Air conditioners and Freon?

Question

I have an old air conditioner that im dissassembling, and i really want to get at its air compressor, but im worried that Freon will leak into the environment. i dont want to throw away or recycle the appliance because i'll lose the air compressor. what should i do?

Answer 1

As mentioned here by others, releasing refrigerant R-22 into the atmosphere is most definitely illegal, and there are serious consequences for anyone doing it.

And contrary to claims, there is a significant amount of refrigerant in an air conditioner. The damage this will cause is anything but minimal.

Refrigeration compressors aren't designed to operate as air compressors. Refrigeration oil in the compressor used to lubricate and help cool it will be blown out in short order, and it will shut down due to thermal overload of the motor if it runs long enough before seizing up due to loss of lubricant.

If the air conditioner isn't working, your best bet is to take it to a recycler for proper disposal.

Answer 2

The only thing you can do is pump it out - but I'm sure you don't have the equipment to do it. You could have someone come over and do it for you for a fee - but in your case - the amount of freon you will lose is minimal (you are not doing this every day) - don't worry about it. People's air conditioners lose tons of freon every year, I don't think you are going to make that much of a difference.

Answer 3

Leaking a little Freon is going to make no difference at all and it won't get you busted.

Answer 4

FREON IS RECOVERED BY A MACHINE CALLED A (get this) RECOVERY MACHINE. IT IS THEN CLEANED UP AND RECYCLED. THE AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT IN ONE A/C IS MINIMAL BUT IT IS ILLEGAL TO DUMP INTO THE ATMOSPHERE.

   I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY YOU WANT THE COMPRESSOR. IT IS NOT LIKE YOU COULD USE IT AS AN AIR COMPRESSOR.