DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B - User Manual

Questions and Answers

A
Allison TownsendAug 7, 2025
Why is my DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B not cooling well?
- D
  Dan WellsAug 8, 2025
  Several factors can cause poor cooling. The temperature setting might be higher than the room's ambient temperature; if so, lower the temperature setting. The heat exchanger or air filter could be dirty, so clean them. Also, check for blocked air inlets or outlets and remove any obstructions. Ensure doors and windows are closed to prevent heat entry and reduce heat from sunlight by closing windows and curtains. Low refrigerant levels due to leaks or too many heat sources in the room can also affect cooling.
R
robert94Aug 15, 2025
What to do if DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B unit starts and stops frequently?
- V
  vanessa87Aug 15, 2025
  Frequent starting and stopping can be due to several issues. There might be too much or too little refrigerant in the system, so check for leaks and recharge the system. Incompressible gas or moisture could have entered the system, requiring evacuation and recharge. A broken compressor or voltage fluctuations could also be responsible; consider replacing the compressor or installing a manostat to regulate the voltage.
M
Matthew HendersonAug 21, 2025
Why is my DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B Air Conditioner not heating properly?
- K
  Karen MitchellAug 22, 2025
  Poor heating performance could be due to extremely low outdoor temperatures, though this model is designed to work down to -13°F, heating is impacted at temperatures below freezing. Cold air entering through doors and windows can also affect heating, so ensure they are closed. Low refrigerant levels due to leaks or long-term use could also be the cause; check for leaks and recharge the system.
R
rangelstevenAug 30, 2025
What to do if my DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B Air Conditioner is not working?
- T
  Timothy LopezAug 30, 2025
  If the unit isn't working, first check for a power failure or if the power is turned off. Also, check the fuse and replace it if it's burned out. If using a remote, replace the batteries. If the unit's 3-minute protection is activated, wait three minutes after restarting it. Finally, ensure the timer is turned off.

Summary

Introduction and Warnings

Symbols Used in This Manual

Explains warning symbols used in the manual for user guidance and safety.

Important Safety Precautions

Operation, Cleaning, and Maintenance Safety

Covers safety rules for operating, cleaning, and maintaining the air conditioner.

Electrical Safety Guidelines

Installation Safety Protocols

Additional Usage Precautions

Provides extra safety guidelines for operation and usage.

Operating Temperatures and Performance Tips

Temperature Ranges

Details optimal indoor and outdoor temperature ranges for different modes.

Performance Optimization Tips

Provides advice on maximizing unit performance and preventing condensation.

Accessories and Tools for Installation

Included Accessories

Lists accessories that come with the air conditioning system.

Field Supplied Accessories

Lists accessories required but not included with the system.

Installation Tools

Lists essential tools required for installation.

Parts Identification and System Configuration

Parts Identification Diagram

Illustrates the outdoor unit and its connected components.

System Operation Requirement

States the minimum requirement of two indoor units for system operation.

Outdoor Unit Installation - Location

Installation Location Standards

Guides on choosing an appropriate location for the outdoor unit based on standards.

Unsuitable Installation Locations

Lists locations to avoid for outdoor unit installation.

Extreme Weather Considerations (Snowfall)

Advises on raising the unit to prevent ice buildup in snowfall areas.

Outdoor Unit Installation - Drain Joint and Weather

Extreme Weather Considerations (Wind)

Provides guidance for heavy wind exposure.

Extreme Weather Considerations (Rain;Snow)

Advises on building a shelter to protect the unit from rain or snow.

Install the Drain Joint

Details the process of installing the drain joint for water drainage.

Drain Hose Orientation Note

Advises on drain hose orientation for swift water drainage in cold climates.

Mounting the Outdoor Unit

Anchoring the Unit

Explains how to anchor the outdoor unit securely to a surface.

Unit Mounting Dimensions

Provides specific dimensions for mounting the outdoor unit base.

Multiple Outdoor Unit Clearances

Shows clearances required when installing multiple outdoor units.

Connecting Signal and Power Cables

Pipe Length and Height Difference Limits

Specifies maximum pipe lengths and height differences for system performance.

Power Cable Requirements

Specifies the types of cables required for connections.

Cable Preparation and Connection

Cable and Wire Preparation

Outlines steps for preparing cables and wires before making connections.

Wiring Safety Warnings

Warns to pay attention to live wires and follow wiring diagrams.

Connecting to Terminal Block

Step-by-step instructions for connecting wires to the terminal block.

Refrigerant Piping Connections - General

Refrigerant Piping Safety Warning

Warns against letting foreign substances into the refrigerant system.

Refrigerant Pipe Length Impact

Explains how pipe length affects performance and efficiency.

Valve Selection for Indoor Units

Provides guidance on selecting specific valve ports for indoor units.

Refrigerant Piping Connections - Valves and Oil Traps

Master Valve Operation Post-Vacuum

Details post-vacuum procedures involving master and zone valves.

Master Valve Operation During Servicing

Explains how to use master valves for servicing and troubleshooting.

Oil Traps for Height Differences

Explains the necessity of oil traps for height differences.

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Cutting and Deburring

Unit Height Difference Considerations

Explains issues and solutions for indoor/outdoor unit height differences.

Step 1: Cut Pipes

Provides instructions on how to properly cut refrigerant pipes.

Step 2: Remove Burrs

Details the process of removing burrs from cut pipe ends.

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Flaring Ends

Importance of Proper Flaring

Emphasizes the importance of proper flaring for an airtight seal.

Pipe Extension Beyond Flare Form

Provides specifications for pipe extension beyond the flare form.

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Connecting Pipes

Pipe Connection Precautions

Guides on connecting pipes, prioritizing low-pressure first and avoiding deformation.

Refrigerant Line Bending Guidelines

Instructs on bending refrigerant pipes and managing line length.

Connecting Piping to Indoor Unit

Step-by-step instructions for connecting pipes to the indoor unit.

Connecting Piping to Outdoor Unit and System Evacuation Prep

Connecting Piping to Outdoor Unit

Step-by-step instructions for connecting pipes to the outdoor unit valves.

Torque Specifications for Flare Connections

Table detailing tightening torque and flare dimensions for various pipe sizes.

System Evacuation Preparations

Outlines necessary preparations and precautions before system evacuation.

System Evacuation Procedure

Before Performing Evacuation

Lists checks to perform before starting the evacuation process.

Evacuation Instructions

Detailed, step-by-step instructions for evacuating the refrigerant system.

Additional Refrigerant and Final Checks

Adding Additional Refrigerant

Explains factory refrigerant charge and when additional refrigerant is needed.

Final Checks Before Test Run

Lists essential checks like electrical safety, gas leak, and valve status.

Electrical Safety Checks

Confirms correct electrical wiring installation according to regulations.

Gas Leak Check Methods

Describes methods for checking for refrigerant leaks.

Test Run Procedure

Test Run Instructions

Provides instructions on how to perform the unit's test run.

Checks to Perform During Test Run

A checklist of items to verify during the test run.

Gas Leak Check Points

Illustrates specific points to check for gas leaks on indoor and outdoor units.

Troubleshooting - Common Issues

Safety Precautions for Troubleshooting

Lists critical safety precautions to take when encountering issues.

Common Issues and Possible Causes

Presents common issues and their potential causes.

Troubleshooting - More Common Issues

Common Issues and Possible Causes

Provides potential reasons for further listed issues.

Contacting Service Center

Advises contacting a dealer or service center for persistent problems.

Troubleshooting - Performance Issues

Poor Cooling Performance

Lists causes and solutions for poor cooling performance.

Poor Heating Performance

Lists causes and solutions for poor heating performance.

Troubleshooting - Unit Operation Issues

Unit Not Working

Lists causes and solutions for the unit not operating.

Indicator Lamps Flashing or Error Codes

Explains how to handle flashing indicator lamps or error codes.

Wiring Diagrams - DRA2 U18 M1 B

Wiring Diagrams - DRA3 U28 M1 B

Wiring Diagrams - DRA4 U36 M1 B

Wiring Diagrams - DRA5 U48 M1 B

Error and Operating Codes

Error Code Display

Lists error codes displayed by the unit.

Malfunction and Protection Indications

Explains the meaning of each error or protection code.

Job Site Information Sheet

Site Information

Fields for recording site-specific details of the installation.

Contractor Information

Fields for recording contractor and technician details.

Outdoor Unit Information

Fields for recording outdoor unit model and serial numbers.

Outdoor Electrical Readings

Sections for recording electrical readings during installation.

Outdoor Thermal Readings

Sections for recording thermal readings during installation.

Indoor Unit Information - Units A & B

Indoor Unit A Details

Fields for indoor unit A model, serial number, type, and location.

Indoor Unit B Details

Fields for indoor unit B model, serial number, type, and location.

Refrigerant Line Size Selection

Options to specify refrigerant line sizes for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Electrical Readings

Fields for recording electrical readings for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Thermal Readings

Fields for recording thermal readings for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Information - Units C & D

Indoor Unit C Details

Fields for indoor unit C model, serial number, type, and location.

Indoor Unit D Details

Fields for indoor unit D model, serial number, type, and location.

Refrigerant Line Size Selection

Options to specify refrigerant line sizes for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Electrical Readings

Fields for recording electrical readings for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Thermal Readings

Fields for recording thermal readings for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Information - Unit E

Indoor Unit E Details

Fields for indoor unit E model, serial number, type, and location.

Refrigerant Line Size Selection

Options to specify refrigerant line sizes for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Electrical Readings

Fields for recording electrical readings for indoor units.

Indoor Unit Thermal Readings

Fields for recording thermal readings for indoor units.

Notes

DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B Specifications

General

Brand	DURASTAR
Model	DRA2U18M1B
Category	Air Conditioner
Language	English

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DURASTAR DRA2U18M1B - User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

Summary

Introduction and Warnings

Symbols Used in This Manual

Important Safety Precautions

Operation, Cleaning, and Maintenance Safety

Electrical Safety Guidelines

Installation Safety Protocols

Additional Usage Precautions

Operating Temperatures and Performance Tips

Temperature Ranges

Performance Optimization Tips

Accessories and Tools for Installation

Included Accessories

Field Supplied Accessories

Installation Tools

Parts Identification and System Configuration

Parts Identification Diagram

System Operation Requirement

Outdoor Unit Installation - Location

Installation Location Standards

Unsuitable Installation Locations

Extreme Weather Considerations (Snowfall)

Outdoor Unit Installation - Drain Joint and Weather

Extreme Weather Considerations (Wind)

Extreme Weather Considerations (Rain;Snow)

Install the Drain Joint

Drain Hose Orientation Note

Mounting the Outdoor Unit

Anchoring the Unit

Unit Mounting Dimensions

Multiple Outdoor Unit Clearances

Connecting Signal and Power Cables

Pipe Length and Height Difference Limits

Power Cable Requirements

Cable Preparation and Connection

Cable and Wire Preparation

Wiring Safety Warnings

Connecting to Terminal Block

Refrigerant Piping Connections - General

Refrigerant Piping Safety Warning

Refrigerant Pipe Length Impact

Valve Selection for Indoor Units

Refrigerant Piping Connections - Valves and Oil Traps

Master Valve Operation Post-Vacuum

Master Valve Operation During Servicing

Oil Traps for Height Differences

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Cutting and Deburring

Unit Height Difference Considerations

Step 1: Cut Pipes

Step 2: Remove Burrs

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Flaring Ends

Importance of Proper Flaring

Pipe Extension Beyond Flare Form

Refrigerant Pipe Connection Steps - Connecting Pipes

Pipe Connection Precautions

Refrigerant Line Bending Guidelines

Connecting Piping to Indoor Unit

Connecting Piping to Outdoor Unit and System Evacuation Prep

Connecting Piping to Outdoor Unit

Torque Specifications for Flare Connections

System Evacuation Preparations

System Evacuation Procedure

Before Performing Evacuation

Evacuation Instructions

Additional Refrigerant and Final Checks

Adding Additional Refrigerant

Final Checks Before Test Run

Electrical Safety Checks

Gas Leak Check Methods

Test Run Procedure

Test Run Instructions

Checks to Perform During Test Run

Gas Leak Check Points

Troubleshooting - Common Issues

Safety Precautions for Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Possible Causes

Troubleshooting - More Common Issues