Shifting a split system AC compressor (the outside bit)

Euphemistic on 02/06/2015 - 17:00
Last edited 02/06/2015 - 17:01

We've just moved and the new house has a split system AC compressor which is right next to the pool fence and creates a handy step for jumping the fence. We found out when we had visitors and all the kids appeared inside the pool area despite having the gate locked shut,

Would lie, to lift the AC compressor up the wall so it's out of the way and cannot be used to climb the pool fence.

Could it be a DIY task, considering the hoses etc all run down the wall to it? I'm up to installing a bracket, but not AC work.

How much might it cost for a tradie to do it? There shouldn't need to be any uncoupling if the hoses are just coiled up and not shortened.

Can the compressor run if the base is level with the base of the head unit inside? - the top would be higher than the head unit inside.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • nocure on 02/06/2015 - 17:25
    +1

    I would say around $300 to relocate because it would need to be re-gased. Maybe build an enclosure around the unit with merbau decking, level with the pool fence height.

    • ESEMCE on 02/06/2015 - 21:03

      Nah, just install spikes.

  • npc on 02/06/2015 - 17:33

    Can't see why it is not DIY job given that you have enough length of electrical cord and gas pipes. Don't bend copper pipe to any sharp angles and you'll be fine. Regarding levels of units - better to download and read the manual, should not be a problem.

    • ESEMCE on 02/06/2015 - 21:02

      Don't bend copper pipe to any sharp angles and you'll be fine.

      Good luck with that!
      Lifting a Compressor from ground to wall height means that 1.5m of Copper pipe has to go somewhere..

      OP you'll need a Fridgie to cut pipes and regas.

      • npc on 02/06/2015 - 22:03

        U-turn?:)

        • Euphemistic on 03/06/2015 - 09:34

          Hadn't realised the pipes were copper, figured that like most other plumbing these days it would be some sort of plastic.

  • dp1 on 02/06/2015 - 18:25

    We have all the compressors tidily located together at the side of the house. When we got an additional unit for one of the bedrooms we wanted to run the cables and hoses so the new compressor sat next to the other 3 and were quoted $100 per metre which would have more than doubled the $700 total installation costs so we left it.

  • iratepirate on 03/06/2015 - 14:47

    You will need to pay a tradie move it as you are very likely to damage the copper brightwork. Compressor usually must be lower (about 1.5m) than the inside unit check the manual for the model you have.

    As a cheap alternative why not raise the height of the fence above the compressor. I used a sheet of perspex to stop some dementia residents from breaking out of a ward over a pool fence.

    • Euphemistic on 04/06/2015 - 10:30

      The fence work option is possible, but I figured the AC lift would look better. We're in this house for the long term so a few extra dollars to make it look better will be well spent.

  • nlsnnn on 14/06/2015 - 12:34

    Hi, Fridgie here. Yes you will need a fridgie to come out and relocate the outdoor unit. First things first, you shouldnt have to pay for gas, as long as the unit is pumped down correctly. You are effectively shortening the cable so additional gas should not be charged unless it is lost.

    Expect to pay around $300-$500 for a full relcation inc, bracket and labour.

    If you do however try to do it yourself and lose refrigerant in the process. You will be looking at approx $300 p/kg of refrigerant lost.

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