How to Reuse or Replace an Old Central Air Conditioner

Check the ductwork for leaks. Straighten any crimped sections and seal any leaks with metal-backed tape, mastic tape or an approved aerosol sealant. Wrap ducts located in nonair-conditioned spaces, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces or garages with duct insulation that carries an R-factor of at least six. Check that the connections between registers and grills are sealed tight.

Hire a licensed HVAC professional remove the refrigerant from your system to comply with Environmental Protection Agency rules and regulations. Never attempt removing the coolant yourself. Shut off the electricity supply to the air conditioning unit and disconnect the electric lines from the disconnect box. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the air conditioning unit. Move the old unit off the pad and set it out of the way.

Place the new central air conditioning unit onto the pad. Connect the copper suction line and liquid line to the condensing unit. Connect the electric lines to the disconnect box. Insure the “On/Off” switch on the disconnect box is set to the “Off” position.

Have your HVAC professional solder the copper lines completing the seal. The HVAC professional evacuates the lines and recharge the new central air conditioner with the proper amount of refrigerant. Never attempt to replace the coolant yourself. Have your HVAC professional inspect your entire central air conditioning system before restoring the electricity. Take your old air conditioning unit to an approved recycling center.