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jeff5may · 10-13-13, 08:13 PM

The majority of the HVAC manufacturers recommend ISO VG32 weight oil for use in residential units. In Alaska, as well as in low-temp refrigeration, they use VG22 due to its -40 degC pour point. Cuz contractors can't be expected to keep their oil warm. It just has to pour.

The things about POE oil to remember are:
A. the same type will mix. POE will mix with POE.
B. POE is turbine oil, used in jet engines and power plants near you.
C. It gets stale when opened. Don't save it for long; it absorbs water from the air like brake fluid. Unlike mineral oil, you can't vacuum or filter the water out of the oil.

The VG100 oil you referenced is used in autos mainly due to the high operating temps under the hood. Thicker oil protects better across the entire temp range, but doesn't flow as well when it's cold. In an auto a/c system, you won't be using the a/c while it's cold, so the oil doesn't have to be so thin.

Here's a good reference page:
POE Oils that match Compressor OEM Specifications

I imagine the differences in specific oils are (trace) additives.

10-13-13, 08:13 PM	#2
jeff5may Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: elizabethtown, ky, USA Posts: 2,428 Thanks: 431 Thanked 619 Times in 517 Posts	The majority of the HVAC manufacturers recommend ISO VG32 weight oil for use in residential units. In Alaska, as well as in low-temp refrigeration, they use VG22 due to its -40 degC pour point. Cuz contractors can't be expected to keep their oil warm. It just has to pour. The things about POE oil to remember are: A. the same type will mix. POE will mix with POE. B. POE is turbine oil, used in jet engines and power plants near you. C. It gets stale when opened. Don't save it for long; it absorbs water from the air like brake fluid. Unlike mineral oil, you can't vacuum or filter the water out of the oil. The VG100 oil you referenced is used in autos mainly due to the high operating temps under the hood. Thicker oil protects better across the entire temp range, but doesn't flow as well when it's cold. In an auto a/c system, you won't be using the a/c while it's cold, so the oil doesn't have to be so thin. Here's a good reference page: POE Oils that match Compressor OEM Specifications I imagine the differences in specific oils are (trace) additives. Last edited by jeff5may; 10-13-13 at 08:17 PM.. Reason: wording