HVAC question, sort of

[wb4rt]

I had to replace my portable dehumidifier when it quit cooling/condensing. I was looking at it and had a thought.

I was wondering if I could use the fan and cooling coil to make a TIG cooler? It would mean getting the R410A Freon out somehow. Of course I think it quit working because the Freon had already escaped. And I don’t know if there is any issues pumping water after Freon. The cooler is a little bigger than necessary and the copper lines are small but seems it would cool sufficiently.

Anyone tried this or is it a bad idea?

[Woznme]

If you're talking about the condenser fan and coil from the outdoor unit it should work fine. Just flush with compressed air brake clean fluid or napfa first. Get a refrigeration mechanic to decommission first. Don't try doing it yourself, firstly its illegal and secondly high risk of injury - very high pressure.

[wb4rt]

Thanks, Woznme.

To be clear, this is not an outdoor unit, just a small portable dehumidifier. It is rated for 50 pints/day.

[Woznme]

Doesn't matter. Still mechanical refrigeration with R410a gas in it. Get a fridgie to recover the gas charge then you can have at it.

[rexcormack]

Doesn't matter. Still mechanical refrigeration with R410a gas in it. Get a fridgie to recover the gas charge then you can have at it.

Hey Wozme! Your advice to wb4rt is spot on but your warning of "very high pressure" gave me a little chuckle!
Every day I work with equipment that can generate 10,000 psi pnuematic pressure and 60,000 psi hydraulic!

[Woznme]

That's scary high pressure for sure. Most I've dealt with for welding purpose is 4,300psi and I thought that was high. Good thing about it though is that when it's off there's no pressure. Refrigeration systems still have standing pressure when off, in the case of R410a maybe 300psi on a hot day. Plenty of pressure there for the untrained or challenged to have a bad day.