Before I dive in to scrapping a central air unit, what do I need to know?

Hello,
New one here. I had my entire heat pump system replaced this week. I asked the installer to just leave it all as I had a load ready to go to the recycler. Got the air handler apart, no problem. Now I have the compressor to tackle. Can I just jump in and start ripping it apart or are there any things I should be aware of first?

Thanks!
BC

Welcome to the forum. I wish I could help, but there others on the site that are more knowledgeable. Until they log on you might want to do a search on the site (upper right hand corner of the main page) for dismantling a compressor. There are many threads that will help answer the question. Good Luck.

Thanks for the reply. I did some searching. I guess my main concern is if the installer recovered the coolant from the system does that mean the disconnected system is coolant/pressure free? Copper and sheet metal don't bother me but I'm not a trained professional when it comes to air conditioners.

If ur installer unhooked it, then he depressurized everything. U don't have to worry about any thing except for maybe the oil in thr compressor. I don't know if he would have removed the oil or not. U might want to be careful as to not dump the oil on the ground. Nothing will be under pressure though.

Originally Posted by KzScrapper

This is simply not true...The installer can suck the charge back into the unit so that the system can be removed with the charge remaining intact.

WHY would they suck the charge into a unit that is bad and headed to the curb?
And then take time to put caps on it?
If there is no cap on both ends of that cooper pipe
There is no charge

Take your time and feel it out if your worried about him drainign the system just call him up and ask if he did your pretty much cleared for takeoff just be mindful of the oil in the compressor

I often pump down a system and have a helper recover the refrigerant at the shop. It saves time on the job and is cheaper for me to pay a helper than do it myself. There will be two brass valves sticking out of the unit where the lineset would attach. Take off the big brass cap with an adjustable wrench and see if the inside is threaded all the way down, if it is there is still refrigerant in the system if not its dry.

Originally Posted by KzScrapper

This is simply not true...The installer can suck the charge back into the unit so that the system can be removed with the charge remaining intact.

Digging deeper I think I'll error on the side of KZScrapper and confirm. The installer knew my intentions but I want to be sure. I'll update the discussion when I know more.

Thanks much for the replies
BK