chiller charging question...

[Steven R]

I have a artica 1/10 hp chiller. The question at hand is how often do you charge them? In the book it tells you the refrigerant but it does not tell you how often to charge it. it is about two years old.. anyone know the rough estimate on when to charge it or how to tell if it is low on refrigerant? Thanks Steve

 

[robert]

You recharge them when the refrigerant is low. Its a sealed system and should never leak out - so ideally never. I had them go decades without recharge.

If the unit is low on refrigerant it will not cool effectively - if it is out it will not cool at all.
fill a 5 gallon bucket with cold water - below room temperature. Run this colder than room temp water through the running chiller (set the chiller temp colder than the water.) Watch the water temp. A 1/10 hp should easily take 5 gallons down a few degrees in a very short time. If it does not, and the compressor is running, I suspect the fan first (most common) then the refrigerant.

You might want to recharge the refrigerant yourself - but I'd advise getting the system vacuumed, recharged and sealed by someone with the right equipment. It should never leak.

 

[Steven R]

Thank you sir.. appreciated.. It is handling my 130 just fine right now.. I know its a little small for a 130 but it is doing great at it.. I was just curious I have not seen to many discussion on refilling them or the maintenance of it.. thanks again