Relocating or Moving an Aircon

Relocating or moving an aircon involves safely disconnecting the indoor and outdoor units, recovering refrigerant, rerouting or replacing refrigerant lines, electrical wiring and drainage, and reinstalling the units in a new location. Technicians test for leaks, recharge the system to the correct refrigerant charge, check airflow and electrical safety, and verify system performance before handing the job back to you.

Consider the unit’s age, overall condition, cooling performance and energy use. If the system is less than 8-12 years old, has no major faults and meets your room-size cooling needs, moving can be practical. If you see frequent faults, high power bills, or the compressor is failing, replacement may be more cost-effective.

Local factors include property access (stairs, lifts, driveways), outdoor unit siting rules, municipal bylaws, prevailing temperature ranges and dust levels which affect filtration needs. Availability of qualified technicians and parts in Johannesburg can also influence timing and cost.

Technicians inspect compressor operation, cabinet corrosion, fan motors, coil condition, refrigerant pressure and cooling output. They check electrical components, look for oil or refrigerant leaks and assess whether the piping and mounting can be reused safely. This inspection helps decide if the unit should be moved or replaced.

Replacement usually makes sense when the unit is near end of typical life (often over 10-12 years), requires repeated repairs, uses obsolete refrigerant, or is undersized for the new space. Also consider energy efficiency gains from a modern system and long-term running costs.

Common challenges include damaged or undersized refrigerant lines, corroded electrical connections, inaccessible roof or balcony locations, need for new mounting brackets, and dust or water ingress points. Technicians may find blocked drainage or poor outdoor unit ventilation that require rectification.

Refrigerant is recovered into specialised cylinders to meet legal and safety rules, then recharged to exact manufacturer specifications after reinstallation. Certified electricians isolate and label wiring, install appropriate circuit protection if needed, and test voltage and earthing. Only qualified technicians should handle these tasks.

Costs depend on distance between old and new locations, difficulty of access, need for new piping or cabling, whether mounting brackets or concrete pads are required, refrigerant top-up, labour time and any required repairs. Local labour rates and parts availability in Johannesburg also affect the final price.

Place the indoor unit where it can distribute air across the room without obstruction, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and where the return airflow isn’t blocked. Consider room size, furniture layout and thermostat placement so the system cycles correctly and maintains comfort efficiently.

The outdoor unit needs clear airflow around the condenser, ideally 300-600 mm clearance on sides and more above. Avoid enclosed cupboards, dusty spots, or locations that trap hot exhaust air. Secure a flat, vibration‑isolating base and ensure easy access for servicing.

Yes. The condensate drain needs a continuous fall to a suitable discharge point and must be insulated where exposed to prevent algae or freezing in colder months. Technicians may install new drain lines, traps or condensate pumps if gravity drainage isn’t possible.

You can request up to three quotes, or up to five where available, from independent contractors serving Johannesburg. Contractors will typically ask for unit type, room size, photos of existing and proposed locations, and access details. They provide written quotes showing parts, labour, refrigerant, and any warranties. Independent contractors set prices, timelines and guarantees.

Verify scope of work (disconnection, piping, electrical, reinstallation, refrigerant recovery/recharge), brand and model compatibility, itemised parts and labour, warranty terms, insurance proof and any access or scaffold costs. Check whether the quote includes testing and commissioning and ask for a completion report.

Schedule a service within 3 months to confirm refrigerant charge and airflow, clean or replace filters, inspect drain lines, check electrical connections and verify thermostat calibration. Thereafter use a routine maintenance plan - typically annual servicing - to maintain performance and energy efficiency.

Keep filters clean, maintain clear airflow around indoor and outdoor units, inspect drain lines for blockages, and arrange regular servicing with a qualified technician. Monitor energy use and unusual noises; early repairs prevent larger failures and extend system life.

A straightforward move can take a few hours; complex jobs involving long pipe runs, scaffold access, electrical upgrades or structural works can take a day or more. Delays occur from unavailable parts, unforeseen corrosion, access restrictions, or weather that affects external works.

Possibly. Manufacturer warranties may be voided if uncertified technicians perform work or if the system is altered beyond specified limits. Always check the warranty terms and use qualified, certified technicians to minimise risk.

Clear access to both indoor and outdoor locations, remove obstructions or fragile items, provide safe power isolation if requested, and ensure pets and children are kept clear. Have relevant documentation (installation manual, model number) and photos ready to speed the quote and inspection process.