Matt, how does improper system evacuation during installation affect long-term system reliability?

In this edition of “HVAC Skill Builder,” Matt discusses the importance of proper system evacuation during installation.

Matt, how does improper system evacuation during installation affect long-term system reliability? Well, if improper evacuation techniques were used, that’s going to also keep contaminants inside the system. There are several contractors who go out there and they think by putting a vacuum on for 30-40 minutes, that it’s actually doing something. However, if the system is leaking and the installation practices have not been followed, that vacuum is no good. Now, if you cannot get a proper vacuum on the system, again, it can lead to systems performing incorrectly. You can also have refrigerant restrictions inside that system. So, it’s very important that when you’re installing a new system or doing a repair that requires the system to be open, you want to follow all the evacuation techniques and when you’re pulling down on a vacuum, you want to get down to at least 500 microns or less.