The “Empty Tank” Warning
The CH 38 Error is LG’s safety protocol for **Low Refrigerant**. The system monitors the temperature difference between pipes and the electrical current consumed by the compressor. If the gas is low, the compressor overheats and works inefficiently.
Critical Note: AC gas is not a consumable like fuel in a car. It circulates in a sealed loop. If you have CH 38, it means there is a **physical hole/crack** in your copper piping that let the gas escape.
1 DIY Checks (Confirming the Leak)
Ice Formation
Check the outdoor unit valves. If you see white ice accumulating on the discharge (thinner) pipe, your gas pressure is critically low.
Oily Spots
Refrigerant oil circulates with the gas. Inspect the pipe joints (flare nuts). If they look wet, dark, or greasy, that is where the leak is.
Warm Air Output
The indoor blower is running, but the air is not cold. The compressor might be running louder than usual or cutting off frequently.
Atlas Aircon Protocol
We don’t guess. We verify.
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01.
Nitrogen Pressure Test We fill the system with 350 PSI of Nitrogen. This high pressure reveals even the smallest pin-hole leak in the coil or joints.
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02.
Vacuuming (Mandatory) After fixing the leak, we use a vacuum pump to remove all air and moisture. Moisture + R32/R410A = Acid, which destroys the compressor.
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03.
Gas Charging by Weight LG Inverter ACs require precise charging (e.g., 900g). We use a digital scale to ensure 100% cooling efficiency and prevent future errors.
Estimated Repair Cost (Atlas Aircon)