10 checks when buying
- Model label: photograph the labels of the indoor and outdoor units; they show the model, production date, capacity, and refrigerant type.
- Refrigerant type: Stay away from units with R22; R410A and R32 are safer choices. Details: air conditioner refrigerant types.
- See it running: run it in cooling and heating mode for at least 15-20 minutes; the discharge air should be clearly cold and hot.
- Noise and vibration: a metallic sound from the outdoor unit, frequent stopping and starting, or excessive vibration may point to a compressor problem.
- Was the refrigerant recovered? For removed units, make sure the refrigerant was collected into the outdoor unit. A unit removed by cutting its pipes has lost its refrigerant.
- Indoor unit cleanliness: if there is mold on the coil or dirt on the fan, expect bad odor and loss of efficiency.
- Remote and board: do all modes, fan speeds, and louver movement work?
- Physical damage: is there a dent in the outdoor unit coil, a rusty connection, or a broken fin?
- Is the capacity suitable? Buying a small unit because it is cheap means an air conditioner that runs at full power all the time and is still not enough: BTU calculation.
- Total cost: add the cost of transport, new copper pipe, installation, vacuuming, and refrigerant top-up if needed.
When selling or moving: proper removal
Before an air conditioner is removed, the refrigerant must be collected into the outdoor unit using the pump-down method, the service valves must be closed, and the pipe ends must be capped. Incorrect removal releases the refrigerant into the atmosphere, lets moisture and dirt into the unit, and makes the unit lose its value to the buyer. We described the steps in our article on collecting refrigerant when moving an air conditioner; for moving and reinstallation, see our air conditioner relocation service.
What needs to be done at reinstallation
- The pipe length and diameter must suit the unit; new pipe should be run if necessary.
- A vacuum must always be pulled after connections are made, and a leak test must be done.
- If the pipe has been lengthened, the additional refrigerant amount specified by the manufacturer must be added.
- At the end of installation, pressure, current, and discharge temperature must be measured.
Removal, transport, and reinstallation
Tell us the air conditioner's model and the current and new addresses; we will give you a quote for removal with refrigerant recovery and installation done to the rules.
If you would like us to check a used air conditioner before you buy it, send the model label and a video of the unit running via WhatsApp; we will give you an on-site test and installation quote together.
Frequently asked questions
Does it make sense to buy a used air conditioner?
It can make sense if the unit is young, well maintained, uses R410A or R32 refrigerant, and has been removed properly. Once installation and piping costs are added, always compare the difference with a new unit.
How can you tell whether a used air conditioner still has refrigerant?
It can only be known for certain by a pressure measurement after installation. It is important to know that the refrigerant was recovered during removal.
Does refrigerant escape when an air conditioner is removed?
Not if the removal is done correctly; the refrigerant is collected into the outdoor unit. If the unit is removed by cutting the pipes, the refrigerant escapes.
Does a used air conditioner need extra refrigerant after installation?
It does if the pipe length has changed or if some was lost during removal; the decision is made by measurement.