called (2) HVAC companies…both saying “replace the unit!” …“R22 is phased out” … “your system is old” … yeah it is old! But the blower fan comes on, the condenser turns on…something is preventing my house from cooling…I watched HVAC videos and learned A LOT…decided to take apart my air handler and I cleaned our very dirty A-coil underneath…after that my house became a freezer! HVAC companies can try to get you…always be careful! If you’re capable of doing things your self and save $$ … do it!

@jeremiahkinyua1776

Ай бұрын

😅​@@marclaurent4831

I’ve had my EPA license since 1998 and haven’t worked in the field for a long time. I woke up to a frozen coil in my 410A system. This video is a great review before I dust off my gauges and get to work. I’m glad I came across this video it’s very practical without all the jargon and double talk used to baffle the customer and confuse into thinking adding refrigerant is brain surgery. The field has changed so much but basically it’s still the same. Thank you for making this video to help and not just to inflate your own ego by sprouting a lot of technical terms as many do.

It is great to get a professional’s insight on doing DIY projects properly.

You don’t need the class. I studied for the test on my own and was easily able to pass the test. Beyond simple.

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

Yes same here, I was just making the point that if someone was concerned about not passing, they could pay the 300 and it covers everything on the test. Thanks for the input!

@meseahunt

Жыл бұрын

what is the website to take the test?

@markpoposki

Жыл бұрын

Can you give me some links to study from, I would like to the test as well.

@Imwright720

Жыл бұрын

@@markpoposki google test questions. They are plentiful. There is one thin book or pamphlet that has everything you need to know for the test. I don’t remember where I got it.

@Imwright720

Жыл бұрын

@@meseahunt you could take the test at an AC store. There was one here that did it. Not sure anymore that was 4 years ago before Covid.

410 A is a blend refrigerant. You failed to mention that with refrigerant leaks on 410A you should remove and replace the refrigerant. The refrigerant blend separates when idle and the blend will be altered. R22 has been outlawed, no longer made. 410A is also being taken off the market. EPA regulations require low loss fittings. Lastly the EPA refrigerant certificate does not cover all refrigerant. The current trend is going to propane based blends, not a fan of them. Sooner or later there will be a large leak near a source of ignition.

You do such a great job communicating in these videos, you never stray off topic, you have the ability to make your points quick and clear. Keep making these video's, I'm a true fan now! THANK YOU! ❤

Thanx. I can listen to You all day...best teacher ever.

I feel like I'm going to HVAC School. I should have done this 40 years ago. So much useful info here. Thank you very much.

@diyhvacguy

28 күн бұрын

Check out our hvac training videos! You can find them here: kzread.info/dron/2w60mhlxFmAhoi2oSDcEng.htmljoin Cheers

@arresthillary9502

Күн бұрын

you couldnt do this 40 years ago because there was no such thing as the internet

Hey thanks man great info. filled my AC with Freon. No issues by following your instructions again, thank you.

Great video, thanks, you just saved me a expensive service call. The A/C guy wanted $600 a pound for R22 and I bought a 5 pound can from Ability for $249.00.

@phillipkoch5751

26 күн бұрын

Nice, what did the gauges to put it in cost? And how did you repair the leak? What was the price for those tools to repair the leak? ( welding or flaring block)

I have my EPA 608 Cert. and recently joined our HVAC group. Appreciate the information you provide. Im 62 years old and never stop learning. Learning helps the mind stay young!!!

@richardpeetrinpeetrin9817

7 ай бұрын

Abstract correct...

@LEON4PRES

Ай бұрын

Bingo!! I’m 58 and never kept a job where I wasn’t learning. I toughed it out when I was younger, but I’m worth the $$$$ now.

@lindabaxley9595

21 күн бұрын

How, and where do you get your license

Another great video! My 20 year old system froze the coil. I used Craig Migliaccio's book on Refrigerant Charging to go through all of the prior diagnostic steps (filters, airflow using differential pressures) and then used this one to refill based on superheat. Thanks for helping me keep my 2004 Trane XR11 humming along!

Keep up the good work. My elderly neighbors were about to be scammed out of thousands for a replacement unit. Turns out he had be using the incorrect size filter and their evap coil was severely clogged. A Sunday afternoon and $30 in supplies had them back in business.

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

Saved the day!!! Nine work.

@jefflemberg645

11 ай бұрын

How does charging a system correct a clogged evap coil?

@nickalesroman3108

11 ай бұрын

@@jefflemberg645 LOL right

@Trust_but_Verify

11 ай бұрын

@@jefflemberg645 I deduce that the filter was smaller than it needs to be, and a "Sunday afternoon" meant he cleared the clog.

@sandygrungerson1177

10 ай бұрын

" their evap coil was severely clogged" the condenser or the outside heat exchange fins?

Your definitely going to piss off the ol "Markup Hustlers".

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

There are many many people who don’t even know this information exists and will happily pay their markup price. Plenty of paying customers to go around 🤘🏼

@summerforever6736

Жыл бұрын

@@diyhvacguy lol

Ahh, so that's how to capture residual hose refrigerant at the end of procedure. I've been screwing that up when recharging my car's ac. THANKS!

BROTHER , YOU Are "TRULY" , A GOOD MAN...

Great job! You just saved me $400. I have a very small leak that takes a year or more to lose 3 lbs. My HVAC pirate charges that much for the service.

@robbier3785

8 ай бұрын

That’s a bad leak if you’re losing that much per year

@rokkuanii6922

3 ай бұрын

Price of 410A is going up too. Since it is discontinued. Better fix the leak. 4 ton system use about 12 lb I think. So that mean could be 25% lost.

Glad you showed to purge the air out of the hoses to avoid non condesibles getting into the system

EPA free study all over KZread.. Got mine studying for 2weeks !

Great video, especially the disconnect procedure to preserve refrigerant.

I'm an electrician with a motor rewind shop. I want thank you and congratulations on what your doing with your videos. You are a very good teacher. Maybe I'll get my HVAC license also just because of you, thank you.

Awesome video! Just what I was looking for. Keep making more content, you are really good at explaining.

Thank you sir, the world needs more people like you, giving is a blessing to many and at the same time is creating blessings for you.

Short sweet and to the point, good job. Thank you, nice reminder lesson thanks again.

Nice explanation on the meaning of the temp scales on the gauges for the home owner,

Nice, that actually worked for me. Thanks for your help and knowledge.

I’ve watched so many videos on this topic and by far my man here explains it the best that relates to home owners. I would really like to buy this guy a beer.

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks bro! That means a lot if you’re ever in salt lake I’ll take you up on that 🤘🏼

@elgringoec

11 ай бұрын

@@diyhvacguy Trent and Allie territory!

@hahahahaha7069

11 ай бұрын

First beer on me! Kudos 🎉

All very well done. Thanks for being there for us!!

Awesome video for DIY! You do such a great job of explaining this task.

first time seeing those low loss connectors, fantastic! thanky

Thank you so much. Just the video I needed to see. Plus now I have a place to get refrigerant from too. This video will help a lot of people.

Thank you !! I just paid for a new unit, but what you just showed me is great, I'll keep my unit clean as you showed me how on other videos, THANK YOU!!!

Thank you for a complete and professional introduction to this topic. Thumbs up and saved to favorites!

Love this videos, it’s very helpful. For most of the time I’ve been doing my own stuff. Except for charging the system. But I’ve saved a lot of money and helped my friends and family do the same. Thanks for all your insight!🙏🏻

I am hooked. You are my new youtube guy for hvac. I am a certified mechanic and do auto a/c, so your easy to understand videos are making it a cinch crossover for me since I already have a a/c background and try to learn more about hvac everyday. My gauge set is even R-134a/ R-22 set so I can use them on my house condenser as I am preparing to do my first house hook up with them as I think my R-22 is low. Please make more of these hook up and read and add videos on house condensers. Subscribed and looking at buying hvac tools on your affiliate links as I type this.

Even my brother said what I was thinking “he’s good” and you are and your very much appreciated

Really appreciate your input on adding Freon to my unit. It will be very helpful to me. I have been into industrial gases for 42 years. Did not know how to do a bigger unit like I have. You made it very simple. Thanks R.Cunningham

@ilovenythismuchilovenewyor5801

10 күн бұрын

if you have to add refrigerant that means you most likely have a leak so all you're doing is causing more damage to the ozone ... fix the leak.

Omg you are awesome. Thank you so much for doing this. I'm having AC Issues and this has helped. Wish you were here in Florida

I had to get my EPA for my job but I knew nothing about working on AC hvac, but it comes up new properties sometimes, and I found out I love troubleshooting systems, getting pretty good at it. then I ended up on an old property, and I had to get more knowledge. spent a ton on tools now i’m set up. and i look forward to ac/ heat calls

Here's a 'comment' for the algorithm, friend! Thank you...🇺🇸 😎👍☕

Great video for basic addition of refrigerant.

Bruh I can't THANK YOU ENOUGH for this video. I just had someone to refill the refrigerant. All I can say it was a highway robbery!!! they charged $180 per pound. Total damage around $495 for 2.75 lbs freon. I watched him all the way. I really wish I watched this video before that. They tricked me. They scammed me. How this guy was refilling the refrigerant, it was all fake 😞. Great job with step by step instructions on how to refill refrigerant.

@adamsalinas82

Жыл бұрын

What was fake?

Excellent how-to. Thanks for demystifying how HVAC works.

I started doing hvac work in 2010. Made my way over to the Controls side around 2019. It’s definitely been awhile, I feel as though my skills have perished but you’re videos are very informative. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for your great information. You're the best friend for the average DIY and homeowners

@bills6946

9 ай бұрын

Don’t try this at home. You will slug your compressor and need a tech anyway

@JazzLowrider

9 ай бұрын

@bills6946 Most of DIY will not try it, but knowledge is power. You'll never know when you're gonna need to do it yourself

Great Job Sir. I am a new tech and you made this noticeably clear. My first-time hearing about Ability Refrigerant. What a great saving you can gain. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information.

Thank you for the update on this. Not only will I be studying on my own to pass the test but I also will be purchasing the gauges and the refrigerant as soon as winter hits that way it's cheaper. God Bless be safe.

VERY important information and well-done DIY HVAC guy! Kudos to U indeed!

Hey good video was very well explained I started doing HVAC around a 4 yrs now it's a good trade to get into just have to do the job the correct way and you will succeed

You should do a video on using a micro leak additive. I don't do this professionally but have used Easy Seal Ultimate with the UV dye on about a dozen systems that would get low on gas a few weeks after topping off with good results. Including on one of my older 22 systems a few years ago.

Makes me field line I’m out in the field wit you, thank you for the support and knowledge.

I got worked for like $600 just to put a little R-22 in my system which was working but he said it needed it. He didn't weigh the refrigerant he added and just eyeballed it and sent the bill. Never said what it would cost until he sent the bill. I almost lost it. Whole process took him under 10 minutes and the cooling felt just the same as it did before he topped it off. That was when I decided to buy a fat tank of R-22 and a gauge set just incase it ever needs topped again. I also ran through some of that sealant stuff just incase there was a leak since he never checked for leaks.

I’m an hvacr student who is about to close his first year in six months. These next coming up months are going to be spent in a lab. Anyways your video is nicely made. I got my epa in class and i have been asked to install refrigerant by a student and even though I was taking the classes I knew not even where to begin In doing anything. Now with your help it’s a win-win. Like and commented. Thank you

Dude. Thank you! I am a 57 yr old, retired computer engineer that fixes everything in a house. Everything. Or real close. However, having refridgerants and HVAC parts on lock-down where normal citizens cannot have them is very wrong . That has allowed runaway pricing on new installs - and even compressor repairs. I am getting that Refridge license! Thank you for the info, and I must say that your videos are fantastic! At 57, I am not going to do 5 yrs apprenticeship to be able to buy and do everything. I'm not opening a business. I just have two properties and 4 HVAC and a mini to maintain. I cannot afford to pay $12K to replace each one. That is insane. Your videos have helped me maintain and repair reasonably good systems well beyond the point that I would have had to shell out $10k+ per unit. ($3500 for a mini).

@diyhvacguy

9 ай бұрын

Awesome glad they have been helpful for ya 👍🏼

Nice videos ! Great job explaining the details .

All Your Videos are Great! Informative and Fun to Watch! Thanks for taking the time to help us out! Subscribed!

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Great Video. I have a recovery license, but i have not used is in many years. Thanks for making it look so easy.

Great instructional. One thing to note. When you attach hoses to line set and purge air, make sure to purge air from hoses before you flip tank. Just like he did. This way there's less refrigerant loss. Vapor vs liquid.

@jteddy11

10 ай бұрын

Do these "low flow" fittings have a check valve in them? Can you just buy the lines and retrofit an older set a gauges?

@aubrey5939

10 ай бұрын

@@jteddy11 you can just get the low loss fittings and install them onto hoses. They should at least be used on high side line if not low and hi.

@jteddy11

10 ай бұрын

@@aubrey5939 Thank you, I typed low flow, sorry, thanks for the info on low loss fittings

Thank you for putting this together it's a great video. One item that seems to be really important for this is the leak detection. You mention it it kind of jumped over it, don't know if you did a video on it. That is absolutely critical before you add new freon. Otherwise your viewers are throwing good money after bad. Looking forward to leak detection DIY tips Thanks again

Thank you for this ! Very helpful 👍

A good starter video. The challenge in a DYI situation might be being able to find a leak. If it is locating in the evaporator coil, (inside the home) it might be difficult to find. Using a high quality filter with a high rating will keep your evaporator coil and air ducts clean. Also, there might be a need to empty the system of a complete charge and and replace the compressor oil which probably would require a professional or more experience. Thanks for the information.

I’ve done a lot of studying but there’s always something that I think having your experience or explanation will help I don’t want to waste the expensive 410A

I decided to start working on my home AC after I got charged $350.00 dollars to install 1/2lb of R22 about 20 years ago. I said to myself, "Dude I'm Avionics Technician working on Fighter Aircraft Electronics and work on cars as a hobby. How hard can this BE!" I didn't get my license but I watched a ton of video's and have repaired a ton of cars with R134A since then, including complete rebuilds of car HVAC the systems to learn about AC Systems. I then purchased a HVAC maintenance manual and studied it. Then before I started working on the home AC I have a friend who used to own his own HVAC business and always consulted with him before I broke into the lines or did any maintenance with my diagnosis theory and plans/procedures of repairs. He always gave me a thumbs up and would also remind me of things to look out for and how to overcome problems if I ran into any. He was kind enough to purchase four 2lb bottles for me, of course I paid for them. With those bottles I kept my Goodman running since 1996 and it just went out last year in 2022, a 26 year run on that unit. So I put in another NOS R22 Goodman I've had sitting at the house since 2015 waiting for the other unit to go out after our home flooded in Katrina.

@diyhvacguy

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing bro!

@andrewkuebler4335

2 ай бұрын

Be careful about posting that you handled refrigerant without a license. Someone was actually convicted for reselling old refrigerant in the us recently, and even though you're unlikely to be arrested, if the wrong person finds out it can be a hefty fine.

@keithnoneya

2 ай бұрын

@@andrewkuebler4335I believe that applies to working on a industrial, business or someones equipment that doesn't belong to you. It also depends on if it was a Licensed Refrigerant like R22, R410a etc, but not R134A. It's mine understanding you are allowed to repair you home equipment, but not someone else's, or in a professional setting, which does require a license. I'll have to check into that though to be safe on the regs. Thanks for looking out for me, and if you find a link to the article I'd like to read and study it. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya PS I don't resell any refrigerants, especially any that requires a license, I'm not a business man, just a home owner. What little I did have, was a 16oz can and I used to fix my AC, that unit has long since been replaced by a professional tech last year and is long gone, the coil was really old, march of 1996 then it rotted out and couldn't be repaired. Again thanks for looking out for me. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith

@yaredgare8339

23 күн бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

You are my hero!

This is like the car top up kit - awesome.

Best and simplist explanation ever, Thanks !!

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge we us, I have learned so much from you as a diy guy in maintaining my hvac system , I now have several spare parts on-hand in case of a breakdown , capacitors, vacuum switch, transformer, hot surface ignitor, condenser contactor !

@diyhvacguy

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

Great Video. Thank you for sharing

Great job explaining

Tthanks so much for sharing your knowledge! Very helpful!

Great information! Thanks so much Dave !

Great video, but I'm going to pick at a couple things as an HVAC tech. I know you said there are other factors into charging than what was already said, and I'm also glad you talked about the EPA 608 certification. @ 4:07, You purged the line of air from the refrigerant can, but did not purge with liquid at least on video. If this was R22, it would be fine because R22 is a zeotropic liquid (meaning one component) and you would be able to charge an R22 system with gas or liquid. R410A is an azeotropic refrigerant (meaning two or more components) and can only be charged with liquid (or a flasher nowadays). You must purge with liquid refrigerant (burp the line unit liquid ref comes out at the manifold while the can is upside down), otherwise you may unequally add the refrigerant. Probably would not hurt the system unless charged with a lot of gas instead of liquid, but it's a bad practice. Companies charge a lot of money for the refrigerant because it costs a lot of money for us too. 25 lbs. Virgin R22 goes for $1800-2200 company cost, R410A about $300-600 for 25 pounds. Legit, licensed companies charge a lot because it takes a lot for us to know how to do it right plus business expenses. Thank your EPA and the Montreal Protocol for the giant money scheme! Yes they are 30 pound drums, subtract the tank weight and you get roughly 25.

@dougshaffer5524

10 ай бұрын

Both Zeotropic and Azeotropic are refrigerant blends of two or more refrigerants. Zeotropic means the boiling point and dew point are different between the refrigerants separating them in vapor, known as glide, the vapor of the refrigerants are no longer mixed, forming separate layers Fractionation, and won't charge in the right percentages, so it needs to be charged into the system in liquid and flashed to avoid getting liquid into the compressor. Example 407c (23% R-32, 25% R-125, 52% R-134a). Azeotropic means the refrigerants have the same boiling and dew points. All blended refrigerants should be added to the system in liquid.

@dougshaffer5524

10 ай бұрын

Also, R-22 even at $2,200/30 = $73 a pound your cost. So, that's a nice markup added to the service charge. I just had a tech try to charge me for R-407c $104 first lb and $259 each additional. The best part he was going to add it to a unmodified R-22 system. Not to mention he tried to hook and crook me on an evap coil (Over $3,314), which I just recently cleaned he said it was rusty.

@mackenzieschoenfeld4810

10 ай бұрын

​@@dougshaffer5524 Why was he adding refrigerant though? Where did it go? Did it evaporate? Maybe the evap coil that you cleaned was leaking..... Rusty coils are most common cause of leaks. It's a hook and crook nowadays to fix things because people don't want to replace them haha. How old is your car? U put bandaids on that too?

@dougshaffer5524

10 ай бұрын

@@mackenzieschoenfeld4810 It was a slow leak on the suction line service port Schrader valve. A squirrel chewed through the cap and I had to be patient with the soap and water. He claimed an evap coil leak, though it was his second pass. The coil has light rust, which really isn't reacting with the copper lines. I've seen evap coils, when they reach the point of failure, usually the oil is a dead giveaway. I only called in for help, because a storm knocked some trees down and I had to focus on getting that cleared up. As to that last dig, I must have hit close to home. I make good money thanks to piss poor installs done by "pros" doing half assed work. Keep on keeping on, it keeps me busy

@star9732

9 ай бұрын

I just looked at 2 websites and R-22 goes for about $975 for 30lbs. Where are these $1800-2200 numbers coming from.

Thanks for making this video dude this was exactly what I was looking for 👍

Dave. Thanks for another great video!

That was excellently explained

Just wonderful and clear explanation

The piston version control you showed is called an expansion valve. I haven’t done a/c in a very long time, but I did take a test when they started to restrict R-12. You stated once you have the license it’s good forever, I guess I will have to check that out. But for sure it the refrigerant is low something is seeping.

I've been watching a bunch of y our videos. You have earned my subscription!! I've been absorbing your knowledge like a sponge!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos.

@diyhvacguy

9 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

nice of you to share!!!👍👍👌

Years ago (I'm older) I would use a little tap fitting on high side shrader valve and, suck it back with low side line shrader valve. Your low loss lines do a much better job! Have a great day Bill

great video! i appreciate your knowledge and in depth explanations , demonstrating that things dont need to be dumbed down if they can just be explained clearly- even if the aside explanation is subject of another video. I wish I worked with you!

Appreciate the vid bud. Probably going to go for that EPA cert. Will be looking forward to the video.

Absolutley wonderful and informative video. I will be getting my EPA Certification. Wonderful video as always!👍🏽

@austin549

9 ай бұрын

Don’t need it to buy it

Really good informative video thanks for sharing this tips 👍

Thanks for Showing us how to top up.

Thanks for your knowledge and clear information. Very helpful

bought a tank off eBay, and simply had to check a box. Surprisingly easy. All the other parts are easily acquired off

Excellent video...I've been EPA certified since they first required it...Yeah, I'm that old and still running service...Mostly word of mouth anymore, and for older people that have been lied to by the gougers selling units...They're out there...Anyway, thanks for the video...Very common sense and well done.

Great vid- informative and easy to understand. Thank you.

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Bavaria/Germany where my HVAC is actually used as a heater because the outside temperature is 12°F 🥶🥶🥶🥶

Thanks again for the great information.

Excellent basic video on adding refrigerant to an A/C system. I had a home warranty A/C tech come by who did not have low loss fittings & just vented the refrigerant in the hoses into the atmosphere. I am currently take a HVAC course so that I can service my own HVAC unit.

@diyhvacguy

Ай бұрын

We also have an hvac course under our membership plan! It’s $24.99/month and I’m sure you would leave A TON from the course. Cheers

Hicking up the cost! Last year I was quoted $600 for the 1st pound of refrigerant. Needless to say I have not had it done yet. Thank you for your video.

Good video man! I sent it to my maintenance team at the apartments I’m in charge of. Very helpful for these techs that are just learning how to do this! Thanks

@diyhvacguy

29 күн бұрын

Make sure you share my training videos with them. They can be found at the channel homepage you’ll see a join button and you can find my training videos there. Cheers

You hit it out the park again; well done! God bless!

Thanks for sharing knowledge with others!

I've always wondered about this. Thanks for your vids!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with KZread!

Thank you so much ….Man you save my life with this type of weather , I fallow your advice and we are back in business. Thanks again, God bless

@diyhvacguy

10 ай бұрын

Sweet! Glad to hear it 👊🏼

This is a great video that gives a person a good idea about what it takes to charge your AC. I recommend watching it before you have your qualified AC tech out. My Tech has an App on his Tablet that gives him tons of data specifically about my system. Including temperature/airflow probes so he can balance the system. If you are low on freon you do have a leak. I DIYed my new Central AC system 3 years ago. And had my AC Tech finish off the last 2 hours of the install and startup.

@overdalimit

11 ай бұрын

Interesting... So what all did the tech have to finish that you hadn't done? How much was the equipment that you purchased and tonnage?

@Trust_but_Verify

11 ай бұрын

Were you able to find the leak? 3 years later still are you able to see if there is a leak with lowered pressure?