Collecting Gas

 Collecting Gas from

Air Conditioner

Collecting (or Pumping) Gas Conditioner Air Conditioner means transferring gas from the refrigerant cycle to the outdoor unit (compressor and condenser) in preparation for removing pipes or servicing the indoor unit. 

This step is also called "Pumping Down" or "Freon" and is performed safely to avoid gas leaks. Here's how:

Steps:

1. Turn on the air conditioner in "Cool" mode:

The air conditioner must run for 5-10 minutes to collect the gas in the outdoor unit (compressor).

2. Open the service valve cover on the outdoor unit:

You will find two tubes (the thin tube - liquid, and the thick tube - gas).

3. Lock the thin tube (liquid) valve:

Using a hex wrench, turn the valve clockwise until it is completely closed.

(This prevents the gas from flowing back from the condenser to the evaporator).

4. Wait until the gas is completely emptied:

Continue running the air conditioner for a few more minutes. If you have a pressure gauge, monitor it until the pressure reaches almost zero.  5. Close the thick pipe (gas) valve:

After all the gas has been drawn out, close this valve in the same manner.

6. Turn off the air conditioner and disconnect the power.

Important Notes:

Do not perform this operation in "Heat" mode.

If there is no pressure gauge, listen for the sound of the compressor: If the sound changes and the cooling from the indoor unit disappears, this means the gas has been drawn out.

Make sure there are no leaks when restarting.