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Charging Cruisair
I had to have the service valves replaced on our Cruisair by some home HVAC folks. After a couple of stumbles they got it done. We changed out the R-22 to R422 previously but I did not notice how it was filled at the time. When these folks charged my Cruisair they did so with liquid (tank upside down). I don’t recall ever seeing a tech fill the system in that manner is the past. It’s working, but the low pressure side is lower than the charts show we should expect. Is it OK to charge in this manner? If not, can this cause issues? Do I need to have them redo the charge?
Thanks.
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4 Replies
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The tank may have had a dip tube from the valve down into the liquid, so inverting the tank was likely how the system was charged with gas. I believe you have no concerns with regard to that.
Cruisairs are designed for R22 and even new ones today continue to be R22 systems, but if you have a drop in replacement it is likely OK but overall efficiency may be affected, maybe better, maybe worse.
I don’t know if you have the sight glass on your units but there are two ways folks have checked a charge without gauges. With the sight glass you want to see a stream of small bubbles, with all liquid or larger bubbles indicating too little or too much refrigerant. But the best way to know if you have a properly charged Cruisair is to feel the suction line at the condensing unit. If it is cold to the touch (once called beer cold) chances are it is fully charged.
If you still doubt the charge or if the Cruisair is working right use a thermometer and measure the temperature of the air flow from the unit and then measure the temp near where the air going into the evaporator enters it. Anything 14 degrees or more for a temperature spread is acceptable. Obviously the greater the spread the more efficient the A/C but consider 14 the low end limit.
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Also, condensation rate is an easy way to tell what’s what.
Each of my CruiseAir units make about 1 drop/sec of condensation when operating as designed.
Here is a logbook entry I made last spring: 4/4/19, Tuned-up all 3 Cruisairs. gauge pressure after charging 67/240 on a 83 degree day. Temp differentials at king valves 50 degrees.
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I did ask and the tech said that they were charging with liquid.
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HVAC techs usually force “liquid” into the system by weight with the compressor off.
With the compressor running, “liquid” can be slowly released into the system without doing any harm.
You just don’t want to “hydraulic” the compressor.
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