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Mini split performance issues- pics and videos included

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polar8

Active member
Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
37
Location
San Jose, CA
I installed this 24k ducted mini split heat pump last fall. It worked great for a few months and then performance gradually slowed. Based on what I've read I think I might have a leak in the line set, but I just wanted to run this by you guys before I moved forward.

The following tests were performed at outdoor temp of 60F. All of the below symptoms happen within 5min of starting operation.

In heat mode:
Condensor fins get frosty: https://photos.app.goo.gl/oFfGFsbU3bitNftm9
Suction (large) line gets very hot
Liquid (small) line temp at outdoor unit doesn't change much
Vents blow warm air (outdoor/indoor temp 70, vents blowing 85)

In cool mode:
Indoor unit evaporator lines get frosty: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xEZCPjwdfBJd2CFL8
Liquid line connection at outside unit frosts over as well
Suction line temp at outdoor unit doesn't change much
Vents blow room temp air (no change)

Appreciate the input!
 
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dneiding

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 16, 2017
Messages
161
Location
North Central Ohio
My mini-slits have built in diagnostic on via an LED on the PCB. Take the top cover off, take the water-tight PCB cover off and then there is a 2-digit LED on the PCB and you can cycle through parameters and get the readings. If the charge is low, one of the parameters will note low pressure. I imagine yours has similar functionality.
 
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polar8

Active member
Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
37
Location
San Jose, CA
Had a tech come out today and he found the unit had almost no 410a left. Added about 5 pounds. Service call was about $300 all said and done.

Also spent an hour or so checking for leaks at the flare connections and found nothing, which was concerning. So he added some leak sealant just in case there's a small leak somewhere that was missed.

The other theory is that the unit came low on refrigerant from the factory, something I wouldn't be surprised by given the fact that it's a relatively low-end brand and they might be trying to cut costs.

Crossing my fingers that it keeps working!
 
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bazar01

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2009
Messages
326
Location
Leesburg, GA
Never even bothered to tighten or torque the flare nuts at both the outdoor and indoor units?
That's where they usually leak.
 
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GRivera

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Messages
529
Location
20 mins south of Baltimore
polar8 said:
Had a tech come out today and he found the unit had almost no 410a left. Added about 5 pounds. Service call was about $300 all said and done.

Also spent an hour or so checking for leaks at the flare connections and found nothing, which was concerning. So he added some leak sealant just in case there's a small leak somewhere that was missed.

The other theory is that the unit came low on refrigerant from the factory, something I wouldn't be surprised by given the fact that it's a relatively low-end brand and they might be trying to cut costs.

Crossing my fingers that it keeps working!
Click to expand...

On original install did an HVAC tech vacuum the lines and charge the system after you installed it?
 
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Notgrownup

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2014
Messages
5,866
Location
Snow Hill NC
That is why on my DIY Blueridge install , I called a pro and had him commission it for me. I wanted it properly leak checked and cut/flared connections.
 
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phansen39

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2012
Messages
298
Leak Stop Bad. Going to block up the metering device. The leak may happen only when running. Check the high side lines(the warm one) with dishsoap and water mixture.
 
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acmikee

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
301
Location
olympia, wa
be prepared to replace the unit. DO NOT ADD STOP LEAK TO A DUCTLESS SYSTEM! it will plug the metering device.
 
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