Anyone know how to uninstall and reinstall an AC unit?

[Grantholomeu]

Moving, still within Aichi, and I'd like to save on a new AC unit by taking my current one with me. Has anyone here uninstalled and reinstalled one before, and be willing to teach me? I don't know at this point if it's very difficult or not.

[Primarch]

The moving company might be able to do it for you if you ask them?

[Balloonacorn]

Moving, still within Aichi, and I'd like to save on a new AC unit by taking my current one with me. Has anyone here uninstalled and reinstalled one before, and be willing to teach me? I don't know at this point if it's very difficult or not.

It is quite common, if not normal, to take your AC with you. If your new space already has the power supply and hose holes it is simply a matter of connecting them. Our moving company did it for us when we moved from Tokyo but they had a specialist on their crew who did this. These are the same people who were unable to build our cradle.

[The Underdweller]

Is Ricardo helping you move? He uninstalled my old one for me. He used to have connections to some guys who would install them as well, but not sure if he still does. Gets you half way, at least.

[Grantholomeu]

@The Underdweller
I don't think I know a Ricardo... unless I'm having a massive brain-fart.

At least it sounds like it's normally do-able.

@Balloonacorn
What company did you use if I may ask? I'm trying to keep it cheap obviously, but would be willing to pay a bit extra for someone who knows what they're doing to uninstall and reinstall it.

[The Underdweller]

@The Underdweller
I don't think I know a Ricardo... unless I'm having a massive brain-fart.

He's a guy with a pick-up truck who helps a lot of foreigners move. He is cheaper than Japanese moving companies by a fair bit. If you want I can PM you his details.

As far as air conditioner installation, somewhere like Benri can do it, but it can cost quite a bit (20,000 or so, probably more with uninstalling and transport). I don't know how much the moving companies charge to do it, I've never used one.

http://www.benry.com/service-list/7/

[Grantholomeu]

@The Underdweller
Thanks a bunch, I'll check it out.

[Balloonacorn]

@Balloonacorn
What company did you use if I may ask? I'm trying to keep it cheap obviously, but would be willing to pay a bit extra for someone who knows what they're doing to uninstall and reinstall it.

We used Ant. Neither my wife nor I can remember how much we paid but she said it was one of the cheaper ones for long distances.

To hire someone only to do the installation is $100 - $200 depending on how much ducting you need. They must have a license to take out or install.

I hope this helps.

[Wiz]

I've done it at least a dozen times over the years - it's honestly not too difficult. But you will need two shifting spanners, the larger the better, and some hexagonal allen keys. And of course screwdrivers.
1. Unplug it from the power.
2. On the outside unit, remove the caps over the pipe connections, and then use allen keys to close the 2 valves (clockwise). Don't go mad and overtighten, or you risk breaking a valve (like I did, the first time!).
3. Use spanners to disconnect the pipes from the outside unit.
4. Use a (flathead, usually) screwdriver to disconnect the 3 coloured cables from the terminals on the outside unit.
5. Lift the room unit up from its wall backing plate and carefully pull the pipes and cables through the wall hole. You can leave these connected for an easier reinstall later, assuming you can get them all out through the hole. If not, disconnect the pipes and power cables with spanners and scewdrivers.

I think that's pretty much it. Reverse the steps to reinstall. Once pipes and cables are hooked up, simplyopen the valves again on the outside unit by turning anticlockwise. That will push the gas back through the system. Then plug in and cross your fingers!

Good luck.

[Grantholomeu]

Thanks for the pointers everyone!