As a third year hvac installer/tech, I can confidently say with your videos and now book, my work has improved and now I’m the busiest guy in the company. Thank you for all your work in helping me improve and look forward to gaining more knowledge from your guidance.
This man is full of knowledge. That is how I do my vacuum procedures at the properly I'm a Supervisor. I have been in the hvac business for more then 20 years and there is always something new to learn. Thank Sir for spreading your knowledge, something that not too many experienced techs are willing to do.
One thing wrong.. where was the oil change to the vacuum pump. Oil breaks down fast.. especially systems in operation previous but recovered or pumped down to make leak repairs. Even for newer systems where those choose not to keep nitrogen on or use to purge will have moisture to deal with.
I did flow nitrogen through the system at 3 cfh while brazing so it was purged some before starting but it would have been nice to do an oil change for the second vac. This would have given it the best chance at making time. I changed the oil after the second vac was done, however the second vacuum would still have taken quite a bit of time, thanks!
This video has helped me out a lot. I do commercial refrigeration and hvac and I was taught to pull the vacuum through the gauges and that takes forever to even get down. Now I’m going to use what I’ve learned from this and put it towards refrigeration side of things for single units and heaven forbid rack refrigeration because we all know how some companies are.
Brother you’re an asset to the HVAC community. I’ve purchased your e-book and the flash cards not to mention your videos here are my go to on TH-cam. Big thanks man 🤙🏼
You are the hvac man! You help me as well as so many others so much. You explain everything so well. I would honestly recommend someone using your videos and working in the field rather than going to college! Got a few buddies that went the hvac school route. Definitely not trying to knock it but from what I’ve heard the lessons are kinda dragged out with some useless info. Not your videos tho! You tell people just what they need to know! Thanks man
I am just putting this out there. I have no doubt that this is a much faster way to pump down the system. And I in no way am bashing on anyone'smethods. You really know your stuff and I wish I had the years of experience and the head full of knowledge in hvac as you have. I am amazed at your ability in the trade. That said, I just am surprised that I haven't read anyone saying what I think every time I see one of these videos on how fast a system can be pulled down. I have no need of pumping it down extremely fast. I have several other things that need to be done that I can be doing while it's pumping down. I still do it the old way with the cores in and the manifold hooked up. When I'm done pumping down I don't have to worry about not being able to get the core back in place or fighting them (sometimes it can be a fight). I don't have to reattach my manifold hoses in order make sure the SH or SC is spot on and to hook up to a tank if I need to add refrigerant to top off the system. I am able to be hooking up wiring, taking the trash away, cleaning up tools, etc, etc. while it's pumping down. I really don't need for it to pump down fast. I have efficient time management so it works out fine. I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say to prove that I'm an idiot. Believe me, I know I've got more to learn. I learn more every week in this business. And I appreciate anything you all have to teach me. So please, educate me on what it is I'm missing in the way I do it. Btw, I'm older. 53. And I've learned from a couple of very smart, very experienced trainers. And I've learned from newbies with a fresh approach. I'm willing to learn new things from anyone. Please don't attack me. But please do instruct and enlighten me. What am I missing?
I also do it that way but two things, 1) like he mentioned the manifolds themselves can have a leak 2) those large systems can take too long pulling the vacuum when the core (schrader) valve is in
@@RangkapSelari Thanks for the input. I didn't think of the manifolds leaking. And I just do residential systems. Mostly 1.5 to 2.5 ton systems. Biggest are 3.5 ton. So not an issue for me. But good points you made there. Thanks!
It sounds like you are mostly installing new systems where pulling a vacuum isn't very hard. If you're repairing an older system they will have more oil and pulling a vacuum (especially on the whole system including the condenser) can take FOREVER. I've waited hours and hours for vacuums to pull on used systems and that's where techniques like this really come in handy.
The 2 hose with 3 core removes is a great setup. I took Craig's tip about this awhile ago, and never really have any more problems with pulling a vacuum
Agreed. Been using Craig’s method since I saw his first video on using 3 valve core removal tools. Did not want to purchase another core removal tool, but it is what it is. Never had any more vacuum issues. As a former High School teacher, he is an excellent teacher. I learned HVAC at age 60. He helped me grasp the field experience with his videos. Having book knowledge is helpful. Having both is the best.
@@williambell884 im have way through trade school at 37 years old . New and green to hvac . Craig has great videos and I've just ordered his book . How has the trade been to you? And the learning curve ?
Craig Erickson At age 60 the learning curve was steep. As we age, our ability to grasp and retain information diminishes. However, it is a great field. My son will be in it for 3 tears in September. Last year he made $83, 000 in 10.5 months. If your willing to work and learn you can make money.
@@craigerickson8712 I'm 42, and have been a tech for almost 4 years now. Love the trade but some companies make the trade hard then it is. Too many want that commission dollars and dont care about quality of workmanship or the systems.
Great job explaining! This is so ctitical,especially in refrigeration applications! I certainly hope more technicians and contractors used this method with 2 hose or ( at least 1/2 " hose applications) ,for pulling a vaccumn.. Just go out and buy a couple core removal tools and practice doing this. You will notice less call backs, And YES....no evaporator coil leaking due to moisture in system after 3-5 years! Thank you for all your time and sharing correct procedures on A/C and refrigeration service procedures! Tremendous asset your videos! Bryan Tyler Refrigeration Helotes,Texas
Good video, I especially like it where you are not promoting a certain vacuum hose (the color of hose is blue). I have been using Yellow Jacket 5 CFM Bullet Vacuum Pump, (1) 3/8” Hose, 1 ball valve, Apion Core removal tool and a JB micron Gauge set up over 10 years. That set up has gave me 109-125 microns on new system with a decay rate around 10-20 microns in 20 minutes. Now all I see is that to do a ultimate vacuum is you must have these $400 blue hoses with 8CFM or more vacuum pumps.
Ha ha, yeah I try to show the procedures with tools that the newer techs will be able to get their hands on. Otherwise I am not really teaching new techs and those in school at all since they can't afford things like that! Thanks!
Stellar video productions, you clearly have a gift for teaching. My Robinair Vacuum pump has only a 1/4" flare input. It'd be nice to change to a 3/8" & 1/4" flare Tee to enable that vacuum setup.
One suggestion = I always set my vac gauge upright, never upside-down, for the reason you stated: oil contamination. You never know when the power trips to your pump and the potential of oil sucking back up the lines
Nice video once again! Other than for a couple of "mistakes" already pointed out, I myself wouldn't worry about the de minimis amount of oxygen prior to purging with nitrogen. The vacuum pump is more than capable of getting it out.
Hello Craig,in school they taught me that we don't take out the valve cores to do the vacuum beacause the time it takes unhook the service hose and put it back the valves cores it gets humidity and air into the line set,,how is tha true?,thanks for the great videos and i got your book already very nice HVAC book.
Great educational video. Do u have any video like “ vacuum line set and condenser unit”. If the system it’s contaminated we need to recovery all Freon to a self container and do a vacuum on the line set and condenser, am I right?? Thanks
That is a thing. We never know if previous tech(s) purged their hose('s) before adding refrigerant or how well they kept their hoses protected from solid precipitation (carrying charge hose with uncapped open ends facing up) before adjusting SC with Bluetooth or analog gauges). High side pressure fluttering after pressure stabilization does not always indicate presence of non condensable gas. And so, experience and best practices per what we see just adds questions, answers and comments from others until we adjust and and settle on a method while continually learning and fine tuning. This guy is doing a great service to the world. Wish I saw his videos before I was taught "just listen for the vacuum pump picth to change and the vacuum is probably good" or "you don't need no low flow while brazing".
Hi Craig, I've been thinking about the one hose set up for a while now and i don't believe it to be a viable solution for systems with hard shut off TXVs. I understand if the system is completely void of refrigerant, it'll pull thru the compressor but not so with the condenser full.
Thanks for the excellent video! When using the single hose setup, would the vacuum time depend on whether the txv has bleed or not? I used your one hose method to install a new system, it had a txv, but the pump down was really fast like 2 minutes. I thought maybe I did something wrong, but since the pressure gauge was on the liquid side, on the other side of the txv, I suppose I did it right. Right. Why was it so fast? Was it because it was a new system? Or because I had a bleeding txv?
What about using 2 core removal tools and using a regular extra ball Valve for the vacuum gauge. Just wondering cuz the Ball valve is $15 compared to $50
No I wouldn't. We rarely have any problem with that part leaking on the teflon that sits in the port. It is also easy enough to replace without loosing the charge when using a valve core removal tool, thanks!
Using a one hose setup pulling through the low side, is there ever a problem where the low and the high side isolate themselves within the txv or so let’s say and you only end up pulling a vacuum on half the system if that makes sense? Thanks!
Brilliant workmanship. After pulling the vacuum and starting the 10 min vacuum test, what would you recommend the allowance is for the microns tho rise up too ?
Gran video y muy bien explicado, la verdad mi inglés es malicioso y no puedo entender muy bien lo que explicas pero dado que llevo varios años en el rubro me doy cuenta... Solo tengo una pregunta... No se puede hacer vacío tanto por alta y por baja para ahorrar más tiempo en el proceso, o solo lo hiciste así para el video ?
Acabo de usar el traductor de Google. Siempre uso la configuración de dos mangueras y mis aspiradoras solo tardan entre 2 y 13 minutos en sistemas que van desde sistemas divididos estándar de 1,5 a 5 toneladas. Solo hice la aspiradora larga con una sola manguera para el video, ¡gracias!
Great video. But being that r22 is being phased out, it would have been cool to see the procedure with 410a. With R410A being a blend, would you still use gas for the initial charge after vacuuming?
blended gasses always need to be drawn from the tank as a liquid(inverted tank), it could be throttled/valved to a very low rate, causing it to flash off into a gas before it enters the system, or use an actual flashing chamber for the purpose. you'd simply use a valve at the end of the hose from tank, to only allow a tiny amount at a time into the system, of course after purging the tank/hose/valve/connection at system
I usually recover that last 4 ounces of R-410A since it is only vapor at that point even when I know I pulled the rest out as a liquid so the mix should still be good. However, I always use the last of the R22 up breaking a vacuum since it is a single component refrigerant, thanks!
The AC is not cool because moisture and air trap in the system? There is refrigerant in the system. Do I need to recover the refrigerant first before doing the vacuum?
@@yonofui9682 It is just adding the air that was in the hose, into the system followed by the nitrogen. When you purge air first then you will just be flowing only nitrogen through the tubing. it was not much but is best to get the nitrogen to the end of the hose first, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC I know it’s been a while but I take the Tim eco read all comments and responses. Please correct me if I’m wrong please, but , true the tiny bit of air wasn’t purged out before the nitro but on the second vacuum u did do that but with the r22.? . Thanks and this is a great video. I truly appreciate your help. 😎😎😎
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How do you clean a vacuum gauge? I even took the end off and don’t see anything to clean there’s just a hole there
Wouldn't you normally charge the system with the tank upside down if it has liquid refrigerant inside? If there's only vapor inside why turn it upside down? Or, is that only for cases of "topping-off?"
In this video, it was more for those learning to remember to break the vacuum with refrigerant from the upside down bottle as if there was liquid in it, thanks!
thank you very much for the video ... i have 2 questions pleasev;1. what happens to the oil in the system is it sucked out while the vakkum pump is running if not why? 2. why did you open and close the hoses many times ?......thank you
1 Oil does not get removed from the system during a vacuum. 2 sometimes there is air trapped around the ball valve of the valve core removal tool. I go to great length explaining all of this in my book the "Refrigerant Charging and Service Procedures for Air Conditioning" and I have the full outline posted at www.acservicetech.com for those who want to see whats inside, thanks!
Craig, another informative video. A great demonstration. In your opinion, do the core removal tools have to be vacuum rated or can other core removal tools be used for this procedure?
When breaking vac with nitrogen are you not supposed to leave it for an hour to help with removal of moisture? Also with the 2 stage pump I have the manufacture says that triple evac is not required just use gas ballast till 10thousand and let er buck down
I see what you are saying if it’s a new install yea you can just make sure those cores are in or you will have a few pounds of refrigerant blasting out at you haha and if that does happen don’t try to stop it you will burn your hand very bad
What do you think about using sman480 built in micron gauge to pull vacuum instead of extra valve core removal tool and buying separate micron gauge. Thanks
what type of coupler are you using on your vacuum pump. I traditionally used 1/4 inch hoses but removed the schrader valves. I want move to bigger hoses saves me time. How do you store those hoses isnt it bad to have them exposed to moisture when they have no caps?
If you do just a pump down on the condenser and leave refrigerant in the condenser and replace just the evaporator, do you need to perform a 2 hose vacuum procedure on just the line set and evaporator? And second question, if you replace both the condenser and evaporator, normally the new condenser is filled with nitrogen on a R-410 unit, do you still perform a 2 hose vacuum procedure? Thanks
Yes let the nitrogen exit and then perform your vacuum. If it is a system that once had oil in it, I blow 100psi of nitrogen from one side to the other for 5 seconds before vacuuming in order to blow the oil onto the inner walls of the tubing and then I do the two hose method, thanks!
@@acservicetechchannel Craig to follow up on your last comment, would I be able to blow just 100psi of air from one side for 5 seconds on a system that once had R22 before vacuuming it, if I don't have nitrogen? I am installing a new condensor with R410a and a new evaporator while keeping the old line sets. Excellent video with clear detailed instructions! Thanks,
hahaha i love the fact he has the gloves on i remember 20 yrs ago my tech school teching me about that but in real world commercial you cant for the most part do that.
Mr. Craig. I was told that if you pull a vacuum too quickly that it could cause the line set to ice up inside. Therefore possibly leaving moisture in the lineset / system. Is this correct?
Ron, no it is not, common misconception. You can confirm you have no ice during the 10 minute standing vacuum test. If the ice melts, the micron level will rise. Pull the vacuum fast to get it done efficiently and then test it during the 10 minute standing vacuum test, also referred to as the decay test. If you were concerned about ice, run the fan blower too in order to provide heat at the evap coil, thanks.
Why sometimes after finishing my vaccumm down to 500 I turn the vaccumm off and the micron gauge goes back to -29.99 and stays there . Shouldnt it stay at 500 o raise a bit but not back to -29.99? Please advised. Thank you !!!!
WOOOOOOW.... I am absolutely shocked by the difference in time a single hose set up takes compared to the 2 hose.. I have singlehandedly witnessed the frustrations accompanied by the micron gauge shutting off for the 3rd time 45 minutes in, and hovering at 1,000, everyone just sitting there wondering why lol... I would much rather buy the extra core removal tools and hose and save myself 50 minutes
Thank you for making such a detailed video! Would you recommend this same method with an automotive air conditioning system? I need to replace the ac condenser in my son's car and would like my repair job to be as professional as possible. Thanks!!
Great vid, I've been using your method for a couple years now but recently i've been having issues with pump oil being drawn back into the hoses. I'm not sure why, any thoughts? I isolate the system before i turn off the pump.
I’m new to the field. I’m using the Fieldpiece VP67 pump and 2 appion 1/2” vacuum hoses with the CPS micron gauge. I don’t have the core removal tool yet. My question is after doing a compressor changeout and getting down to 500 microns, turning the pump off and waiting 10 minutes for decay test. Is it then good to just remove the vacuum hoses from the ports while pump isn’t running and proceed with charging the system? It seemed like as I removed the hose I heard pressure returning into the system and the vacuum had broken.
Really appreciate the videos and the book is awesome. However, I’m having trouble removing the core with the Appion tool. It won’t grab the core. Any suggestions?
So if the rubber gasket is squished onto the port too tight it will close off the hole on the inside of it and the valve core rod will loose the valve core at that point. The gasket needs to be sealed at the port when removing the core from a pressurized system but not squished, thanks!
Hey Craig I recently purchased BluVac+ micro gauge which advertises sensor withstands overpressure up to 500 PSI, do I still need 3 valve core removal setup or I can break the vacuum with this micron gauge connected ?
Most vacuum gauges are rated for high pressure. However, I don't like to test them because they are sensitive for such a deep vacuum. Also the big thing is to not contaminate the vacuum sensor with the refrigerant oil from the system. If the sensor becomes contaminated, it won't read the next vacuum correctly and it is just easy enough to valve this component off, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC Craig the response from the manufacturer to that question was: It is OK to keep the gauge connected while releasing gas into the evacuated system. The worst that could happen is oil gets in the sensor, but the gauge will tell you (it will say oil on the display). If this happens, just clean to sensor with isopropyl alcohol. Would you say just to be safe it would be better to get another core removal anyway ?
As always you have great HVAC training videos I recommend your channel to the students at our local HVAC college program. Great demonstration reference video don’t understand why anybody would even think of using a single hose my dad started me off and HVAC when I was a kid back in the 70s it was always double hose. And my dad taught me to make up my own vacuum lines out of soft copper with no hoses to pull a very deep vacuum and my dad was taught by an older gentleman in refrigeration when he was young. About the only difference my dad‘s old micron gauge that I learned Don has a child you 6 to 8D cell batteries only had several hours of run time before the batteries were dead took about five minutes to warm up and almost another five minutes to calibrate before it was ready to use and it was temperature sensitive. All these methods and knowledge I know for a fact were around before Kennedy was president. Keep up the great videos.
Very nice and thanks for letting the younger techs know! I am trying to get the book into the hands of the younger techs at schools so they have not only the theory but also the procedures step by step, and why some procedures are better than other ones, thanks!
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As a third year hvac installer/tech, I can confidently say with your videos and now book, my work has improved and now I’m the busiest guy in the company. Thank you for all your work in helping me improve and look forward to gaining more knowledge from your guidance.
That is really awesome to hear! Thanks a lot for letting me know!
35 years ac mechanic,still learning,thanks for post
Thanks for watching!
This man is full of knowledge. That is how I do my vacuum procedures at the properly I'm a Supervisor. I have been in the hvac business for more then 20 years and there is always something new to learn. Thank Sir for spreading your knowledge, something that not too many experienced techs are willing to do.
One thing wrong.. where was the oil change to the vacuum pump. Oil breaks down fast.. especially systems in operation previous but recovered or pumped down to make leak repairs. Even for newer systems where those choose not to keep nitrogen on or use to purge will have moisture to deal with.
I did flow nitrogen through the system at 3 cfh while brazing so it was purged some before starting but it would have been nice to do an oil change for the second vac. This would have given it the best chance at making time. I changed the oil after the second vac was done, however the second vacuum would still have taken quite a bit of time, thanks!
This video has helped me out a lot. I do commercial refrigeration and hvac and I was taught to pull the vacuum through the gauges and that takes forever to even get down. Now I’m going to use what I’ve learned from this and put it towards refrigeration side of things for single units and heaven forbid rack refrigeration because we all know how some companies are.
Hey Craig I just wanted to thank you! Today I tried your vacuum method in a large Mitsubishi VRF system… I got it down to target vacuum in no time!
Brother you’re an asset to the HVAC community. I’ve purchased your e-book and the flash cards not to mention your videos here are my go to on TH-cam. Big thanks man 🤙🏼
You are the hvac man! You help me as well as so many others so much. You explain everything so well. I would honestly recommend someone using your videos and working in the field rather than going to college! Got a few buddies that went the hvac school route. Definitely not trying to knock it but from what I’ve heard the lessons are kinda dragged out with some useless info. Not your videos tho! You tell people just what they need to know! Thanks man
That tip about releasing the air bubble from the ball valve in the valve core removal tool - sooooo good !
I am just putting this out there. I have no doubt that this is a much faster way to pump down the system. And I in no way am bashing on anyone'smethods. You really know your stuff and I wish I had the years of experience and the head full of knowledge in hvac as you have. I am amazed at your ability in the trade.
That said, I just am surprised that I haven't read anyone saying what I think every time I see one of these videos on how fast a system can be pulled down. I have no need of pumping it down extremely fast. I have several other things that need to be done that I can be doing while it's pumping down. I still do it the old way with the cores in and the manifold hooked up. When I'm done pumping down I don't have to worry about not being able to get the core back in place or fighting them (sometimes it can be a fight). I don't have to reattach my manifold hoses in order make sure the SH or SC is spot on and to hook up to a tank if I need to add refrigerant to top off the system. I am able to be hooking up wiring, taking the trash away, cleaning up tools, etc, etc. while it's pumping down. I really don't need for it to pump down fast. I have efficient time management so it works out fine. I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say to prove that I'm an idiot. Believe me, I know I've got more to learn. I learn more every week in this business. And I appreciate anything you all have to teach me. So please, educate me on what it is I'm missing in the way I do it. Btw, I'm older. 53. And I've learned from a couple of very smart, very experienced trainers. And I've learned from newbies with a fresh approach. I'm willing to learn new things from anyone. Please don't attack me. But please do instruct and enlighten me. What am I missing?
I also do it that way but two things, 1) like he mentioned the manifolds themselves can have a leak
2) those large systems can take too long pulling the vacuum when the core (schrader) valve is in
@@RangkapSelari Thanks for the input. I didn't think of the manifolds leaking. And I just do residential systems. Mostly 1.5 to 2.5 ton systems. Biggest are 3.5 ton. So not an issue for me. But good points you made there. Thanks!
It sounds like you are mostly installing new systems where pulling a vacuum isn't very hard. If you're repairing an older system they will have more oil and pulling a vacuum (especially on the whole system including the condenser) can take FOREVER. I've waited hours and hours for vacuums to pull on used systems and that's where techniques like this really come in handy.
@@Dylan237tyr5 That makes sense. Thank you for your input!
The videos are priceless and the comments are too .
Thanks a lot Gene!
I will buy your book mr. AC service you have been doing a great job on explaining the procedures. Much appreciate it.
Thank you very much and I would love to hear what you think of the book after reading it!
Love the DETAIL that you include in your demonstrations! And EXPLANATIONS for everything...wonderful! Thanks very much!
Thanks a lot Brian!
Craig. Excellent teaching my friend. I wish that we had you for our young apprentices at our training center. Have a great weekend. God bless.
Yeah NJ is pretty far away from California! Thanks Blaze!
The 2 hose with 3 core removes is a great setup. I took Craig's tip about this awhile ago, and never really have any more problems with pulling a vacuum
Awesome to hear!
Agreed. Been using Craig’s method since I saw his first video on using 3 valve core removal tools. Did not want to purchase another core removal tool, but it is what it is. Never had any more vacuum issues. As a former High School teacher, he is an excellent teacher. I learned HVAC at age 60. He helped me grasp the field experience with his videos. Having book knowledge is helpful. Having both is the best.
@@williambell884 im have way through trade school at 37 years old . New and green to hvac . Craig has great videos and I've just ordered his book .
How has the trade been to you? And the learning curve ?
Craig Erickson At age 60 the learning curve was steep. As we age, our ability to grasp and retain information diminishes. However, it is a great field. My son will be in it for 3 tears in September. Last year he made $83, 000 in 10.5 months. If your willing to work and learn you can make money.
@@craigerickson8712 I'm 42, and have been a tech for almost 4 years now. Love the trade but some companies make the trade hard then it is. Too many want that commission dollars and dont care about quality of workmanship or the systems.
Great job explaining!
This is so ctitical,especially in refrigeration applications!
I certainly hope more technicians and contractors used this method with 2 hose or ( at least 1/2 " hose applications) ,for pulling a vaccumn..
Just go out and buy a couple core removal tools and practice doing this.
You will notice less call backs,
And YES....no evaporator coil leaking due to moisture in system after 3-5 years!
Thank you for all your time and sharing correct procedures on A/C and refrigeration service procedures!
Tremendous asset your videos!
Bryan Tyler Refrigeration
Helotes,Texas
Thanks a lot Joseph!
Great videos. I bought the paperback training book.packed full of good info. Thankyou
Craig, Thanks for such a great HVAC training channel. Just ordered your book. Keep up the good work!
Awesome, please let me know what you think of it after reading!
I appreciate this video very much 👍👍. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
Excellent video!!!!! Now sure how I missed this one. Have seen all your videos. You are the best!
Thank you for your support!
Good video, I especially like it where you are not promoting a certain vacuum hose (the color of hose is blue). I have been using Yellow Jacket 5 CFM Bullet Vacuum Pump, (1) 3/8” Hose, 1 ball valve, Apion Core removal tool and a JB micron Gauge set up over 10 years. That set up has gave me 109-125 microns on new system with a decay rate around 10-20 microns in 20 minutes. Now all I see is that to do a ultimate vacuum is you must have these $400 blue hoses with 8CFM or more vacuum pumps.
Ha ha, yeah I try to show the procedures with tools that the newer techs will be able to get their hands on. Otherwise I am not really teaching new techs and those in school at all since they can't afford things like that! Thanks!
Stellar video productions, you clearly have a gift for teaching. My Robinair Vacuum pump has only a 1/4" flare input. It'd be nice to change to a 3/8" & 1/4" flare Tee to enable that vacuum setup.
One suggestion = I always set my vac gauge upright, never upside-down, for the reason you stated: oil contamination. You never know when the power trips to your pump and the potential of oil sucking back up the lines
Nice video once again! Other than for a couple of "mistakes" already pointed out, I myself wouldn't worry about the de minimis amount of oxygen prior to purging with nitrogen. The vacuum pump is more than capable of getting it out.
No mistake here. He is re evacuating the system with the one hose method
Thanks for the excellent demonstration and info
Thank you for watching and your support!
I use 2- 3/8x 1/2x 1/4 hoses but i don’t use the third core removal tool. Nice tip!!
Awesome, thanks Freddy!
Pleasure to watch, a real pro, thank you so much for your videos.
Can’t you just put the txv in hot water to keep it open for more flow? With the single hose setup
I enjoyed signing the song in this video !
Thanks Craig you’re a true master and great teacher
Glad that you enjoyed it!
If only I saw this before yesterday. And I have your book. Great video. 😋
Excellent, teacher.
Thanks Luis!
Hello Craig,in school they taught me that we don't take out the valve cores to do the vacuum beacause the time it takes unhook the service hose and put it back the valves cores it gets humidity and air into the line set,,how is tha true?,thanks for the great videos and i got your book already very nice HVAC book.
Just learning, so this was spot on. Thanks.
This man is AC BOSS!
Glad to help Jamie!
Great educational video. Do u have any video like “ vacuum line set and condenser unit”. If the system it’s contaminated we need to recovery all Freon to a self container and do a vacuum on the line set and condenser, am I right?? Thanks
That is a thing. We never know if previous tech(s) purged their hose('s) before adding refrigerant or how well they kept their hoses protected from solid precipitation (carrying charge hose with uncapped open ends facing up) before adjusting SC with Bluetooth or analog gauges). High side pressure fluttering after pressure stabilization does not always indicate presence of non condensable gas. And so, experience and best practices per what we see just adds questions, answers and comments from others until we adjust and and settle on a method while continually learning and fine tuning. This guy is doing a great service to the world. Wish I saw his videos before I was taught "just listen for the vacuum pump picth to change and the vacuum is probably good" or "you don't need no low flow while brazing".
Thanks 👍🌹
Glad to help!
Good Video. One suggestion. Get some stick on magnets for the back of the scale readout.
Wait so it takes like 1 minute with two hoses and like 1 hour with just one hose?
Another excellent video. Thank you ❤
Do you have a video on single hose filling?
Hi Craig, I've been thinking about the one hose set up for a while now and i don't believe it to be a viable solution for systems with hard shut off TXVs. I understand if the system is completely void of refrigerant, it'll pull thru the compressor but not so with the condenser full.
Great info, thanks, also enjoyed listening to you on Bryan's podcast recently. 👍
Awesome and thanks for letting me know!
Thanks for the excellent video! When using the single hose setup, would the vacuum time depend on whether the txv has bleed or not? I used your one hose method to install a new system, it had a txv, but the pump down was really fast like 2 minutes. I thought maybe I did something wrong, but since the pressure gauge was on the liquid side, on the other side of the txv, I suppose I did it right. Right. Why was it so fast? Was it because it was a new system? Or because I had a bleeding txv?
Somehow I missed? Did you purge/ bleed the nitrogen hose before opening the valve into the system?
How does one remove the valve core depressor from the 1/4" hose?
Very nice video.
Thanks a lot Lance!
Great Video!
Thanks a lot Andy!
Can you explain to me how you can put a vacuum on the system when its under pressure? Im not understanding that.
What about using 2 core removal tools and using a regular extra ball Valve for the vacuum gauge. Just wondering cuz the Ball valve is $15 compared to $50
Correct, I don't use VCR tool, instead use ball valves and a tee
I think that could work, good idea Josh
awesome video, thanks
Awesome video thank you sir appreciate
Thanks Victor!
I never have seen you before you look great!!!!
Ha ha yeah sorry about the face ha ha! Its what I was born with!
7:27 so you didn't purge the line of air before opening the valve to break vacuum with the n2?
Thank you for the knowledge. Would you ever use a little Nylog on the new value core gasket?
No I wouldn't. We rarely have any problem with that part leaking on the teflon that sits in the port. It is also easy enough to replace without loosing the charge when using a valve core removal tool, thanks!
@@acservicetechchannel - Thank you for the info and reply.
There is a depressor in the cps vacuum gauge that you did not mention. I assume you leave it in?
Using a one hose setup pulling through the low side, is there ever a problem where the low and the high side isolate themselves within the txv or so let’s say and you only end up pulling a vacuum on half the system if that makes sense? Thanks!
Can you help me sir, my vacuum pump oil is getting damaged while vacuuming the 5 or 7 system, why is it so and also while vacuuming the refrigerator.
Brilliant workmanship. After pulling the vacuum and starting the 10 min vacuum test, what would you recommend the allowance is for the microns tho rise up too ?
Great video👍, i have a question, dont u tighten with a plier so its seal?
Never tighten with pliers. It won't leak unless the grommets are worn and need to be replaced, thanks!
Great video 👍 thanks for the tips ,will try the 2 hose setup on my next repair
Absolutely, really saves time, thanks!
Gran video y muy bien explicado, la verdad mi inglés es malicioso y no puedo entender muy bien lo que explicas pero dado que llevo varios años en el rubro me doy cuenta... Solo tengo una pregunta... No se puede hacer vacío tanto por alta y por baja para ahorrar más tiempo en el proceso, o solo lo hiciste así para el video ?
Acabo de usar el traductor de Google. Siempre uso la configuración de dos mangueras y mis aspiradoras solo tardan entre 2 y 13 minutos en sistemas que van desde sistemas divididos estándar de 1,5 a 5 toneladas. Solo hice la aspiradora larga con una sola manguera para el video, ¡gracias!
@@acservicetechchannel gracias a ti por responder , y tambien por enseñar,👍
Excellent!
Glad to help!
Great video. But being that r22 is being phased out, it would have been cool to see the procedure with 410a. With R410A being a blend, would you still use gas for the initial charge after vacuuming?
Actually they still sell dry units for R-22.. you just fill them according to the amount needed
@@FlyEaglesFly19111 That was helpful, ty..
blended gasses always need to be drawn from the tank as a liquid(inverted tank), it could be throttled/valved to a very low rate, causing it to flash off into a gas before it enters the system, or use an actual flashing chamber for the purpose. you'd simply use a valve at the end of the hose from tank, to only allow a tiny amount at a time into the system, of course after purging the tank/hose/valve/connection at system
I usually recover that last 4 ounces of R-410A since it is only vapor at that point even when I know I pulled the rest out as a liquid so the mix should still be good. However, I always use the last of the R22 up breaking a vacuum since it is a single component refrigerant, thanks!
What T is that on the vacuum pump? Thanks
The AC is not cool because moisture and air trap in the system? There is refrigerant in the system. Do I need to recover the refrigerant first before doing the vacuum?
Shouldn't we purge the nitrogen line before breaking the vacuum ??
yeah, he missed showing that and didn't purge from the valve at hoe end to the valve core tool either if you want to be a stickler
This is true, i didn't do that on this one and should have shown it! thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC what is the difference in purging the nitrogen
@@yonofui9682 It is just adding the air that was in the hose, into the system followed by the nitrogen. When you purge air first then you will just be flowing only nitrogen through the tubing. it was not much but is best to get the nitrogen to the end of the hose first, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC I know it’s been a while but I take the Tim eco read all comments and responses. Please correct me if I’m wrong please, but , true the tiny bit of air wasn’t purged out before the nitro but on the second vacuum u did do that but with the r22.? . Thanks and this is a great video. I truly appreciate your help. 😎😎😎
How do you clean a vacuum gauge? I even took the end off and don’t see anything to clean there’s just a hole there
Wouldn't you normally charge the system with the tank upside down if it has liquid refrigerant inside? If there's only vapor inside why turn it upside down? Or, is that only for cases of "topping-off?"
In this video, it was more for those learning to remember to break the vacuum with refrigerant from the upside down bottle as if there was liquid in it, thanks!
thank you very much for the video ... i have 2 questions pleasev;1. what happens to the oil in the system is it sucked out while the vakkum pump is running if not why?
2. why did you open and close the hoses many times ?......thank you
1 Oil does not get removed from the system during a vacuum. 2 sometimes there is air trapped around the ball valve of the valve core removal tool. I go to great length explaining all of this in my book the "Refrigerant Charging and Service Procedures for Air Conditioning" and I have the full outline posted at www.acservicetech.com for those who want to see whats inside, thanks!
Could you leave the fan running the whole time while performing the vacuum and charge, or would it be better to leave it off?
Thanks
I appreciate your comments Big Ant!
Craig, another informative video. A great demonstration.
In your opinion, do the core removal tools have to be vacuum rated or can other core removal tools be used for this procedure?
شكرا اخي تعلمنا منك الكثير
علي الشيخ was
@@michaelstephenson5523 Thank you, brother, we learned a lot from you
Thanks to both of you and glad to help! شكرا لكما وسعداء للمساعدة!
When breaking vac with nitrogen are you not supposed to leave it for an hour to help with removal of moisture? Also with the 2 stage pump I have the manufacture says that triple evac is not required just use gas ballast till 10thousand and let er buck down
Craig...another awesome video!
Is this approach and these procedures similar when working on a ductless system?
Yes the single hose setup is, thanks!
Do you have to break the vacuum with Freon from a bottle or can you used the Freon contained in the condenser ??
I see what you are saying if it’s a new install yea you can just make sure those cores are in or you will have a few pounds of refrigerant blasting out at you haha and if that does happen don’t try to stop it you will burn your hand very bad
Is it still manditory for every individual be EPA 608 certified to do any type of refrigerant vacuum or service on every type of HVAC systems?
Yes in the US, thanks!
What do you think about using sman480 built in micron gauge to pull vacuum instead of extra valve core removal tool and buying separate micron gauge. Thanks
Is it possible for refrigerant to flow without the compressor running?
what type of coupler are you using on your vacuum pump. I traditionally used 1/4 inch hoses but removed the schrader valves. I want move to bigger hoses saves me time. How do you store those hoses isnt it bad to have them exposed to moisture when they have no caps?
Wouldn’t you have to add the r22 thru vapor line?
If you do just a pump down on the condenser and leave refrigerant in the condenser and replace just the evaporator, do you need to perform a 2 hose vacuum procedure on just the line set and evaporator? And second question, if you replace both the condenser and evaporator, normally the new condenser is filled with nitrogen on a R-410 unit, do you still perform a 2 hose vacuum procedure? Thanks
I'm going to say that you can use the setup regardless of what you replace.
Yes let the nitrogen exit and then perform your vacuum. If it is a system that once had oil in it, I blow 100psi of nitrogen from one side to the other for 5 seconds before vacuuming in order to blow the oil onto the inner walls of the tubing and then I do the two hose method, thanks!
@@acservicetechchannel Craig to follow up on your last comment, would I be able to blow just 100psi of air from one side for 5 seconds on a system that once had R22 before vacuuming it, if I don't have nitrogen? I am installing a new condensor with R410a and a new evaporator while keeping the old line sets. Excellent video with clear detailed instructions! Thanks,
@@mazakkam no I wouldn’t put any air in the system
hahaha i love the fact he has the gloves on i remember 20 yrs ago my tech school teching me about that but in real world commercial you cant for the most part do that.
Always use gloves in the field. You don't want to get the oil mixed with refrigerant soaking into your hands, thanks
What would you recommend for lennox units? You can't really fit the core removal tool in the space that they give you.
Are you able to get at least one valve core removal tool on? Sometimes on units, you may only be able to get to one and that will help, thanks!
Mr. Craig. I was told that if you pull a vacuum too quickly that it could cause the line set to ice up inside. Therefore possibly leaving moisture in the lineset / system. Is this correct?
Ron, no it is not, common misconception. You can confirm you have no ice during the 10 minute standing vacuum test. If the ice melts, the micron level will rise. Pull the vacuum fast to get it done efficiently and then test it during the 10 minute standing vacuum test, also referred to as the decay test. If you were concerned about ice, run the fan blower too in order to provide heat at the evap coil, thanks.
@@acservicetechchannel Thanks for the knowledge sir.
Why sometimes after finishing my vaccumm down to 500 I turn the vaccumm off and the micron gauge goes back to -29.99 and stays there . Shouldnt it stay at 500 o raise a bit but not back to -29.99? Please advised. Thank you !!!!
That would be close to a perfect vacuum so there must be something wrong with the micron gauge. Try cleaning the sensor maybe?
@@acservicetechchannel thank you !!!!
Clean the sensor with rubbing alcohol and let it evaporate. You should be good after that.
You have a leak in your setup most likely
WOOOOOOW.... I am absolutely shocked by the difference in time a single hose set up takes compared to the 2 hose.. I have singlehandedly witnessed the frustrations accompanied by the micron gauge shutting off for the 3rd time 45 minutes in, and hovering at 1,000, everyone just sitting there wondering why lol... I would much rather buy the extra core removal tools and hose and save myself 50 minutes
Thank you for making such a detailed video! Would you recommend this same method with an automotive air conditioning system? I need to replace the ac condenser in my son's car and would like my repair job to be as professional as possible. Thanks!!
I’m sorry I missed the part on vacuum pump. Is that a single or two stage pump? Thanks
Why the nitrogen? Please explain. Thx
thanks, partner for sharing!!!!!
Glad to help!
Great vid, I've been using your method for a couple years now but recently i've been having issues with pump oil being drawn back into the hoses. I'm not sure why, any thoughts? I isolate the system before i turn off the pump.
I’m new to the field. I’m using the Fieldpiece VP67 pump and 2 appion 1/2” vacuum hoses with the CPS micron gauge. I don’t have the core removal tool yet.
My question is after doing a compressor changeout and getting down to 500 microns, turning the pump off and waiting 10 minutes for decay test. Is it then good to just remove the vacuum hoses from the ports while pump isn’t running and proceed with charging the system? It seemed like as I removed the hose I heard pressure returning into the system and the vacuum had broken.
Really appreciate the videos and the book is awesome. However, I’m having trouble removing the core with the Appion tool. It won’t grab the core. Any suggestions?
So if the rubber gasket is squished onto the port too tight it will close off the hole on the inside of it and the valve core rod will loose the valve core at that point. The gasket needs to be sealed at the port when removing the core from a pressurized system but not squished, thanks!
What brand tool is the core remover?
Hey Craig I recently purchased BluVac+ micro gauge which advertises sensor withstands overpressure up to 500 PSI, do I still need 3 valve core removal setup or I can break the vacuum with this micron gauge connected ?
Most vacuum gauges are rated for high pressure. However, I don't like to test them because they are sensitive for such a deep vacuum. Also the big thing is to not contaminate the vacuum sensor with the refrigerant oil from the system. If the sensor becomes contaminated, it won't read the next vacuum correctly and it is just easy enough to valve this component off, thanks!
AC Service Tech LLC Craig the response from the manufacturer to that question was: It is OK to keep the gauge connected while releasing gas into the evacuated system.
The worst that could happen is oil gets in the sensor, but the gauge will tell you (it will say oil on the display).
If this happens, just clean to sensor with isopropyl alcohol.
Would you say just to be safe it would be better to get another core removal anyway ?
Thank you for this video.
please someone should prescribe for me the type of Vacuum pump I should buy and the list of it associated tools.
I have the tools that i use linked at www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech including the two vacuum pumps I use, thanks!
I'm actually studying environmental science bus shi if it's gonna get this hot I may as well learn some HVAC too. Starting to feel related 😂
As always you have great HVAC training videos I recommend your channel to the students at our local HVAC college program.
Great demonstration reference video don’t understand why anybody would even think of using a single hose my dad started me off and HVAC when I was a kid back in the 70s it was always double hose. And my dad taught me to make up my own vacuum lines out of soft copper with no hoses to pull a very deep vacuum and my dad was taught by an older gentleman in refrigeration when he was young.
About the only difference my dad‘s old micron gauge that I learned Don has a child you 6 to 8D cell batteries only had several hours of run time before the batteries were dead took about five minutes to warm up and almost another five minutes to calibrate before it was ready to use and it was temperature sensitive. All these methods and knowledge I know for a fact were around before Kennedy was president.
Keep up the great videos.
Very nice and thanks for letting the younger techs know! I am trying to get the book into the hands of the younger techs at schools so they have not only the theory but also the procedures step by step, and why some procedures are better than other ones, thanks!
What size is that red hose
Do you have a list of the tools and hose been used ?
Never mind about the hose you’ve explained at 9:40