Refrigerant Line Charge Calculator

Piping Diameters (OD)

Result

Pounds:

How to Calculate How Much Charge is Needed For a Split-System Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

When charging a system there are a few components that need to be accounted for when estimating the amount of refrigerant needed. The manufacturer of the equipment being charged will provide specs for the amount of refrigerant to add to the system and the manual should be consulted for that information.
However, this leaves the liquid and suction lines between the units unaccounted for. The length of those lines will need to be accounted for to avoid under or over-charging the system.

Refrigerant tank and gauges for charging a residential heat pump To more accurately approximate the amount of charge needed, add the amount recommended by the manufacturer with the amount needed for the refrigerant lines.

Estimating Charge Needed for Refrigerant Lines

To calculate the refrigerant needed for the lines, start by noting the size of the liquid and suction lines.

Then, consult the table below to find the charge weight needed per foot of lines. Note that the amount of charge will be very different for the liquid and suction lines, and they should be added together to find the total weight per foot.

Finally, multiply the length of the lines in feet by the weight per foot to find the total charge needed. Note that you might need to convert from ounces to pounds at this point.

Charge Needed per Foot of Line

The tables below show the amount of charge needed per foot of line, for various line sizes. Always double-check your charge rates with those recommended or required by the manufacturer of the charge, equipment, and piping in use.