Hello,

I need to replace my air handler (the evaporator coil is leaking), and
would like to do as much of it myself as possible. If it weren't for
the refrigerant, I believe I could handle removing the old unit and
putting the new one in, including the sheet metal (yes, I understand
that the sizes won't match up exactly - the new one is about 3.5 inches
taller). Ideally, a contractor would then come in and handle hooking up
the refrigerant lines, and any other leftover cleanup work.

The problem, though (as far as I can tell, anyway), is disconnecting the
refrigerant lines from the old unit.

EPA and legal issues aside, is there a safe and simple way for me to
disconnect the refrigerant lines from the old unit?

I can't find a local contractor to do it for under $150. And then I
have another service charge to hook the lines back up...so, that's why I
would like to do the disconnect myself, if possible.

FYI, judging from past refrigerant refills, the system is probably about
half empty or more at this point (the capacity, I believe, is 7 or 8
pounds of R22. The heat pump is a Payne 3.5 ton 10 SEER.)

Btw, the old air handler is a 10 SEER 4 ton Bryant. The new one (as
suggested by Alpine Air) is a 13 SEER 3 to 3.5 ton Goodman, with a TXV.)

Thanks for any help...

Mike