How To Recharge Freezer or Refrigerator - Adding Refrigerant or Freon to R134A Appliance

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  • Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
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    In this video I explain the process of how to add refrigerant to your refrigerator or freezer that is no longer cooling like it should. This works some of the time to make a unit last a few years longer so long as the unit has a VERY small leak. If there is a larger leak addition steps will need to be taken in order to fix the leak, replace the filter drier, evacuate the system, and finally recharge the unit the way that I demonstrate in this video. Hopefully this helped you understand the process of how to add Freon to your appliance. Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions in the comments below!
    Thanks for watching and for subscribing! You can support the channel at NO extra cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links or you can donate directly at www.paypal.me/bensahlstrom.
    Blessings from Minnesota,
    Ben

Комментарии • 440

  • @gary-gilbert
    @gary-gilbert 2 года назад +18

    Nice to see you keeping it around instead of sending it to the dump, in this throwaway society.

  • @LikeColorBlue
    @LikeColorBlue 6 месяцев назад +7

    this video is the best one on RUclips to introduce how to refill refrigerant into a fridge!!!

  • @pingpong9656
    @pingpong9656 2 года назад +5

    Finding the leak and fixing it would be one of your best videos! Do ti!

  • @cornelbuckley
    @cornelbuckley 2 года назад +61

    Great instructions! I really like how you take the time and patience to explain the fine details of the process!

    • @amosskullie4616
      @amosskullie4616 Год назад

      Thank you for the education

    • @chriskupish2692
      @chriskupish2692 Год назад

      great instructions ! very detailed

    • @user-tv7ne5tg2y
      @user-tv7ne5tg2y 5 месяцев назад +1

      Весы не нужны , ЕСТЬ линейка холодильщика на манометре , доза Р - 134 , давление при работающем М К плюс 0,2 бар , температура кипения будет минус 24°С , этого хватит для отключения питания М К по температуре .

  • @justdissin7340
    @justdissin7340 2 года назад +2

    This man is a genius. Who will give him thumbs down bruh. Not his fault you crappy appliance doesnt work

  • @Michael-uj4zw
    @Michael-uj4zw 2 года назад +19

    Very good presentation. I worked in the field for many years on a lot of large equipment running AZ-50 at 25" of vacuum. When you get a leak in that, you have a major job on your hands! I wish I had the tools that are available today, it would have made things a lot easier. Just remember, when you think you've seen it all, you haven't!! You will make a good instructor!!

  • @pdih
    @pdih Год назад +3

    Finally, someone explained it to me in a way I understood. Thank you.

  • @Barryd57
    @Barryd57 2 года назад +8

    Benjamin is so helpful. I had success with my Maytag after watching this video 3 times and planning ahead! I had to modify my R134 gauge set to have an R12 line to the piercing valve. I bled the blue & yellow lines before opening the pierce service port. Sure enough, it was at -12 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). Gradually, very slowly, I added R134 until the low side rose to +1 PSIG and closed it up. Add some R134, turn off the supply, and let the pressure settle. After charging, over the next 4 hours the freezer gradually decreased to -5 degrees.
    UPDATE: The charge lasted 10 months & I am filling the system again. This time I added more technology to the repair. Using an HBN electric meter, amps were .67 before I added R134. However, when I measured amps 6 months ago, it was .74. I conclude that the amps fell because there is less R134 in the system causing less resistance in the compressor. When I refill the compressor, the amps should return to .74. One thing I disagree with Ben and that's how much R134 to add. If u add more R134 than needed, the suction line will freeze. On my Maytag, +1 lb of low side pressure when the compressor is running, is correct.

    • @lukeh8869
      @lukeh8869 2 года назад

      Can you advise where do you get the R134a refrigerant from?

    • @berniemac8413
      @berniemac8413 2 года назад +2

      @@lukeh8869 your auto parts store.. it’s the same refrigerant used in cars..

    • @johnchafin3817
      @johnchafin3817 Год назад

      @@lukeh8869 You can get it at Walmart too.

  • @regiegija
    @regiegija 20 дней назад +1

    Great video. You are a great instructor. I wonder if you would provide a full training on refrigerator repair.

  • @runwayray
    @runwayray 9 месяцев назад +2

    Excellent narration. Crystal clear explanation of the process

  • @markanderson350
    @markanderson350 Год назад +5

    You provide much detail on removing all air in lines, most just say, let out the refrigerant for a second. The advice on pressure and clogged cap tube is helpful and I did have that issue too. I never heard of just adding an estimated charge based on full charge. I am buying more refrigeration gear as I get the funds to do so. Thanks

  • @robertfaddis8975
    @robertfaddis8975 Год назад +2

    Very articulate and well explained. You do a great job keep it up.

  • @vahekahkedjian7898
    @vahekahkedjian7898 2 года назад +3

    You did a perfect job, I have been 40 years in this business and I testified that you did everything write , and very nicely explaining ,congratulations .
    Good luck to you

  • @duiliofonseca9755
    @duiliofonseca9755 Год назад +2

    very impress how well you explain the hole process ....thanks for share

  • @robertscottII
    @robertscottII 2 года назад +12

    Awesome timing Ben. For months my under cabinet ice maker has been making less and less ice. Then no ice last week. I half knew how to do this, but I put the piercing valve on and just tried to dump a can in. I didn't realize to bleed the line or that it would be such a slow feed. So I put my vacuum pump on it, drew it down and started over with a new can. Used my kitchen scale to weigh in 4ish ounces. Been making ice like new. Thanks.

  • @ivanxyz1
    @ivanxyz1 Год назад +1

    Very thorough explanation. Thank you.

  • @eugenerohrbach4102
    @eugenerohrbach4102 7 месяцев назад +1

    I got a lot of info from the video thank you.

  • @miguelbernabe753
    @miguelbernabe753 Год назад +1

    Nice explanation, thank you for sharing and taking the time to go through the whole process.

  • @markchidester6239
    @markchidester6239 2 года назад +4

    Excellent video.
    I would love to see a video of these gauges in full operation. I have a cheep set of the harbor freight ones. Something about Gilligan and primitive come to mind.

  • @martydennis
    @martydennis 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Ben! Hope you're having a happy & safe Labor Day weekend.

  • @richardfritz3111
    @richardfritz3111 Год назад +1

    Very good, to the point, plus sensible but important little points like the bleeding process. Tire of the ford training fake (non)informative videos that are nothing more than just ads for their bs school.

  • @rcrod3192
    @rcrod3192 Год назад +1

    Bruh.. You forgot to check for carbon monoxide leaks. Lol... Good vid!👍

  • @cassidycue11
    @cassidycue11 2 года назад

    Awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for the detail!

  • @frez777
    @frez777 2 года назад

    You are a wonderful teacher!

  • @tanjogok
    @tanjogok 2 года назад

    You are very good at work, greeting engineer from Indonesia

  • @RickSegui
    @RickSegui 2 года назад +14

    You forgot to check and warn people about the tap valve being a leaker!

    • @rickrods
      @rickrods Год назад

      He did but they don't always leak. Put one on about 30 years ago and still holding pressure. If the fridge fails I'll take the tap valve off and put a new O-ring in it and throw the fridge into the dump. lol.

  • @northfielder1789
    @northfielder1789 2 года назад +2

    I love these educating videos.

  • @murphyjammusashi
    @murphyjammusashi 6 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you, Benjamin.

  • @thambirajahpathmanathan7080
    @thambirajahpathmanathan7080 Год назад

    Your Art of teach are verry nice!

  • @jamestriplett790
    @jamestriplett790 2 года назад +47

    If these appliances need a recharge, there is a corrosion pinhole leak somewhere on the aluminum tubing. Over time aluminum tubing in insulated wall sweats reacts and causes that. Also aluminum connection to steel or copper tubing corrode. When charging, use the amp meter to not go over the compressor rating of a full charge when appliance is running.

    • @joelking8588
      @joelking8588 2 года назад +5

      No shit… the refrigerant doesn’t just disappear

    • @Babyface_ash16
      @Babyface_ash16 2 года назад +4

      Why charge to compressor amps? Works for design, but if your got a lazy comp it’s not accurate. Capillary charge to frost line or subcooling. Or just simply weigh it in as per manufacturer recommendations. Do it by feel. Whatever way makes you happy. You seem opinionated best tech in town aye bud

    • @johnmonaghan882
      @johnmonaghan882 Год назад +6

      When connecting 2 different metals you can use whats called a diaelectric between them to prevent the chemical reaction process between 2 metals

  • @kayodeolusesan4391
    @kayodeolusesan4391 Год назад +1

    Good work brother 👍

  • @TuyetPham-on4dq
    @TuyetPham-on4dq 2 года назад

    Clear instructions ; Thank you

  • @freecheese4143
    @freecheese4143 2 года назад

    Smart Tech.
    Excellent, well explained, video tutorial.

  • @deanhutchins841
    @deanhutchins841 9 месяцев назад +1

    Awesome! Thanks!!

  • @fakku6356
    @fakku6356 5 месяцев назад

    I think that your videos are very informative and useful the way you explain yourself its easy to understand and in some of your videos is easy to understand what you are doing and please keep making the videos as like I said the way you explain and I saw another video where you explain how to connect the hoses and how to charge the system thank you for your videos 😂😂

  • @sarahfox6867
    @sarahfox6867 9 месяцев назад +2

    Great video! But I hope you did not replace that freezer. Freezers of that size are very difficult to find now. And the cost of this repair is 277 times less than the average new 20 cu. ft. upright freezer. I watched this video because I live in an apartment where the PM won't repair or replace the failing refrigerator. I wanted to understand what could be done to repair it. Thanks to this video I discovered I can buy a used $50 refrigerator in good condition and just recharge the silly thing.

  • @KevinCoop1
    @KevinCoop1 2 года назад

    Benjamin, Thank you for this video! I hope I don’t have to add any to our non cooling freezer, but know what to do if so. I’m thinking I have a thermostat issue. How is electrical job going? Respectfully, Kevin

  • @vladislavavadanii8130
    @vladislavavadanii8130 4 месяца назад

    well done job ! Very precise, proper ,accurate and clear !

  • @outcast7899
    @outcast7899 Год назад

    Good job, very informative
    Thanks

  • @leohohms8433
    @leohohms8433 2 года назад +2

    Very educational 👍

  • @amystultz1608
    @amystultz1608 Год назад +1

    You are really gifted. In explaining this. I watch the other video where you open to view the inside. That really help my brain see the what's going on inside other bodie of big talkers try to explain the start and relay which I did finally understand but seeing the inside I got the picture. It's looks like a air compressor which I didn't know. Any way thank you I will be watching more one more. Where can I buy commercial refrigerator parts cheap.

  • @Nohandle146
    @Nohandle146 2 года назад +1

    Awesome, one of the best I’ve seen

  • @chieftaixi5241
    @chieftaixi5241 2 года назад

    Would you recommend and how would you go about using stop leak in a ridge? Would it be before or after vacuuming and charging the system?

  • @virgilbrown5682
    @virgilbrown5682 Год назад +1

    Great instructions!

  • @tanjogok
    @tanjogok 2 года назад

    Your equipment is very good.

  • @frederickadams213
    @frederickadams213 Год назад +1

    Brilliant young man. Thanks.

  • @1McMurdoSilver
    @1McMurdoSilver 2 года назад +4

    For a second there, I thought I had a cricket in my room... haha..

  • @rss608
    @rss608 Год назад

    A vert good vid, thank you for taking the time to explain...

  • @asrielandcharadoesstuff4789
    @asrielandcharadoesstuff4789 Год назад +1

    Depart you were holding up was the filter drier it posed any water accumulation out of the refrigerant and oil

  • @tigerlin9893
    @tigerlin9893 2 года назад +19

    R134a refrigerant is a single component and does not need to be inverted for liquid filling. It is safer to just use an upright refrigerant tank for gaseous filling, because the compressor inlet must be gaseous. The suction of liquid refrigerant into the compressor will damage the outlet valve.

    • @cleronclarke5202
      @cleronclarke5202 2 года назад

      thank for this comment. I heard this before, but always seen tech invert tank.

    • @ranchview3470
      @ranchview3470 Год назад

      Charge it with vapor not liquid

    • @Lupgaroo666
      @Lupgaroo666 Год назад +4

      I'm pretty sure for automobile air conditioning you don't want liquid dumping straight in...besides every small can I've ever used eventually gassed off and emptied into the system. Even the large bottle i used when rebuilding some automobile air conditioning compressors eventually completely emptied.
      So I was very surprised to see many techs inverting the bottle.
      Seems counterintuitive to me.
      My Machinest Mate at my unit in the military would sit the large tanks in a trash can with warm water.
      Someone in the know should clear this up.
      Thanks!

    • @johnarussoii
      @johnarussoii 10 месяцев назад +1

      Yes. If you need to give it a little push you can also use a hair dryer or a heat gun - keep temp around 100 F

    • @billrimmer5596
      @billrimmer5596 7 месяцев назад

      R u sure? I discharge R-134 into an old propane bottle that I evacuated. If I open the valve while in the upright position, gas comes out. If I invert it, liquid refrigerant comes out. I am sure of that. Even the container says liquid one way, and gas the other. So I respectfully disagree. And I have been charging automotive units since we were using R-12.

  • @davidmcmillan343
    @davidmcmillan343 Год назад

    Good explanation of the process.

  • @wallyblackburn
    @wallyblackburn 2 года назад

    Going to try this with a R410a dehumidifier. Wish me luck!

  • @dzeki29m96
    @dzeki29m96 2 года назад +1

    Great video!
    Thanks

  • @jefferycherrysr6568
    @jefferycherrysr6568 2 года назад

    Great and informative video thanks for this

  • @jaygolzari1116
    @jaygolzari1116 2 года назад

    Great work brother! A+ ty and well done

  • @paulchace2391
    @paulchace2391 2 года назад

    Nice, great info...,helping my family save $$$

  • @bernardsullano1868
    @bernardsullano1868 2 года назад

    thank you Benjamin for the video ..keep it up

  • @davidcarroll8533
    @davidcarroll8533 2 года назад

    Great Video I am going to try it out.

  • @farmperfect
    @farmperfect 2 года назад +3

    Awesome information! Thanks

  • @clusterone7465
    @clusterone7465 Год назад

    Great video. I have a quick question for, you maybe you can help. I have a small wine fridge that I suspect is low on refrigerant. it uses r600a. what psi should I fill to? Is it the same as 134a typically? 1-2psi positive pressure on low side?

  • @comfortlivinghh
    @comfortlivinghh 2 года назад

    thank you for your video. good job!

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 2 года назад +2

    Great little vid & info Benji ... I got a charge out of it ... Lol ...

  • @vivemarocamourlove9666
    @vivemarocamourlove9666 Год назад +1

    Thank you 👍👍👍

  • @AnAchievableDream
    @AnAchievableDream 10 месяцев назад +1

    After watching 10 or 12 other video's on this topic, I found yours to be the most straight forward and helpful. I need to recharge a Sub-Zero 532 and am located in a remote area where there are no technicians. I have all the parts, pieces and refrigerant and wanted to ask if it would it be possible to consult (hire) you to assist me in the recharge process? Much appreciated.........Cliff

  • @ziyadd2835
    @ziyadd2835 Год назад

    excellent explanations

  • @SeldomRest
    @SeldomRest Год назад +1

    Great video, appreciate you very much!

  • @donniematz
    @donniematz 2 года назад +1

    You’re so cool. Love your videos.

  • @larryseibold4287
    @larryseibold4287 Год назад +2

    since you have the digital gauges and clamps, would it have been best to measure the superheat at your operating condition vs weighing the refrigerant?

  • @johna6850
    @johna6850 9 месяцев назад +3

    Torquing to full stop with repeat insertions could cause leak.
    If you rely on threads to locate the seal point it might not return to full sealing force (needle to tube).
    For example: my piercing valve is 3 turns stop-to-stop ymmv. Go in ~2 1/2 turns to pierce, then back off and charge.
    Then in to light torque to ~2 3/4 turns, which is plenty for the 30psi resting pressure.
    Then you know the seal force is point-to-tube instead of thread-to-thread. This also allows for increased depth needed for future recharges.

  • @markg6860
    @markg6860 2 года назад

    What are the normal on-off-on-off-on-off times for the compressor under normal fridge running? Also, what about stop leak for very small leaks?

  • @ronaldcach2779
    @ronaldcach2779 2 года назад

    HI, I noticed you have your freezer in an unheated building. Do you have to install a crankcase heater on the compressor, to keep its oil warm? Thanks Friend

  • @mikevictor8390
    @mikevictor8390 2 года назад

    Excellent teacher

  • @adrianomuca6784
    @adrianomuca6784 2 года назад

    Good video . But a question . Can you let piercings valve in after charging epa type 1 ? And vent de minimis open close open close ball valve?!?

  • @markjensen4219
    @markjensen4219 2 года назад +1

    Ben I just watched your video about charging 134a to a freezer that has small leak from 3 years ago. I believe I see where your leak may be. At the end of your process tube it looked like it had been crempted off but no weld. Just wandering.

  • @agrota21
    @agrota21 10 месяцев назад +2

    Nice job. Probably should take that piercing valve out though and braze in a shrader valve. That might slow the leak down too. They say those pircing valves vibrate loose.

  • @crisroblesjr
    @crisroblesjr 2 года назад

    Nice, I refresh my mind. I wish I see what is the actual High Side and Low Side Pressure.
    I read about 6psig when you charge it for Low Side. Other video says 2-3psi is enough.

  • @DikyTehnik
    @DikyTehnik Год назад

    keep up the good work

  • @blaketaylor1841
    @blaketaylor1841 10 месяцев назад +1

    Great video ! very well presented you should be a instructor I am new to the appliance repair field.

  • @Wasakaie
    @Wasakaie Год назад +1

    how do you go about looking for / finding a leak if there is one?

  • @Dontforget2teabag
    @Dontforget2teabag 11 месяцев назад +1

    @Benjamin Sahlstrom is there a reason you would not want to use one of the A/C stop leak ~type products? I understand that over charging with one might cause a blockage or at the very least is limiting the capacity of 134a in the freezer. However, if it works as advertised and would stop a slow leak, then what would be your concerns with using such a product?

  • @henrymahmoodi9020
    @henrymahmoodi9020 2 года назад

    good job! thank you

  • @jamesmcgrath5140
    @jamesmcgrath5140 2 года назад

    Great video great job two thumbs up

  • @yomomma9070
    @yomomma9070 2 года назад +65

    I don't recommend those piercing type valves as a permanent installation. They leak as well. Use them to recover, then braze in some Schrader valves.

    • @barrythomas529
      @barrythomas529 2 года назад +8

      But for a quick fix it's ok .

    • @TheZooBrooksAB
      @TheZooBrooksAB 2 года назад +2

      Don't Schrader valves have rubber sealants? Wouldn't they just melt during the braze?

    • @yomomma9070
      @yomomma9070 2 года назад +12

      @@TheZooBrooksAB you have to remove the core prior to brazing, then once it cools you reinstall the core.

    • @TheZooBrooksAB
      @TheZooBrooksAB 2 года назад +3

      @@yomomma9070 I see. Also, I didn't realize the valves on the coolant cans were Schrader capable. I just thought of another thing.....to put the Schrader valve in, the entire system needs to be bled and recharged, correct?

    • @yomomma9070
      @yomomma9070 2 года назад

      @@TheZooBrooksAB that's the way I've done it. I will use the piercing type shown in this video to recover any remaining refrigerant then braze access fittings onto the process tube for permanent installation. You may be able to braze onto the process tubes after the crimp, idk. I've never attempted heating on a charged system; I was taught not to.

  • @harold2994
    @harold2994 2 года назад

    Will the A/C stop leak products work with something like your slow leak? Or would it make things worse?

  • @oupahutama1128
    @oupahutama1128 2 года назад +3

    Rule of thumb always change drier,do pressure test and vacuum before adding refrigerants

    • @nastyhvacr
      @nastyhvacr 2 года назад +2

      Rule of thumb doesn’t apply to DIY resi fridge repair. Anything more than a tap and gas and dash is a waste of money.

  • @robmccoy21
    @robmccoy21 2 года назад

    Super helpful.

  • @TaterPS
    @TaterPS 2 года назад +10

    Great video! Though it took me a minute or two realize that this wasn't actually Elon Musk showing us how to charge a fridge. ;-/

  • @mumbles552
    @mumbles552 27 дней назад

    What a great explanation! Just one question though as I might have missed it but was the compressor running as you added the refrigerant?

  • @JoseMunoz-jw9jr
    @JoseMunoz-jw9jr 5 месяцев назад

    Great video. Thanks

  • @NorthernWindNut
    @NorthernWindNut 2 года назад +1

    The way appliance prices are now it's worth it

  • @ms38355
    @ms38355 11 месяцев назад +1

    Can you add freon with the stop leak additive for a small leak?

  • @celsiusswatt6021
    @celsiusswatt6021 6 месяцев назад +1

    Great video. But novice question: in this video you suggest suction pressure at 6-7psi. My fridge was powered down in hot climate for 9 months, and when I turned it on, it did not cool. Since I did not know the amount of remaining refrigerant in the system , I probably overcharged it to get to 7psi on the charge valve, and put ~6 (?) ounces of R134 instead of recommended 5 oz from the label. So now the fridge is working better than perfect, but the suction pipe gets frosted nearly up to the compressor. Is it dangerous? And if so, is it possible to remove some refrigerant from the system and how? I have seen other videos where the recommended suction pressure is ~2-3psi. If i try to bleed it, it bleeds with oil also, which is not good...

  • @davidskipperskip5403
    @davidskipperskip5403 2 года назад +1

    Thank you

  • @rogernunez5853
    @rogernunez5853 Год назад

    Like your channel very good information keep it up.

  • @carlossaenz4075
    @carlossaenz4075 2 года назад

    Great video u did great

  • @qman9255
    @qman9255 Год назад +5

    Excellent presentation! You were clear and fully explained everything. You also spoke at a perfect speed. I didn't need to back up once. I'll be at Harbor Freight to buy my set up soon. Thank you.

  • @gnaneshsiva664
    @gnaneshsiva664 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video

  • @theRog05
    @theRog05 8 месяцев назад +1

    If I purchase a small can of R134a, could I use a regular kitchen scale to measure ounces, or does it have to be a special refrigerant scale? Thanks! Great informative video!

    • @vitaliyd193
      @vitaliyd193 7 месяцев назад

      Kitchen scale will work.

  • @mikemacnaughtan261
    @mikemacnaughtan261 Год назад

    Very professional

  • @ruslanandriievskyi5872
    @ruslanandriievskyi5872 2 года назад

    Good job 👍