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Disconnecting and Air Conditioning Unit?

23K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  hvac122  
#1 ·
I understand this isn't a DIY type job, but I'm just trying to get an idea. What is involved with disconnecting an AC unit and reconnecting it?

FYI- I'm getting ready to have a patio poured in my backyard and would like to have the AC temporarily moved, then re-installed after the patio is poured.

How much should I expect to pay an HVAC guy to do this for me?
 
#2 ·
I moved your post over here to the HVAC where the HVAC gurus can help you understand the process.

Please understand that discussions of contractors' prices are strongly discouraged on this site since we're focused on DIY work. The best bet is to get some estimates and compare their proposed scope of work, qualifications, insurance, references, and of course their prices.
 
#4 ·
Heck, no apology necessary. :thumbsup:

If the unit has to be disconnected and removed they'll basically do this (HVAC-ers help me out if I miss something):

  • They'll recover all the refrigerant from the lines.
  • They'll disconnect or cut the lines.
  • They'll kill the power to the unit and disconnect the wire whip from the disconnect to the unit.
  • They'll physically move the unit.
  • After the concrete's in place they'll move the unit back and ensure it is level.
  • They'll re-attach the lines by brazing them.
  • They'll vacuum the system down.
  • They'll re-charge it with refrigerant.
  • They'll re-attach the electrical.
  • They'll test it.
Guessing, but I'd presume it would take only an hour or two before and after the pour assuming all goes well.
 
#9 ·
They should check its operation before disconnecting it.

  • They'll recover all the refrigerant from the lines.
  • May recover, or may pump it down.
  • They'll disconnect or cut the lines.
  • They'll kill the power to the unit and disconnect the wire whip from the disconnect to the unit.
  • They'll physically move the unit.
  • After the concrete's in place they'll move the unit back and ensure it is level.
  • They'll re-attach the lines by brazing them.
  • Hopefully they'll remove old filter drier and install a new one
  • They'll vacuum the system down.
  • They'll re-charge it with refrigerant.
  • They'll re-attach the electrical.
  • They'll test it.
Guessing, but I'd presume it would take only an hour or two before and after the pour assuming all goes well.
Plus driving time to and from to disconnect, and to reconnect.

When done right. It is not a cheap process.
 
#5 · (Edited)
That's about it. They should also replace the filter drier on any system that's been opened and also leak test the new installation. They should also ensure it's operating correctly.

The tech. should also use the idle time (while the vacuum pump is running) to clean your condensor and evaporator coils.

I'm guessing $500-$1000 depending on your area. It's actually a lot of time involved to do it right.

Maybe the OP in this post will tell you what his quote was (very similiar situation):

http://www.diychatroom.com/f17/moving-ac-compressor-pipes-2-a-53506/
 
#7 ·
That's about it. They should also replace the filter drier on any system that's been opened and also leak test the new installation. They should also ensure it's operating correctly.

The tech. should also use the idle time (while the vacuum pump is running) to clean your condensor and evaporator coils.

I'm guessing $500-$1000 depending on your area. It's actually a lot of time involved to do it right.

Maybe the OP in this post will tell you what his quote was (very similiar situation):

http://www.diychatroom.com/f17/moving-ac-compressor-pipes-2-a-53506/
can I work for you on commission?:laughing:


Just a little steep for my area is all./
 
#11 ·
As the OP of the post about moving my lines 2' I'll tell that the estimate was 4 hours. That came to $595 for parts and labor on Long Island, NY. And I was "simply" moving a 10' run of pipe 2'. Then again your move might be simpler as there's no brazing of new lines. But simpler still ain't simple. And I was told to figure 1 hour on the vacuum pump alone, someone is paying for that time, and I assure you, it's not the AC company. :laughing:

As for the beer comment, I didn't mean that I was looking for by cousins brothers uncles neighbor's former college roommate because he happened to own a soldering iron :wink: but rather, say one of my neighbors who does this for a living and might be looking for a side job.
 
#15 ·
What if "mopowers" has a packaged unit such as I have? With my HVAC unit if I wanted to move it, there would be the electical feed from the disconnect on the exterior brick siding, the thermostat wiring, remove the hood over the supply/return ducts, then move the unit, with help. The post(s) I am reading here seem to be written for split type units. Thanks, David