Question:
I have an old Carrier window air conditioner that works ok, but I'd like to
check the refrigerant pressure in it. I need some technical info, and although
I've written to Carrier and checked their Web pages, I don't know whether I'll
get any.
Basically, the unit works ok, but I want to install a piercing valve on the
low-pressure side to check / recharge the system. Here are the specs as they
appear on the name plate, but I'm a little confused. If anyone could reference
this model in an old book and e-mail me back, I'd appreciate it.
CARRIER- SERIAL NO. 8582890, MODEL NO. 51RG1113 00,
R-22, AMT- 24.80, TEST PSIG 300,
BTU- 11000, VOLTS 208/230, CYCLES 60, PHASE 1, WATTS 1900, AMPS 9.7/9.0 .
What's the recommended charge on the low side?
Answer:
The tech school I attended had a former instructor who convinced the board
members that he needed window units for trainers. Within two weeks of
mounting the piercing valves, removing the refrigerant, then replacing the
piercing valves with brazed in ones for pressure readings, charging etc. 5
of the 7 units were completely dead and all of their warranties were
voided. The tech school went without "working" trainers for two years until
I became a manager of a supply house and negotiated donations
of 6 complete systems, some a/c, some heat pumps and two gas furnaces from
Evcon Industries they also included 2 mobile home gas furnaces. Attempting
to work on window units by inexperienced persons always leads to failure.
Heck, I've even seen many experienced techs kill 'em. If it's working keep
it clean. When it stops cooling, buy a new one, that's why they are
considered "small appliances" they are like a refrigerator or stove use them
till they crap out and get a new one with a new warranty and chances are
each time they are more efficient than the last one.
