Converting an AC to phase

[fiveprime]

I have an unused AC unit that is not being used. I was wondering if it would be worth hireing someone to convert it to a phase unit. I would try the project myself but I do not have the EPA cert nor the tools needed to charge the unit, however I do have the majority of the "mechanical" tools needed (oxy/acyl, tubing tools, brazing rods, ect). Any input?

[[XC] gomeler]

Converting AC units to chillers are a popular mod. I don't see why you couldn't do the same with a window AC unit although it'd be a bit larger/louder than what most people use for 24/7 operation. However, it'd probably make a killer benching unit :up:

[ruffus]

ya i have done it 2 as if u can find some one to vacuum it down for u then u could buy a gage set and charge it your self its not that hard and u could just use r290 (propain) and u are set u would just have to change the cap tube and get your self a evap. as well where do u live as i am sure if u live colse enough to a builder u could get them to charge it for u or something like that

[fiveprime]

I live in central Maryland, are there any resources to these mods? So basically it only involves adding the suction/cap line and the evap, and then finding someone who can recharge it for me? I am guessing they would have to tune it as well.

I just went out there, the unit is 5200 BTU, when I get a chance I will pull it apart and see the actual specs on the compressor. Also it is a rotary comp. Any comments?

[ruffus]

i find rotorys to be a bit stronger and a little louder. and i still think ether getting the proper licence for refigerents or just use r290 and get your self a set of gages as most of the guys u would take it to, to get it charged will have no way of tunning it a less u bring it hooked up to your PC. as well u will have to brave in a highside and lowside valves so theat it can be charged. now i don't know any here in maryland to get this stuff but i am sure others do but i do know u can look in the stickys there is a list of places in there that u can get all u need

[fiveprime]

Well the compressor is designed for R22, so I will be getting the unit charged with that. It is going to cost a bit to get it charged however. I still need to calculate the super heating.

Ive been quoted about 130/hour plus materials for charging. I was looking at getting the chilly1 head custom line, its the head mounting and insulation prebrazed and tested with suction and a 1o' cap line. I've decided to stick with r22 gas, the only issue now is with super heat which I really just dont understand (please dont say "buy a book"). Basically, recover the old r22, install the line kit (dont know where exactly to put the length of the cap line, the guide i found on xs puts it at about 4 feet which seems waaaaay too short). Then have the hvac guy come over, vac (vac, dry n2 x3) and charge the system. Then tune, but all of the people I've talked to dont want to do it with out having the superheat calculated first. The superheat is the temperature of the coolant coming back into the compressor correct, so do I need to figure out what load of gas will get the superheat that my compressor is meant for, or what I want my load temps to be?