How to Remove an Air Conditioner Compressor
- 1). Follow the wires that lead from the outside air-conditioning unit to its electrical service disconnect box, usually located within three feet of the unit. The disconnect box, made of metal or plastic, has either a pull-out buss bar or a circuit-breaker type switch inside. Lift the box's lid, and either remove the buss bar or turn the switch to the "off" position.
- 2). Recover all refrigerant in the air-conditioning system with a refrigerant recovery machine. Use the recovery machine manufacturer's operating instructions. This will always require connecting a refrigerant hose between the machine and the refrigerant service port, located on the condensing unit where the refrigerant lines enter the unit, and a hose between the machine and a refrigerant recovery tank.
- 3). Open the condensing unit's electrical-service box's cover using a nut driver to remove the screws. The wires from the disconnect box will enter the service box from underneath. The service box will contain the air conditioner's relays, capacitors and control boards.
- 4). Access the compressor. On some models, this will require removing the fan and its shroud. Some models share compressor access with the electrical-service box. Some models use a flat, metal panel located on the side of the condensing unit next to the electrical-service box. In all cases, use the nut driver to remove all retaining screws and set the panel or fan to the side. Usually the fan wires can remain connected because they have excess length in the service box for maintenance.
- 5). Remove the compressor's protective insulation cover, if equipped. Some modern high-efficiency compressors, most notably Trane equipment, wrap a plastic-covered insulation around the compressor. This insulation uses Velcro or snap-buttons to stay in place.
- 6). Pry the compressor's electrical-connection cover off with a flat screwdriver. Depress the thin slot, located on the side of the cover, with a flat-head screwdriver while pulling the cover away from the compressor.
- 7). Disconnect the three wires from the compressor's electrical terminals. Grip each wire terminal connector, one at a time, with pliers and slide the connector off the terminal.
- 8). Replace the compressor's electrical-connection cover. Supply houses frown on compressors returned without the cover.
- 9). Unbolt the compressor from the condensing unit's floor with a wrench, usually 1/2- inch. Most compressor models use three bolts spaced evenly around the bottom of the compressor. Some use four bolts.
- 10
Heat the bottom refrigeration line to compressor-solder joint with an oxygen/acetylene torch set until the solder melts. Pull the refrigeration line from the connection with pliers. Removing the bottom refrigeration line first will prevent accidental skin burns. - 11
Heat the top refrigeration line to compressor-solder joint with an oxygen/acetylene torch set until the solder melts. Pull the refrigeration line from the connection with pliers. - 12
Allow the solder connections to cool. A wet rag will speed this up. - 13
Lift the compressor from the floor and pull it from the condensing unit.
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