We are planning on having a new concrete patio poured in a couple of weeks and need to move our AC unit to make way for the slab. Is it possible for a layman to pump down the coolant and move the unit or do I need to pay someone to do this for me? Unless you are an abnormally equipped layman, no. Even then, there may be a legal requirement (depending where you are) for this to be done by a licensed A/C service person, as regulations around refrigerants have become much more stringent over the years, trying to limit uncontrolled releases to atmosphere. The hard part actually isn't pumping down the vacuum on the AC, the hard part is recovering the refrigerant. Auto parts stores will loan you a vaccum pump that will work on a house AC, but this won't allow you to recover the refrigerant. Recovering the refrigerant requires specialized equipment that's quite expensive. Discharging the refrigerant to the atmosphere is definitely illegal.Browse other questions tagged hvac air-conditioning or ask your own question.

Refrigerant lines must be vacuumed after installing or reinstalling an A/C unit. Moisture inside refrigerant lines can contaminate the lines, causing your air conditioning unit to become sluggish. Anytime an A/C unit is installed, or reinstalled due to repair, the refrigerant lines must be vacuumed. Refrigerant already in the lines combines with the moisture that enters the lines. As soon as the A/C unit is turned on, the moisture begins to freeze, clogging the lines. This forces the A/C unit to work harder to cool the air in your home. Removing the moisture -- through use of a vacuum pump -- will allow your A/C unit to function effectively. Turn your A/C unit into the "Off" position. Remove the service valve caps, using a wrench. The two gold-colored valves are located on the refrigerant lines, where the lines enter the condensing unit. The valves are located toward the bottom of the back side of the A/C unit, or the side A/C unit that faces your home. Install the refrigerant manifold gauge hoses onto the service valve lines of the A/C unit.

Thread each valve onto its respective hose by turning the valve in a clockwise motion, just as you would thread a watering hose onto an outside water spigot. The left hose of the gauge attaches to the larger, low-pressure line's service valve, while the right hose attaches to the smaller, high-pressure line's service valve. Check the sight glass on the vacuum pump to ensure it has enough oil. The oil level should be at the fill line located on the sight glass; hotel wall ac unitsome pumps will have an "Oil Level" line. ac split unit maintenanceIf it is not, add more oil. air conditioner indoor unit leaking waterThe oil inside the vacuum pump does double duty, trapping contaminants from the A/C unit and keeping the pump from over heating while it is in use.

Place the vacuum pump onto a flat surface next to the A/C unit. Thread the last -- and center -- hose from the refrigerant manifold gauge onto the intake valve of the vacuum pump. Thread it in a clockwise motion similar to Step 3. Switch the pump into the "On" position. Place both manifold gauge valves, located on either side of the manifold, into the "Open" position. Air and moisture trapped in the A/C lines will now begin to exit through the vacuum pumps exhaust valve. Track the refrigerant manifold's left gauge readout, measured in inches of mercury, until the gauge reaches 29 inHg. Close each manifold valve and quickly shut off the vacuum pump. Wait 20 minutes, and then check to be sure the reading remains at 29 inHg. A reading other than 29 inHg, may mean a leak in the refrigerant system. Disconnect the refrigerant manifold gauge from the A/C unit and the vacuum pump from the refrigerant manifold gauge. Turn on your A/C unit to be sure it is working properly. Things You Will Need Wrench Vacuum pump and vacuum pump oil Refrigerant manifold gauge Tip References Robinair: AC Solutions/AC Vacuum Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a Correction

Can I Install Ductless AC By Myself? My Thermostat Works And The Outside Unit Is Working, But The Inside Unit Won't Blow Air Into The House. What Can I Do A Couple Of The Bedrooms Are Hotter In The Summer Than The Rest Of The House And Colder In The Winter, What Can I Do? I Replaced A Compressor On An Old 1.5 Ton Rheem, The Compressor Won't Come On And Has Power To It How Do I Remove AC Clutch And Pulley From Compressor? Commercial Refrigeration Condensing Units The Tecumseh DifferenceWhile all condensing units are an assembly of a compressor, condenser, fan motor, controls and a mounting plate, not all are created equal. Here is why Tecumseh condensing units are a cut above. • Ranging from 1/6 hp to 10-3/4 HP, Tecumseh’s full line of Commercial Refrigeration condensing units use industry recgnized, performance proven Tecumseh compressors • Tecumseh's line of Celseon fractional horsepower condensing units are loaded with installer-friendly features

• All Tecumseh condensing units are 100% leak and run tested (not all condensing unit manufacturers can say this), pressurized with non-refrigerant holding charge; • Tecumseh supports its customers with a strong warranty program • A knowledgeable technical support team is available to answer all your questions • Tecumseh offers a full line of condensing units, matching unit coolers, service parts and accessories AJ Large Pump Down Condensing Unit Resources As a complement to the existing line of Celseon Air-Cooled Condensing Units, Large Pump Down models offer an oversized receiver tank for added refrigerant storage to accommodate a larger refrigerant charge and/or longer line set lengths. In addition to the oversized receiver tank, the Large Pump Down model is a fully featured condensing unit model with service valves, sweat connections, and power cord while boasting a variety of optional features including, low pressure controls, filter drier and sight glass - all on a 20” x 14.3” (508 mm x 363.2 mm) base plate.