Its a 21 y/o system. You would have to take apart all the channels and they are probably old, flimsy and easily crack. The extra hours put into doing that would cost the homeowner a few hundred dollars more.
Steve you gotta watch those mini splits. Ive changed more exv's then ive had leaks. The exv is located in the condenser so it shows ice on those lines when they go bad.
Steve on newer splits you should weigh the charge out, then weigh in the factory charge - it only takes a few minutes. it will modulate everything it needs to.. It has sensors, thermistors everywhere. attatched to the 2 way and 3 way zone valves, the EEV in the head unit controls superheat compressor and condenser fan modulate to adjust subcooling.. You can slowly add 3 oz at time with the head unit on max fan speed lowest temperature setting until you get 54F air coming out of it. Work for Carrier and Fujitsu and bosch dealer
@@moonlightacmaintenance3232 It's done by factory charge weight and lineset length usually but there is a way to test. In the documentation and in talking to fujitsu, bosch and mitsu tech support - full load will be at the lowest set point in cool at max fan speed, make sure 'powerful' is on and economy mode is off. The charge is pulled and weighed in as per the rating plate, then add charge based on your lineset length if it's excessively long, only if required. Most units come with enough in the condenser for 25 foot line sets on multiple zones if it has them, so usually you don't have to add anything. If you do it would be very little, for 3/8 liquid line you would add 0.54oz/foot of liquid line, but the manufacturer's documentation is key it will tell you.
@@Falcon-eh8tq thanks for the response. Interesting. I’m only 1.5 yrs in. Haven’t messed with any mini splits yet. Most split and commercial RTU’s and chillers. IMO a mini split isn’t any better than a PTAC. I just graduated tech school and watch as many videos as I can find. I also RTFM ( read the f’ing manuals)
@@moonlightacmaintenance3232 Nice! Welcome to the trade! You'll never stop learning everyday you will have an opportunity to learn about something new. Take your time and don't give into unrealistic time constraints put on you by management, customers, ect. Be thorough but not excessive lol. PTAC are very similar to splits i imagine, we don't use those systems much up here where i'm at. IMO Mini splits are very neat, but complicated, very fun to learn about. They have sensor clusters attatched to the 2-way/ 3-way zone valves, and you can take measurements at points on the board, then convert those voltage readings into psig wiith the fujitsu app, meaning you can measure pressure, temperature without using a gauge. Deep self diagnostic system, 100+ page service manual. The control board is upside down on some of those units and its done on purpose to take measurements easily
@@Falcon-eh8tq thanks. Got started late in life. 42 yrs old now so I’m behind the curb but I learn fast and am a great troubleshooter. Management leaves me alone for the most part because they know I’m going to do my job. They’ve topped me out in the short time I’ve been with them. It usually takes most guys years and years. Unfortunately, our pay scale isn’t very high. I appreciate when people put out videos of their knowledge or lack there of. It gives my access to things to think about, to research and knowledgeable guys like you in the comment sections.
I’ve noticed on our mini that it usually stops ramping at 30-40%. If I pull the thermostat of the lines (dual zone) it will ramp up and eventually start freezing. I’m just curious if it’s low on coolant in this instance?
My Senville mini split has a full computerized monitoring system. I will get warnings if something is amish. That system looks like it needs to be upgraded
This is a very good video. I just got an old split AC. Please my question is I added refrigerant to my 1hp Samsung spit AC when the power was turned off, filled it and I waited 10 hours to put the power on. Is it okay? Because Its cooling now
If you open the door on the mini split heat pump and you don't see any light on is that a bad control board? Indoor and out door fan run but not the compressor. Compressor is check out fine between legs and not grounded.
holy cow, 20 year unit. folks. good job S. a little "juice", how much longer? who knows. "Sir start saving for a new system, you got your $ worth".... nice repair S. as always
Need a vapor charger.. kwik charge attachment.. gonna have a bad day eventually when you catch a compressor with a liquid slug of refrigerant and it kills it.. the kwik charge will automatically make sure the charge your putting in is all vapor.. might take lil longer but better for the units longevity..
You guys would the ice on the line rational work for a home refrigerator? I have a home frig that I bought used, I added a bullet connector and gave it some juice (134a), it is not cooling the greatest, has ice on the line leaving the compressor. Should I add a little more juice, or does ice on the line mean too much juice for a home refrigerator? Thanks and very informative video on Mini Splits Sir.
Yea u could have over charged it. But probably a block in the system. Check the coil thats freezing up, if only part of its frozen then you got a blockage. Measure temps before and after the filter and if theres a difference you got a blockage..
Better? hmm. They have their uses, but they are typically very expensive for their cooling capacity if you buy a brand name one aka not junk. In general, I’d suggest a traditional split system with zones for most cases unless ductwork isn’t feasible.
With a unit in each room, you can cool/heat the room you are in (for example office during the day, bedroom at night) I have one big central zone in my upstairs, but would like the bedroom cooler. Planning on a 9,000 BTU split install in that room (instead of cooling entire house down to 68*, I can keep the house at 74* and use the split to cool only the bedroom to 68* to sleep. In addition, most do heat as well so you don't have to use as much $5.50 / gallon home heating oil.
ok last year someone came over and did this and yes the ac did start blowing cool air but the following year this year its no longer blowing cool air n is back to freezing so ur only temporaly fixing it u know its a leaker fix it properly no
I always think of mini splits as throw away temporary systems.. half a step above a window unit.. but lots of homes have them now especially in asia they are everywhere
We have them in the UK very good units if installed correctly. very efficient with inverter technology can heat and cool and can run multiple indoor units on one outdoor.
@@bennewton3560 yeah i have seen that you can run like 3 inside units off of one outside unit but it seems like a lot of effort and cost running line sets. I guess where they are best used is where running ducts isn't possible like in an older home or maybe an addition to a home.And yeah the efficiency ratings on them is very high in comparison to regular hvac units.. so high that they are often the choice of off grid homes that run them off solar.. They have their place i guess but not the best choice for everyone.
@@zippythechicken Yeah the reason they are so popular in the UK is that we only have started to put ac in our houses and offices. So 99% of houses are not built or have the capacity to have ducts run through the walls. So we would usually have one or 2 of these units in different rooms downstairs. You can get a ducted air handler on a mini split but this can usually only serve upstairs as the unit fits in the attic and ducts can be fed from above to bedrooms usually. I would like to see in future houses being built with ducting and whole-house units because I have to admit you have quite a good system in the states where an entire house can be cooled by one unit and one line set.
Some of the high end Mini split Inverters there is a way to lock the system to act like regular AC unit and put it on high mode with locking the EEV like simple metering device , then u can use the super heat but most Inverters dont have this option. good job
Nobody is going to pay to find a leak on a minisplit. The leak is probably in the indoor coil (knowing these Fuji units), and then what? Customer is going to pay labor to swap the indoor unit (assuming warranty pays for parts), wait 6 months for the part to come on a boat, and recharge all the gas? Unless it's new, when minis start leakin, you throw it out and buy another one.
Question for Anyone: Where do mini-splits typically leak? I know there are dozens of manufacturers with many different designs, Where have you found leaks in a mini-split? Thanks.
Long shot in the comments here, but anyone know a reputable plumber that works in northern RI? We need an automatic urinal flush valve and an automatic sink fixed at work. Landlord is an ass to deal with and we just get billed for repairs anyway. Would rather call someone direct than whatever clown he'll send over.
You may need an electrician. Should be an access in the plumbing wall to get to the low voltage transformer .relays or circuit boards. They work off an electric eye system that you break with your hands and body.
@@hughholt121 They're battery powered. The actuator for the urinal won't always flush, and half the time when it does it won't shut off and you have to use a flat head to shut the valve manually. Likely debris in the system. A lot of crud came out the first time it was flushed after sitting empty for a year. Has been wonky ever since. Sink likely just needs batteries, but it's enclosed under the sink. I offered to take the kick panel off and try to sort it out but was told not to, liability, etc. etc.
Why don’t you ever leak check systems? In all the videos I watched that you added refrigerant to you never pulled out a leak detector? You gas and go. If you find an evaporator leaking that could be a system change out for you depending on equipment warranty and age of the system. That’s where you make the money.
Mini splits are so ugly installed all around a house. Such an eyesore when you can just go with one single HVAC unit that probably works better anyway but people don't want to spend the money. Plus maintenance is a bitch on all those heads. Just hate seeing nice homes with ugly linesets all around it. Makes me want to 🤮
Where do mini-splits typically leak? I know there are dozens of manufacturers with many different designs, Where have you found leaks in a mini-split? Thanks.
Exactly what I'd expect when the government gives incentives to install something... You get disposable garbage. Buy another one please! Keep the consumption revolving!
Steve why not check the fittings for leaks with soapy water.
Its a 21 y/o system. You would have to take apart all the channels and they are probably old, flimsy and easily crack. The extra hours put into doing that would cost the homeowner a few hundred dollars more.
@@davidlopan6649 If it's R22 it will cost a a arm & leg to fill again before the year is out. Why not fix it right.
It's 410a....
to find leaks on minisplit turn on heat, nothing shows on cooling...
Not a 21 year old system with r410a. Fujitsu is known to leak from their indoor heads.
Steven doing a little Curly singing from 3 Stooges at the very end! Love it!
Steve looks like he’s in a good mood today 😎
That's not an 01. You can't tell the age of Fujitsu by the serial number
Yes ma'am that comes with our concrete warranty too...warranty is over when his truck leaves your concrete diveway
I had a concrete guy say once "he would warranty theft or fire damage. In 40 years of pouring he said "he never paid a claim". Lol
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You treat the elderly with the respect they deserve.
Steve you gotta watch those mini splits. Ive changed more exv's then ive had leaks. The exv is located in the condenser so it shows ice on those lines when they go bad.
But will it show low pressure also?
Steve on newer splits you should weigh the charge out, then weigh in the factory charge - it only takes a few minutes. it will modulate everything it needs to.. It has sensors, thermistors everywhere. attatched to the 2 way and 3 way zone valves, the EEV in the head unit controls superheat compressor and condenser fan modulate to adjust subcooling.. You can slowly add 3 oz at time with the head unit on max fan speed lowest temperature setting until you get 54F air coming out of it. Work for Carrier and Fujitsu and bosch dealer
Do they have a test mode or charge mode to ramp everything up to full load for charging ?
@@moonlightacmaintenance3232 It's done by factory charge weight and lineset length usually but there is a way to test. In the documentation and in talking to fujitsu, bosch and mitsu tech support - full load will be at the lowest set point in cool at max fan speed, make sure 'powerful' is on and economy mode is off.
The charge is pulled and weighed in as per the rating plate, then add charge based on your lineset length if it's excessively long, only if required. Most units come with enough in the condenser for 25 foot line sets on multiple zones if it has them, so usually you don't have to add anything.
If you do it would be very little, for 3/8 liquid line you would add 0.54oz/foot of liquid line, but the manufacturer's documentation is key it will tell you.
@@Falcon-eh8tq thanks for the response. Interesting. I’m only 1.5 yrs in. Haven’t messed with any mini splits yet. Most split and commercial RTU’s and chillers. IMO a mini split isn’t any better than a PTAC. I just graduated tech school and watch as many videos as I can find. I also RTFM ( read the f’ing manuals)
@@moonlightacmaintenance3232 Nice! Welcome to the trade! You'll never stop learning everyday you will have an opportunity to learn about something new. Take your time and don't give into unrealistic time constraints put on you by management, customers, ect. Be thorough but not excessive lol.
PTAC are very similar to splits i imagine, we don't use those systems much up here where i'm at. IMO Mini splits are very neat, but complicated, very fun to learn about. They have sensor clusters attatched to the 2-way/
3-way zone valves, and you can take measurements at points on the board, then convert those voltage readings into psig wiith the fujitsu app, meaning you can measure pressure, temperature without using a gauge. Deep self diagnostic system, 100+ page service manual.
The control board is upside down on some of those units and its done on purpose to take measurements easily
@@Falcon-eh8tq thanks. Got started late in life. 42 yrs old now so I’m behind the curb but I learn fast and am a great troubleshooter. Management leaves me alone for the most part because they know I’m going to do my job. They’ve topped me out in the short time I’ve been with them. It usually takes most guys years and years. Unfortunately, our pay scale isn’t very high. I appreciate when people put out videos of their knowledge or lack there of. It gives my access to things to think about, to research and knowledgeable guys like you in the comment sections.
Love the videos! Miss Molly could be my co-pilot anyday!
I’ve noticed on our mini that it usually stops ramping at 30-40%. If I pull the thermostat of the lines (dual zone) it will ramp up and eventually start freezing. I’m just curious if it’s low on coolant in this instance?
Do you ever add leak sealer on these leaky units?
You never add leak dye to minisplits it voids warranty
@@kyle_187 that warranty is LONG gone already.
I PEE ON COIL AND PRAY TO MOTHER MARY THE LEAK STOPS
@@kyle_187 it's over ten years old I safely assume that is already voided
@@MookieMan1 could possibly be a 12 year warranty . That system is not 20 years old . I’d say it’s about 10 or less .
My Senville mini split has a full computerized monitoring system. I will get warnings if something is amish. That system looks like it needs to be upgraded
@GERMAN JESUS What warning comes up when your split goes amish? Does it try to build a barn, roof or frame something?
Does it shun fancy things like electricity?
Do the warnings get delivered on a horse and buggy
That's a feature left over from the war between the Amish and the HVAC technicians.
@@Spector_NS5_RD Send that system my way! I need a new shed!
Steve , you must be ready to give the bill , your singing !
Handy man type of work " charge and go"
Sometimes that's exactly what the customer needs though
Fujitsus had a batch that leaked at the indoor coil.
You are 100% correct
Steve, what's your feeling on Lennox A/C for the New York State area?
it will probably last longer with the cap on.thanks for sharing.
This is a very good video. I just got an old split AC. Please my question is I added refrigerant to my 1hp Samsung spit AC when the power was turned off, filled it and I waited 10 hours to put the power on. Is it okay? Because Its cooling now
in France it is forbidden to charge a leaking air conditioner without having found and repaired the leak
Yet another reason we renamed French Fries to Freedom Fries.😀
This is America if they required us to do that, we would over-throw the government
Communists, right where we are headed. They make you throw away a car because of an evap code and build a new car for 50 barrels of oil.
That's a rule in USA also for EPA permit.
If you open the door on the mini split heat pump and you don't see any light on is that a bad control board? Indoor and out door fan run but not the compressor. Compressor is check out fine between legs and not grounded.
holy cow, 20 year unit. folks. good job S. a little "juice", how much longer? who knows. "Sir start saving for a new system, you got your $ worth"....
nice repair S. as always
Why would you add refrigerant to a system with a known leak?? This is illegal in the UK and rightly so.🙁
I usually weigh the charge , see how much is lost and weigh it back in.
its a leaker .
Do those fujitsus have different fittings from a normal 410 unit? Or are they standard fitting?
You need a ductless adapter for a fujitsu mini split, the only mini split I know that doesn’t require an adapter are mitsubishis
Gizzem Juice!🤣🤣🤣 I use that name for somethen else!🎉🎉
Would you recommend a split unit for an upstairs. 350 sqft
Window unit much cheaper. 350sq small space
Check out Pioneer,built in Florida. They seem pretty nice,build quality is good
I notice you dont use a scale. How much u charge for gas or is it a flat rate charge?
Steve weighs the tank when he get back to the truck, he writes the start weight on the tank.
yes what david null said ..
You cant determine the year buy reading the tag ,you have to call Fujitsu and give them the numbers!
You are correct
No clear date codes in Fujitsu units.
Correct
Need a vapor charger.. kwik charge attachment.. gonna have a bad day eventually when you catch a compressor with a liquid slug of refrigerant and it kills it.. the kwik charge will automatically make sure the charge your putting in is all vapor.. might take lil longer but better for the units longevity..
i have one
You guys would the ice on the line rational work for a home refrigerator? I have a home frig that I bought used, I added a bullet connector and gave it some juice (134a), it is not cooling the greatest, has ice on the line leaving the compressor. Should I add a little more juice, or does ice on the line mean too much juice for a home refrigerator? Thanks and very informative video on Mini Splits Sir.
Fridges have critical charges,it has to be recovered and weighed in
Yea u could have over charged it. But probably a block in the system. Check the coil thats freezing up, if only part of its frozen then you got a blockage. Measure temps before and after the filter and if theres a difference you got a blockage..
@@Z-Ack Thanks for the reply, i will check.
I feel like its its not blowing colder air what do you think I should do
Call a local HVAC tech, get ratings/reviews before committing to one
Steve will be back next year.bubble the flare nuts buddy
At that age and if it is already leaking, I think I would recommend a New One.
Good job Steve.
👉EASY DAY😎‼️
dont those have a defrost cycle?
not on cooling mode
Hey Steve you got a Shit- Zoo there...She's a Leaka Momma!
Pump and go lol. See you next year
Are these split systems better than a traditional AC?
Mini-splits are very easy to install compared to traditional home AC, and they're priced right.
@@davidnull5590 Thanks!👍
@@somewhatcurious3085 Thank you!👍
Better? hmm. They have their uses, but they are typically very expensive for their cooling capacity if you buy a brand name one aka not junk. In general, I’d suggest a traditional split system with zones for most cases unless ductwork isn’t feasible.
With a unit in each room, you can cool/heat the room you are in (for example office during the day, bedroom at night) I have one big central zone in my upstairs, but would like the bedroom cooler. Planning on a 9,000 BTU split install in that room (instead of cooling entire house down to 68*, I can keep the house at 74* and use the split to cool only the bedroom to 68* to sleep. In addition, most do heat as well so you don't have to use as much $5.50 / gallon home heating oil.
Great systems! Much better than traditional, loud, huge systems
Wow 2001 , can’t complain
at least you you are honest
I never liked the white nylon inserts that came with cheaper adapters, hoses...etc.
Hi Steve and miss Molly
We have a train xr ac unit
Date of manufacture is after 1995 and before 2002
ok last year someone came over and did this and yes the ac did start blowing cool air but the following year this year its no longer blowing cool air n is back to freezing so ur only temporaly fixing it u know its a leaker fix it properly no
I always think of mini splits as throw away temporary systems.. half a step above a window unit.. but lots of homes have them now especially in asia they are everywhere
I have been heating and cooling my house for 15 years with mini splits!
@@petersmart1999 thats pretty cool... you can't complain if they can last 15 years
We have them in the UK very good units if installed correctly. very efficient with inverter technology can heat and cool and can run multiple indoor units on one outdoor.
@@bennewton3560 yeah i have seen that you can run like 3 inside units off of one outside unit but it seems like a lot of effort and cost running line sets. I guess where they are best used is where running ducts isn't possible like in an older home or maybe an addition to a home.And yeah the efficiency ratings on them is very high in comparison to regular hvac units.. so high that they are often the choice of off grid homes that run them off solar.. They have their place i guess but not the best choice for everyone.
@@zippythechicken Yeah the reason they are so popular in the UK is that we only have started to put ac in our houses and offices. So 99% of houses are not built or have the capacity to have ducts run through the walls. So we would usually have one or 2 of these units in different rooms downstairs. You can get a ducted air handler on a mini split but this can usually only serve upstairs as the unit fits in the attic and ducts can be fed from above to bedrooms usually.
I would like to see in future houses being built with ducting and whole-house units because I have to admit you have quite a good system in the states where an entire house can be cooled by one unit and one line set.
Where's ole Mr Grinch?
Aaaw miss Molly
Quick fix Steve!!!!! ☝️
Wish Steve would read his messages
Some of the high end Mini split Inverters there is a way to lock the system to act like regular AC unit and put it on high mode with locking the EEV like simple metering device , then u can use the super heat but most Inverters dont have this option. good job
you need to find a leak first ,not just put gas and charge the customer
That's how he makes money 💰 from the seniors pension fund
ok super tech
You could pee on the outside fittings!😉
I’ve seen some tech company’s torch some places where they leak refrigerant
Nobody is going to pay to find a leak on a minisplit. The leak is probably in the indoor coil (knowing these Fuji units), and then what? Customer is going to pay labor to swap the indoor unit (assuming warranty pays for parts), wait 6 months for the part to come on a boat, and recharge all the gas? Unless it's new, when minis start leakin, you throw it out and buy another one.
Question for Anyone: Where do mini-splits typically leak? I know there are dozens of manufacturers with many different designs, Where have you found leaks in a mini-split? Thanks.
99%of the time it’s the indoor coil,especially if it’s been running fine for at least 3 years .
Hay que poner sifón si el desagüe va al vertido de la vivienda
Shitty install? The flares are p typical too
Indoor flares, outdoor flares, indoor coil, line set, outdoor unit.
R410 systems are more tend to leak than old R22 systems cuz high pressure. That is why old R22 units last much much longer
Hey Steve and Miss Molly! Workin’ again y’all. 👍👍
Long shot in the comments here, but anyone know a reputable plumber that works in northern RI? We need an automatic urinal flush valve and an automatic sink fixed at work. Landlord is an ass to deal with and we just get billed for repairs anyway. Would rather call someone direct than whatever clown he'll send over.
You may need an electrician. Should be an access in the plumbing wall to get to the low voltage transformer .relays or circuit boards. They work off an electric eye system that you break with your hands and body.
@@hughholt121 They're battery powered. The actuator for the urinal won't always flush, and half the time when it does it won't shut off and you have to use a flat head to shut the valve manually. Likely debris in the system. A lot of crud came out the first time it was flushed after sitting empty for a year. Has been wonky ever since.
Sink likely just needs batteries, but it's enclosed under the sink. I offered to take the kick panel off and try to sort it out but was told not to, liability, etc. etc.
Steve your dash is getting full. lol 😆 🤣
YES TIME FOR A PURGE LOL
Real working man mamma
Why don’t you ever leak check systems? In all the videos I watched that you added refrigerant to you never pulled out a leak detector? You gas and go. If you find an evaporator leaking that could be a system change out for you depending on equipment warranty and age of the system. That’s where you make the money.
Customers want the cheapest solution
She’s a crusty one mista grinch
Hello Steve!
Mini splits are so ugly installed all around a house. Such an eyesore when you can just go with one single HVAC unit that probably works better anyway but people don't want to spend the money. Plus maintenance is a bitch on all those heads. Just hate seeing nice homes with ugly linesets all around it. Makes me want to 🤮
How else can you get over 500% efficiency? Even Midea window unit is now 430%.
Second comment
These Fujitsu mini splits are garbage. I won’t touch them even if they are only a year old.
Where do mini-splits typically leak? I know there are dozens of manufacturers with many different designs, Where have you found leaks in a mini-split? Thanks.
They are only as good as the guy who installed them. I used to have the same opinion as you. Normally the flares are bad.
Exactly what I'd expect when the government gives incentives to install something... You get disposable garbage.
Buy another one please! Keep the consumption revolving!
@@volvo09 --- Are there government incentives to install mini-splits? I've never heard of any.
La electrónica es un poco dedicada