anyone know

[phlipper84]

Has anyone ever recharged their chiller? (stupid question around here) I have a CSL 1/3 and it is starting to run more than usual to bring the temp down. I also noticed the other day that there was ice on the outside. I am hoping that it just needs recharging, the question is where and how?

 

[AZreefkeeper]

Philliper,
I had a 1 1/2 HP Aqua Logic recharged, but that was in CA. I would check a local tech to see if they can do it. They did mine similar to the way they recharge a cars AC. At the time it ran me about $80 with freon/R20.

 

[owsi]

Ice means its fine on freon/whatever, it needs cleaning. Take chiller off system and run fresh water in reverse direction through chiller and also clean air filter in front of cooling fins. You should always hook up chiller so it can be removed for cleaning every 6 months or so, critters take up residense in tubeing.

 

[owsi]

Ice forming could mean fan or air circulation problem, also probably been a problem just not noticed the ice sooner because of the high rain/humidity lately with cooler temps so your AC is not dehumidifieing as much.

 

[saltycreefer]

chillers can be recharged. we use a local refridgeration guy.

 

[cerreta]

Phil, it sounds like your chiller is ok, but there is another very simple approach to testing the chiller function without haveing to remove anything. Make sure the chiller is plumbed and in use with water flowing through it. Set the chiller temp control to 65 degrees. Next, turn the water source off to the chiller. The chiller will now attempt to cool the small volume of water sitting within its cooling chamber to 65 degrees. You should be able to watch the digital temp on the chiller unit to drop very quickly to 65 degrees. This should happen in less than 60 seconds. If it does not than the chiller needs a recharge.

If your chiller does not have a built in temp guage than this trick may not work for you.

Here is how the recharge can be done:

I have successfully recharged my 1/10th HP chiller using these guidelines. The recharge can be done with standard R34a refrigerant and a typical recharge kit that you buy at any retail outlet.

Here's the trick.
1. The unit must be a newer model that did not use R12 refrigerant. That stuff is very old now, so I'm sure it is R34a, but check the chiller label or manual to be certain.

2. Remove the cabinet cover and find the refill port. There should only be one port. Often, this port is the old-style R12 fitting. That does not mean it has R12 refrigerant, just that the R12 port fitting is very common and still widely used in non-auto applications. If the unit or manual says it is R34a, then it is, trust that, not the type of service port yo discover on the unit.

3. You need to buy a R12 to R34 fitting adapter kit. You can get this at any Walmart or auto parts store for about $12. Then just screw the Low side adapter cap onto your chiller port and viola, you now have a R34a port that will accept the standard recharging equipment.

4. This whole conversion and refill with 12oz of freon can be done for less than $30 and one hour of work.

It is simple, safe and fun to do. I bought the conversion package that comes with guages, three cans of freon, and the fittings for about $35 at Walmart. I would use to guages to check the chiller annually.