what is adding oil in airconditioning?

Answer 1

If you have a leak, some of the oil that is inside the system will leak out. It is usually so little that it isn't necessary to replace it. If it is a lot or if you replace a part, you have to put more oil in.

You do NOT add oil as a maintance task, ever. It only has to be considered when you open up the system because of a problem.

The oil is specific to the type of refrigerant used. You will get into trouble if you use the wrong type. In fact, they are even a different base, not simply a different weight.

The amount is also important. They is beyond the scope of almost all DIY projects. In a sealed system, it is unusual enough to have a leak that it is a fairly major problem.

A motor vehicle system is not completely sealed so some leakage is acceptable, over time. I assume you are talking about a system in a house, or you would not have posted here. In that case, it is a sealed system and not a DIY project. In fact, you need a license to even purchase some types of refrigerant.

P.S. there is NO air in the large line in the system. There is NO air anywhere in the system, for that matter. If there was, you would be in bad shape.

Answer 2

It is not common that oil needs to be added unless we are dealing with commercial equipment that use semi-hermetic compressors. 16 years I have been in a/c and heat and I have never had to add oil to a residential system unless I wanted to lie, say I did, and charge a customer for what I did not do. BUT, I have never did that. Sounds like someone may have ripped you off! Exception, automotive a/c does require adding oil at times if freon was lost at a rapid rate or from a low point leak.

Answer 3

Adding oil, is adding refrigerant. In a home sealed system you DO NOT normally have to add any. However, oil can be lost during the winter months. This is because the condenser (the unit outside) is not maintaining heat (yes their is a small heater in their).

Try covering the unit with a winter bag (purchased from your local hardware store). This will prevent future leaks.

BTW: It is not actually a leak, the oil becomes absorbed in the air already present in the low pressure line (the fatter line).

Answer 4

any HVAC tech will add some oil when adding refrigerant. If you don't need that, you most likely don't need oil. After all, it's a closed system. There is no way to check.

Answer 5

oil in compressors are over filled at factory, i have never added oil. no way to check oil level. oil is floating around the system