Charging a Rheem 5-ton R410a split air conditioning system

***See links below at the end for products used in this video***

In this video we diagnose a refrigerant leak on a residential Rheem 5-ton R410A split air conditioning system. The compressor/condenser was model number 14AJM60A01 and the air handler was model number RHLL-HM6024JA. My unreliable leak detector found a leaky evaporator coil likely due to formicary corrosion - a problem plaguing late model copper evaporator coils.

Before charging, our superheat was approx 40 degrees and subcooling was approx 2 degrees - this is highly suggestive of a low refrigerant charge, as was the ice on the evaporator coil.

We added refrigerant until we hit approx 12-14 degrees of subcooling and approx 16 degrees of superheat.

Normally it is NOT a good idea to charge a leaking system but the owner of this system cannot afford to replace the evaporator coil at this time. This should allow him to "kick the can down the road" for a bit.

In this video, we used the following:
Virgin R410A refrigerant - about $90 for 25 lbs

[davidcoleman]

for the sake of not reading all the comments and im sure its been need to have the air handler panels closed to charge it correctly. All the air is bypassing the evap coil....

[dila]

That style Rheem coil had a recall on it. I put in quite a few 5 tons that I had to replace the coils in because of a manufactures defect. I got the replacement coils for free and Rheem mailed me a $400 check each time I changed one.

[douglas]

Why would you take the caps off and put allen wrenches into the service valves just to add some r410a? Adding refrigerant doesn't require any operation of the service valves.

[erikjmay]

When you charge the system it must be in its operating in full assembly mode. If you are charging with the panel off you will not get true readings because the air is being drawn through the coil AND Around it. All air must go through the coil. Also, people sometimes forget the factory filter that the air handler comes with. Another area that Rheem/Ruud have for a typical leaking area is the pilot tube. May God always bless you all.

[erikjmay]

When you detect the general location of the leak, use Dawn dishwashing soal on the whole area to determine the exact spot it is leaking from.

[luis]

What size of succion line set do I need for a 5 ton unit?

[userjim]

Question about a R410A systems, when the system’s compressor won’t energize due to low refrigerant with the low pressure switch, and you have a few lbs remaining in the system, can you charge as liquid directly to high side with compressor off? That is, weighing it in until system won’t accept any more, then, topping it off via subcooling method via low line. Or, must system always be in a total vacuumed state before you can ever do so? Moreover, in what situations can add via high line as liquid.

[ilovenythismuchilovenewyor]

are you a licensed/certified hvac tech or just a home owner ?

[RussellShier]

Is the temperature on the 116 pretty accurate? I have a Klein and it's about 10° off

[mark.r]

Hi, my r410a with txv unit. The suction saturation temp is about 33F and suction line temp is 48F giving 15F of superheat. But why is my liquid line saturation temp is 97 and my liquid line temp is also 97. I tried adding some refrigerant but nothing changes. This is a high velocity system air handler with a slab coil. I think my suction saturation temp is also too low. Both coils are clean and txv valve is new. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[moisesabaga]

is it necessary to use the liquid vaporizer that connected to the low pressure side of the gauge manifold?

[robinator]

Nice video, but shouldn't there be a trap in that condensate drain? Will prevent the water from draining properly.

[lynnprince]

Fyi, when you are using analog gauges which can be two to three degrees off, you need to put your temperature pro closest to the service port there is a one to two degree difference on the opposite side of the filter dryer. But just get some digital gauges come into the 21st century.

[Ken_]

In the uk 🇬🇧 you are not allowed to refill a known leaking system until it has been repaired, and fully tested for leaks! These refrigerants kill the ozone layer! it’s not acceptable to release this into the atmosphere just because you wish to keep cool! I’m all for how to videos but this is one department that is best left to the pros! Think of your kids! This should be law in every country.

[HowToDoitright]

Nice video. Got a question. I have the same Fluke and I never knew it had a temp checking capability. What probe are you using and where can I buy it from? Do you have a model number or part name?

[TTTTT]

hi does the Allen wrench open up the valve? my contractor didn't open it and charged it does that mean it was not charged??

[johnmooney]

I don't believe you need the allen wrenches for the service ports. The service ports utilize schrader type valves, all you need to do is connect the hoses.

[beantown_billy]

Joe - what's a ballpark price for this job? A local company wants $2k for leak detection and refill on my 5 ton Carrier. Seems high.

[kmreedN]

$25 leak detector isn't going to ever be accurate. Some tools you can't be cheap with

[GiorgioGomex]

What is the name of the valve in the 2:35 ? Thank you