Installing and air conditioner condenser

Installing a condenser is a complicated job and it shouldn’t be done by inexperienced users. Not only good skills are required but also expensive equipment. If you do not have the right knowledge for this task, you should hire a professional.

Tools and Materials needed:

Copper refrigerant line, fittings and straps
Brazing torch and rod
Refrigerant gauges
Canisters of compressed refrigerant and nitrogen
Vacuum pump
Refrigerant recovery system
Replacement Condenser
Copper electrical wire, wire nuts, fittings and wire stripper
Amperage meter
Pipe insulation
Tape measure
Drill
Wrenches
Utility Knife

Size replacement condenser

You will need to buy a condenser that can cover the entire area of your room or home. The capacity of the condenser is measured in BTUs. For example, for a 500 square feet apartment, you will need a condenser with about 12.000-14.000 BTUs.

Removing the old condenser

If your condenser is older then 6-7 years, maybe it’s time to replace it. Also, be sure that you know the right regulations for venting old refrigerant.

Do not cut the lines of the old condenser until you have the new one ready for the installation. This way you will prevent any moisture infiltration. Use a refrigerant recovery system to remove the old refrigerant. The new refrigerant needs to be installed on a leveled location. Before the installation, see if there are any loose connections.

Running refrigerant lines

If necessary, install some suction and liquid lines from the evaporator to the condenser. Avoid coils as they may trap pooled oil. The lines need to be pressurized with inert gas to avoid oxidization. Check for leaks using pressure. If it drops, then use some soapy water and put it on the lines. If there are any leaks, bubbles will form. After you have sealed the leaks, insulate the pipes.

Evacuate refrigerant

Connect the refrigerant lines to the vacuum, and pump nitrogen gas for 20 minutes or so. This will force any moisture from doing any corrosion.

Refrigerant charging and wiring

Read the manufacturer’s manual and fill the lines with the appropriate refrigerant. The pressure need to be exactly the same as the one indicated by the manufacturer.

The wiring needs to be done also by the manufacturer’s instructions. Check any wiring standards.

Testing the unit

To test the unit, set the temperature as low as possible so that the unit will start working immediately. Check the pressures. If you have any problem, call a professional.