A/C Removal????

[Big Blzn]

All the threads I see people are taking their a/c units to a shop to get "drained" prior to the removal of the entire system. Why can't I just unhook everything and take it off? I'm looking at taking the a/c out because my rig will be topless as long as I own it plus I am going to be installing a York OBA system and can use the current a/c spot in the engine bay. So what's the deal with just disconnecting everything at home? Any good threads or hints that deal with this uninstall a/c issue?
Hoby

 

[frankin5]

Federal and State laws on Tocix waste air polution.

 

[Big Blzn]

Federal and State laws on Tocix waste air polution.

So the shop pulls/discharges the freon/gases or whatever out? Where in the a/c system is it stored. I obviously know very little about these systems and how they work.

 

[frankin5]

thats why you take it to a shop to remove the freon and store it safely. can't release it into the air.

 

[vortec]

they pump it out and into a canister for recycling. unhooking a hose in your driveway is a lot faster, though. the laws aren't enforced with individuals as strictly as with companies (i used to work in commercial a/c repair), so either don't get caught, or if you do, say, "oops, i didn't mean to". and who's going to catch you? i don't think the freon police are crusing the streets listening for hissing sounds. i got lucky. my condenser coil had a hole before i bought the thing, so it purged itself before i ever laid eyes on it.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Freon (R12) is a CFC which is seriously bad for the environment.

Have it evacuated at a shop. Oftentimes they will do it for free because they can recycle it (and R12 is expensive because nobody has been allowed to produce it in the US for a while).

 

[Jimbo*]

Freon (R12) is a CFC which is seriously bad for the environment.
(and R12 is expensive because nobody has been allowed to produce it in the US for a while).

What he said, ^^^^, except for the "produce it in the US" part: it has been illegal to market it in the US for some time now, however it is manufactured in southern Arizona for export. Thank you DuPont.

Jimbo

 

[Sandman]

You can just go to Walmart and have them suck it out. They will even give you a reciept for qty that you can use later.