metlmunchr
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2011
- Messages
- 1,280
A neighbor bought a new 6K btu GE window unit a couple years ago. Didn't use it until this summer and found it doesn't cool. One year warranty was already out so she bought a new one and asked if I wanted the old one rather than throwing it away, so I took it.
It appears to have lost the charge, or perhaps was never charged originally. I'll add a service port in the suction line to check for leaks and repair f there's a leak in a line. Coil leak is obvious junk.
To the question...... Does anyone know a reason why the unit can't be recharged with one of the R22 drop ins like 438a or 407c rather than the original 410a? Reason being I have partial drums of both drop ins but don't have any 410a. 2# cylinder of 410a is available for about $140, so that ain't happening to rescue a window unit.
Both drop ins are compatible with POE oil, and the mass flow rate per btu is near identical for 410a and both drop ins. The vapor enthalpy at a 40°F coil temp is a bit higher for 410a which would predict some loss of capacity with the substitute refrigerant but that's not a concern. Anyone know of anything else that would prevent the unit functioning? The goal is to get it working without spending any money, and then give it to one of the many elderly people in the area who can't afford a window unit.
It appears to have lost the charge, or perhaps was never charged originally. I'll add a service port in the suction line to check for leaks and repair f there's a leak in a line. Coil leak is obvious junk.
To the question...... Does anyone know a reason why the unit can't be recharged with one of the R22 drop ins like 438a or 407c rather than the original 410a? Reason being I have partial drums of both drop ins but don't have any 410a. 2# cylinder of 410a is available for about $140, so that ain't happening to rescue a window unit.
Both drop ins are compatible with POE oil, and the mass flow rate per btu is near identical for 410a and both drop ins. The vapor enthalpy at a 40°F coil temp is a bit higher for 410a which would predict some loss of capacity with the substitute refrigerant but that's not a concern. Anyone know of anything else that would prevent the unit functioning? The goal is to get it working without spending any money, and then give it to one of the many elderly people in the area who can't afford a window unit.
