Newbie Question on Mini Split Vacuum

[AllThingsOld]

Hey Guys,
I have ran the vacuum pump for an hour on my mini split and just turned the valve off. It is r410 and I have no experience with this at all, but I believe all my connections are good , but the needle did move after I turned the valve off, do I have a good vacuum here and can I release the Freon ?

 

[Circus Bear]

First - not an expert in the trade but have installed my two mini splits myself. You should have a set of gauges between your vacuum pump and mini split. Running the vacuum for the extended time ensures a complete vacuum and removes moisture. You should close the valve on the gauge leading to the vacuum pump before turning off the pump. Then monitor the gauge to ensure the vacuum holds . I waited2 hours to ensure no leaks. Then release the gasses. Hope this helps and welcome expert input.

 

[AllThingsOld]

I’m an idiot, I got it

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Did you leak check first? You should also use a micron gauge. Manifolds aren't accurate enough to read proper evacuation or register small leaks.

Tommy

 

[AllThingsOld]

So I got it vacuumed down to -30 released the Freon and all was fine. I removed the adapter from the port on the mini split and I did lose a bit of Freon. I am not sure if this is normal or not, so I capped the port as quickly as I could. Seems to be running fine, no leak from the port so far. Only time will tell I guess.