Can I Move My Air Conditioner?
An air conditioning system’s outdoor unit can be big and seemingly permanent. You may be wondering if it’s even possible to move the external unit to another area of your Tampa home.
While it’s true that air conditioning units cannot simply be unplugged and relocated like other appliances in your home, the good news is that with the help of a professional HVAC company, you can relocate your AC unit if needed.
Should You or Shouldn’t You Move Your AC Unit?
Sometimes people choose to move their AC unit for personal or aesthetic reasons. Maybe they’re unhappy with the placement of the unit, or the noise of the system inhibits patio conversation. Other times it’s out of necessity like they’re planning a home renovation that will encroach on the unit’s current placement, or they’re unhappy with how well the unit is servicing their home in its current location.
As you prepare to move your air conditioner, it can be helpful to assess the reasons for doing so. Not only will this help you feel confident in your decision to move forward with the project, but it will also help your HVAC professional in determining the best location for your new unit.
How Difficult is it to Move an External AC Unit?
First of all, moving your home’s air conditioner unit is not a DIY job. There are serious safety concerns involved including electrical hazards and the handling of refrigerant. You could also risk damaging the unit itself or the surrounding property and equipment. Furthermore, there are restrictions and requirements in place for handling HVAC equipment and materials. You only want a licensed and insured HVAC professional working on a job as big as this.
When your Hudson-area AC technician comes to relocate your home’s cooling unit, they will have to first pump out all the refrigerant and ensure no moisture or air remains in the lines as this can prevent the circulation of refrigerant once the unit is hooked back up in its new location. They will also have to power off all electricity and pay attention to the thermostat wiring so that it is secured to the unit. The copper lines will likely need to be modified and welded to a new length depending on the unit’s location. Additionally, they will have to ensure that wherever the unit is placed is on level ground.
The cost of moving an air conditioner in New Port Richey and the surrounding areas will depend primarily on how complicated the move is and the parts and labor involved. Units that are moved along the same wall are typically less expensive than relocating a unit clear to the other side of the house. Call us today for a free onsite quote to learn more about what it takes to relocate an air conditioner in Tampa.
