Cost to move A/C Compressors?

16 years ago

Hi all,

We recently moved into a home that has 3 A/C Zones, with a separate compressor for each zone. It's an old home, and it used SpacePak (high velocity cooling) inside of home.

Anyway, we are looking a putting a deck on the back of the house, and wanted to move the 3 three compressors about 10 feet and around the corner of the house (so instead of being in the middle of the back of the house, they are just around the corner to the side of the house).

The ideal would be not to have any change any "plumbing", but just add a longer hose or extend any cables, as the deck would cover the area now.

Is this at all possible? Am I crazy to think that this is relatively straight forward? Also, I'm in MA, any ideas on what it would cost? Just looking for orders of magnitude -- hundreds, thousands?

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

redcurls

16 years ago

I know it's been a while since you posted this, so you've probably already done the job (or not) but we did what you're talking about....moved it around to the side of our house to add a patio. Total move was about 12 feet to the east and another 10 feet (around the corner of the house) to the north. Charge was $200 and the HVAC guy put it on a new base, and ran the wiring/hoses out the side of the house instead of to the back. This was about 5 years ago. A BIG benefit was that we found it much more energy efficient having only morning sun on the unit rather than all the sun it got in the back yard facing south!

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Comments (8)

bob_brown
16 years ago
It depends on the length of the existing line set, and how much additional line you will add. Systems are maximized for a 25 ft line set. If you double the length, you need to change the line set to a larger size, probably double the circular area. Most installation guides specify the size needed for that particular model. Some equipment will not work with too long of a line set. I have heard of problems with either a TRANE or a Carrier a few weeks ago, The line set was about 50 ft long. It screwed up the pressures.
daddo
16 years ago
It could be very expensive, but that depends on how you define "expensive".
If the systems don't have service valves outside, then they will have to recover the freon. The electric boxes will need moving as well.
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well Dave, I see that the contractor posted his findings so I wouldn't worry too much about upsetting or offending anyone. it isn't unusual for there to be conflicting opinions, but the fact is that you and he are the only ones who have seen the ductwork. his discription of your return air setup is suspect. I see he is advising you to wait out the summer to do any duct/return modifications. if you can, do. it is awfully hot to be modifying ductwork this time of year. a rushed job isn't a good job. better someone take the time to properly install and seal ducts. it kinda bothered me that no mention of duct or return sealing was mentioned. of course the discussion is pretty technical. but I find that leaky ducts/returns are often overlooked. when you talk about the kids rooms and the 3-4 temp difference, you mention west facing windows. how many & what approx size are in each room? what type of windows do you have? single pane, double pane? metal frames, vinyl frames? clear glass or low-e glass? if the temp difference is due to the west windows..and it would be here in my area, then there are a couple of things you could try. block the afternoon sun from the exterior for a day or two and see if this evens out the 3-4 degree temp difference. wouldn't have to look great, or be permanent, just stop the solar gain. if you can keep the heat from entering the house, then the a/c doesn't have the added load to temper. exterior shading is the best route. rather than interior shades & curtains. beat the heat before it gets inside. if this works then invest in solar screens. yes they are darker than normal screens, but they will minimize heat gain. if windows are double paned..you can't install window tints as it will increase heat between panes and blow the seal. awnings and bahama shutters are other options but to me..at this point solar screens would be more cost effective. right now you have more time than solutions, so give it a try. don't worry about riling those guys up..they live for that stuff. Shophound & the guys have a good handle on things, so let them talk themselves around. I have to admire your restraint & patience. you are aware that 1" pleated filters are very restrictive? for now I'd change to a less restrictive filter. at least then more air will return to the unit. hang in there. best of luck.
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daddo
16 years ago
You can bet with the cost of copper today and freon and materials, that $200.00 would double from 5 years back, unless the guy makes just $2.00 an hour. :)
I would guess the same today would run $400.00 +.
mr_havac
16 years ago
These days about all you'd get for 200 dollars from a good contractor is for him to drive by your house and take a look in that direction! From the posts in this forum some guys are getting more just to change out a 5 dollar capacitor!
remodeler08
16 years ago
Believe me, $400.00 will not come close. The copper would cost me $200.00. The high voltage wiring & junction boxes would cost about $75.00. The low voltages wiring would cost about $25.00. And the additional R-22 would cost $xxx.

Then we have to pump down three systems. Finish evacuating three systems. Braze and leak test nine joints. Re-charge three systems.

Do not even think about making at least one return trip because one of the systems breaks down shortly afterwards....

Soooooooooo maybe $700.00.

Phillip
youbiquity
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi All,

Thanks for the feedback. Sorry it took me soooooo long to respond back... Turns out that moving the A/C units isn't even an option for us. If we were move it to the side of the house, we would likely be too close to the property line (small lot), and I am concerned that it could irritate the neighbors -- and I don't want to do that.

Oh well, turns out that we are stuck, but glad it worked for others.

Thanks again for your input!
- U
honeybunnymommy_hotmail_com
12 years ago
Hey youbiquity! Saw your last post. Sorry it didn't work out for you, but it's really nice that you thought of your neighbours! I found this page because I'm looking up how much it might cost to move my neighbour's A/C unit. It's right below our bedroom window - and I mean RIGHT below, the lots are very close together. We don't have A/C, and like to open our bedroom window at night to cool off our house. With all the noise from their A/C unit it's too disturbing. So I'm going to try approaching our neighbours and offer to pay for the cost... and potentially some money incentive for them too. :(

Cost to move A/C Compressors?

redcurls

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Cost to move A/C Compressors?

redcurls

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