Cutting Copper Lines

[SassySailor]

I'm removing the old refer unit because it's slowly dying. In trying everything to remove the two copper connections on the air compressor (they go to the evaporator) I can not get them to budge. I decided to go at the copper lines with a hacksaw and suddenly something was hissing out of the line. Is this OK? I obviously have no idea what I'm doing.

[Cheechako]

Well, the EPA doesn't like it but it done now! Air out the boat.

[SassySailor]

Regardless, this would happen anyways, right? The lines need to disconnected somehow to remove the unit... I don't understand how else this could be avoided. Opening ports now...

[Cheechako]

An HVAC tech would suck the stuff out first.
No big deal though.

[Sailmonkey]

Like already said, an hvac tech would have removed the refrigerant first, or most smaller systems have valves built internally into the couplings. This all depends on what you've got.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[rwidman]

You broke the law, allowing Freon gas to escape into the atmosphere. This will cause global warming and flood low lying cities. On the plus side, it will increase water depth in troublesome parts of the ICW.

Whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about it and change your user name and location on this forum. If you see anyone from the EPA, run and hide.


BTW, it's not an air compressor, it compresses the refrigerant gas, the stuff you let out.


Just to be on the safe side, don't take the old unit to a junkyard or put it out with your own trash, toss it in a dumpster where it can't be traced back to you.

[JPA Cate]

Take a look at a simple text about refrigeration before you install a new one.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Take a look at a simple text about refrigeration before you install a new one.

Or read the instructions that come with it.

[Whitebread117]

Originally Posted by rwidman

You broke the law, allowing Freon gas to escape into the atmosphere. This will cause global warming and flood low lying cities. On the plus side, it will increase water depth in troublesome parts of the ICW.

Whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about it and change your user name and location on this forum. If you see anyone from the EPA, run and hide.


BTW, it's not an air compressor, it compresses the refrigerant gas, the stuff you let out.


Just to be on the safe side, don't take the old unit to a junkyard or put it out with your own trash, toss it in a dumpster where it can't be traced back to you.

Humor intended of course, bit still a bit more cautious than necessary. CFC and HCFC (ozone depleting) refrigerant release is only illegal if intentionally released. Obviously not the case here, so throw it in the nearest dumpster (with or without your name/address/social security number ) and don't worry about it. *


* former professional in the HVAC industry.

[rwidman]

Back in the "good old days" the HVAC guys in our shop used Freon to clean the units instead of compressed air.

[gah964]

Originally Posted by rwidman

You broke the law, allowing Freon gas to escape into the atmosphere. This will cause global warming and flood low lying cities. On the plus side, it will increase water depth in troublesome parts of the ICW.

Whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about it and change your user name and location on this forum. If you see anyone from the EPA, run and hide.


BTW, it's not an air compressor, it compresses the refrigerant gas, the stuff you let out.


Just to be on the safe side, don't take the old unit to a junkyard or put it out with your own trash, toss it in a dumpster where it can't be traced back to you.

are you joking I hope you cant be this brainwashed can you?

[colemj]

I thought his post was pretty clear. The parts about breaking the law and it not being an air compressor are factual, and the rest was just having a bit of fun.

Mark

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by gah964

are you joking I hope you cant be this brainwashed can you?

Does the "wink" not show up on your viewing device? Just to be perfectly clear, as others picked up on, I was joking.

I have a similar situation as the OP, I have to replace my boat's self contained air conditioner. After posting my original post it occurred to me that I couldn't just put it out with the trash or take it to the dump.

Then I remembered that the reason I am replacing it is that the heat exchanger leaked and the Freon already leaked out into the cooling water. At least it was the new, non-ozone depleting type.

[Scott Berg]

Next time the key is to remove the refrigerant (whatever it is), then remove the tubing and recycle it. Any good refer tech can evacuate a system. I always did R12 systems for free both as a public service....

[gah964]

I worked for many HVAC company we would discharge over filled compressors all the time .is it against the law yes, but keep in mind government wants you to believe its the consumers problem so they can fine and tax working people, but its really the company's that pollute the air not your simple home owner, give me a break man.