Hi, I need to remove 4 indoor units for new wallpaper to be laid. I take it the refrigerant line needs to be closed off somewhere first. Is it pretty straightforward?

By far the easiest way is to get your local A/C chaps to come and decommission your units and then when you're done re-connect and vacuum test.

 

You have to get all the refrigerant into the outdoor unit (where it was when the unit was delivered). You don't want to bleed it to atmosphere, it's not good for the environment and of course costs $$$ to replace. Exactly how to do this varies by unit, there may be a maintenance manual available.

 

You also really need to vacuum all the air from the pipes when you re-install which does of course need some special kit.

 

It's not beyond a competent DIYer but ...

 

Many of us would just remove the indoor unit covers and wallpaper around it like you would a light-switch

4 hours ago, Crossy said:

By far the easiest way is to get your local A/C chaps to come and decommission your units and then when you're done re-connect and vacuum test.

 

You have to get all the refrigerant into the outdoor unit (where it was when the unit was delivered). You don't want to bleed it to atmosphere, it's not good for the environment and of course costs $$$ to replace. Exactly how to do this varies by unit, there may be a maintenance manual available.

 

You also really need to vacuum all the air from the pipes when you re-install which does of course need some special kit.

 

It's not beyond a competent DIYer but ...

 

Many of us would just remove the indoor unit covers and wallpaper around it like you would a light-switch

Thanks again for the reply. Have to admit I feel a bit silly now. I had the idea to remove them because I intend to replace the aircons in the nearish future and the new units might be a bit smaller. Taking the covers off will do the job. Phew. 

14 hours ago, Jurghh said:

Thanks again for the reply. Have to admit I feel a bit silly now. I had the idea to remove them because I intend to replace the aircons in the nearish future and the new units might be a bit smaller. Taking the covers off will do the job. Phew. 

A good tradesperson would be able to patch wallpaper in areas no longer covered by a smaller AC unit.  Just be sure to keep some extra wallpaper for future repairs.

3 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

A good tradesperson would be able to patch wallpaper in areas no longer covered by a smaller AC unit.  Just be sure to keep some extra wallpaper for future repairs.

Thanks