Can a Split Ductless Air Conditioner be installed without purging the lines afterwards, or fancy hvac tools?
June 27th, 2009 | 
Author: The mini split ac's come precharged with freon. this allows one to just install the unit, and connect the lines. it states to purge, or evacuate the system after the lines are connected. the only air would be from the actual 15' lines that were connected. will the ac run good without be purged or evacuated? this ductless system is new, and ive heard people installing them without fancy equipment. id like to know if i can get good cooling, without the hvac tools. what do you guys think?
Mini-splits are expensive. You're taking a big gamble here, and it may not work out for you. Mere molecules of water and dirt can cause big problems with the compressor and the metering device for the refrigerant. Why not find someone in the biz, and offer them a few dollars to evacuate the lines and hook up your equipment professionally? If something goes sour, and the lines were not evacuated, you may be hard-pressed to get the manufacturer to honor a warranty claim. Better safe than sorry!
Posted in Mini Split Air Conditioner
The problem might be the inside Air Handler, it probably has air in it- and also moisture.
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Mini-splits are expensive. You're taking a big gamble here, and it may not work out for you. Mere molecules of water and dirt can cause big problems with the compressor and the metering device for the refrigerant. Why not find someone in the biz, and offer them a few dollars to evacuate the lines and hook up your equipment professionally? If something goes sour, and the lines were not evacuated, you may be hard-pressed to get the manufacturer to honor a warranty claim. Better safe than sorry!
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Certified Indoor Environmentalist
15 years in the biz
It will work! I don't recommend you try it. If you do not evacuate the lines you risk, contamination to your system. This means if you do not mind burning out your compressor, and having to buy a new one because you voided your warranty then go for it. I should also mention a burnout will result in more money to clean up the system you already contaminated.
My opinion is, if you don't want to do it right the you don't have to, but you must understand the risk I have detailed to you!
Good Luck! It should only take an hour for an HVAC guy to pull a vacuum on the system.
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If the unit is not professionally installed the manufacturer will probably not warranty any part of it.
Sure you might get good cooling but you will not get the most you can. You will decrease the efficiency of the unit. You will shorten the life of the unit.
When the manual says purge, you must purge with the refrigerant that is in the system. Can you buy refrigerant? You should not have even been sold the unit.
Since you have the unit, you can do whatever you want.
The manufacturer I work for does not warranty mini splits installed by customers.
Good Luck…you will need it.
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