Disconnecting an AC unit

[Stonehenge]

We're going to be starting a patio tomorrow that will require the AC unit to be disconnected, so we can install our pavers and reset the unit on top of it. I don't know if the client has had this taken care of already, so I'm hoping I can be ready in case she hasn't.

Is there a way to safely disconnect an AC unit?

[Bill Schwab]

Jeff:

If you are going to disconnect, you absolutley need an HVAC company, and the charge is minimal, $100.00 per unit to disconnect, suck up the freoon, and $100.00 to reconnect it.

You can however, do it a different way. If you take some 8-8-16 block and carefully lift the unit up, bridge the gap between blocks with a 2x12 or 3/4" plywood, then set the unit down. Its a 3 guy job. Then, you can either pour a slab in the exact space as the AC pad takes, or you can base it with 1" minus (CA-6 in midwest terms), and set your brick. Just use water to help compact, and set the brick directly over gravel, no sand. You will get very little settling if any, because the unit is distributing it's weight over a 3x3 area.

Then just pull your bridging and set it back down.

[dan deutekom]

I have done it just like Bill many times. You really want to avoid disconnectin. $$ and when it is hot the client really likes to have it running.

[diginahole]

Same here, we work around 'em whenever possible or leave it up to the client to arrange disconnect and hook up. I have heard tales of $5-600 bills for the task. I think it is against the law to let the freon (*they use something else nowadays*) escape.

[Stonehenge]

Yeah, I'm not keen on disconnecting it, but was trying to figure out how I'd compact the base in the area beneath the AC - no room to run equipment under there. And the pipe is copper, so if we move it a little too much, it'll pinch. :rrr:

We'll have to finagle something....

[PSUscaper]

A real pita job.

For some reason, there is usually just enough copper pipe to make it to the AC unit in the first place, none the less be able to move it. For most jobs, I've always gone the route of telling the customer that if it is that important to move it, then they personnally need to contact a HVAC person to make the required arrangements. The thought of needing a 'emergency' call out because the line broke while lifting it is too much for me to think about.

Overall, it seems that 80% of AC units installed were set too low to begin with. I wish they would have some kind of set rules or inspection on them, as I've seen many houses where there is a water problem in the basement because the AC unit sits in a hole next to the house. With all the technology out there, you think they could come up with a flexible hose at least so that you could move it.................I mean, its almost 100% likely that with a newly built house and all that back fill around it, where your shrubs sink 6" when you plant them, that the AC unit is going to sink also.

I feel the same about AC unit installation codes as I do about downspouts around new houses (and the lack of leader drains).........its a obvious problem that no one seems to think about.

Also, AC units are a "trap" job in my eyes........its seems like every other estimate I go on the client wants me to try and straighting it out.................they all look at and just say "you think you can just lift that up and throw some dirt under it"............like its a 30 second task. Then, when you say no........they get offended.

[Bill Schwab]

Penn:

I know we have the most tree hugging whackos per capita in our stste, but, when they ask you that, if you come from the environmental angle it might help. "Mr customer that unit is filled with freon, and if
I rupture it the stuff will enter the atmosphere...yada yada yada." Then direct them to an HVAC guy, or have them sign a change order and you get one through your company, add 20% for running the thing through your books and go forward...

[Pelican]

Not only is there the issue of environmental damage (I'm not sold on that one), but the possibility of damage to the A/C unit also exists if it's not properly disconnected and lines capped. The lines and components can absorb moisture which can lead to pre-mature failure of the equipment.

[scl]

Had the same dilemma last year. I told the client that we had to have an HVAC guy come, and they wanted $300 to uninstill/re-install. He said "well its 15 years old , do you think they'd just install a new one?" Made my HVAC buddy happy, cstomer cool and happy, pocket book cool and happy! Penn hit it with most of em, they just don't have the play to monkey with.

[Stonehenge]

We turned out to be OK - the client had it taken care of - AC had been disconnected and we just needed to lift it out of the way. Happy days. :)

[Bill Schwab]

I don't believe for one minute what the environementalist fuitcake whackos claim about freon and ozone. I mean come on, we had Ozone Al in the Whitehouse for 8 years and he did not cause any deaths from bad air, but I'll bet he made many staffers gag...lol