Air conditioning installation.
What is evacuation?
Evacuation is the process of degassing, dehydrating and removing non-condensables from a refrigeration system. Moisture is not only present all around us, it is also chemically bonded to materials and surfaces. It requires good tools and best practices to remove moisture from a system.
The problem with moisture!
Any residual moisture when mixed with refrigerants will form hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid. These acids will erode the insulation of motor windings and strip copper from the coils and linesets. This will result in premature compressor failure and possible refrigeration leaks.
Moisture, air and non-condensables will result in efficiency loss, raise high side gas pressure, and temperature. These impurities will also cause early oil break down, cause the compressor to work harder and use more electricity. And MOST of all, SHORTEN the systems life.
Modern air conditioners use a synthetic oil called polyolester oil, (POE) for short. This oil is very hygroscopic, this means it easily absorbs moisture. Once moisture is entrained in this oil it is nearly impossible to get it back out. Oil when mixed with moisture and heat also becomes acidic further degrading the insulation of the compressor windings and negatively affecting the life of a system.
Grabill Comfort is the Solution!
It's easy to evacuate a system to 500 microns and call it good, however that is not deep enough or long enough to evaporate and remove the moisture that's in and bonded to the copper inside the system.
At Grabill Comfort Solutions we use the highest quality tools and equipment that's tested and/or calibrated regularly. This insures that every installation is as flawless as humanly possible. We use a deep evacuation process to degass and dehydrate the air conditioning system. Only vacuum rated core tools and hoses are used for our evacuations.
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After a deep evacuation, typically below 200 microns, the vacuum decay rate is then tested. This monitoring of the vacuum decay rate insures that there are no leaks and that the system is dry and tight.
is an example of an evacuation report.
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Equally important, are brazing practices.
What is brazing?
Brazing is a metal-joining process in which two or more metal items are joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint, with the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining metal.
When brazing modern air conditioning tubing, only brazing rods of at least 5% silver and typically 89% copper should be used.
Lead (Pb), Antimony (Sb) or Tin (Sn) alloy based solder should never be used. It really is a shame that we even have to say that, but it still happens.
Oxygen+copper+heat=bad!
When copper is heated to high temperatures ie. from a torch, soot and copper oxides are created inside the copper tubing. These impurities, when introduced into the system by a poorly brazed joint, are abrasive to compressor parts. It can also block metering devices, in-line filter dryers and expansion valves. In a few years, if not sooner, the system will start to have problems. Repairing these restrictions caused by impurities can be very expensive. It is always best to do it right the first time.
are pictures of correctly and incorrectly brazed joints.
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Again, Grabill Comfort has the Solution!
When it comes to installing an air conditioning system, Grabill Comfort Solutions always uses, what is known as, "best practices".
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The system is purged with nitrogen during the brazing process.
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Mechanical joints are cleaned thoroughly before connecting.
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Service valves and ports are protected from overheating while brazing.
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Silver bearing brazing rods are used.
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Whenever possible, tubing benders are used to connect line sets.
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Using a bender reduces the number of elbows and joints that could possibly leak years later.
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Smooth bends in the tubing, are less restrictive to the flow of refrigerant, compared to the use of multiple elbows.
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A deep evacuation is performed, as noted above.
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Air handler airflow is measured and adjusted per manufacturer's specifications.
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Air conditioner is charged per manufacturer's specifications.
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Homeowner enjoys many years of dependable comfort.
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Grabill Comfort Solutions is happy to have another satisfied customer.
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We don't cut corners, we just do it right the first time. It's not only the right thing to do, it's efficient and satisfying. ​
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Properly sized equipment based on Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) standards.
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We focus on ductwork design. Many experts believe that ductwork design can be just as important as equipment choice when it comes to cooling system efficiency. In unconditioned spaces like crawlspaces and garages, ductwork will be insulated.
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Duct sealing will also be performed. According to Energy Star, in a typical house, about 20 percent of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poor connections.
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Properly location of condenser and air handler whenever possible. Condensing unit outdoors shall be installed where no nearby objects will block airflow. The indoor air-handler shall be installed to allow for easier access for preventative maintenance.
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Once installed, the equipment will be tested for proper refrigerant charge and airflow rate as specified by the manufacturer. Air-conditioning systems and heat pumps suffering from improper refrigerant charge can cause problems that range from reduced operating efficiency to system freeze-ups.