How to Remove an Old Heat Pump

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Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Hand truck

Heat pumps are large but simple machines.

Heat pumps are a fundamental part of any house. They are designed to run constantly for years if need be, but if they can be worn out. You will then need to remove the old heat pump to make room for the new heat pump. The removal process is not complex, though care must be taken because of the weight of the unit and all the connections that must be separated safely.

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Step 1

Turn off the main electrical connection to the heat pump. It will be a shoe box sized metal box on the wall where your fuse box is. There will be lever coming out of the box. Pull the lever down to disconnect the heat pump from the electrical grid on the house.

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Step 2

Remove the air filter from the bottom, or rear on some models, of the heat pump. The air filter may be useable depending upon its condition and what kind of air filters your new heat pump will use.

Step 3

Tighten an adjustable wrench around the nuts that anchor the vapor gas lines to the heat pump unit. Rotate counterclockwise to loosen the nuts and pry the lines off the unit. Wrap the ends of the lines in tape to keep it from being clogged with debris or being damaged. Replacing the ends of vapor lines can be an expensive proposition so you must protect the fragile threads on the attachment points.

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Step 4

Push a hand truck up to the heat pump unit, with the bottom flanger under the heat pump. You will need an assistant to push on the other side while you tilt the hand truck back. The unit may be a little stuck due to dirt having built up around the support, but if you rock the unit back and forth it should free itself.

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