The added cost would be a longer line set (copper tubings), relocating the power wires (permit, electrician and material) and the labor charge to have the HVAC tech pull the line set through a new hole, and patch up the old hole. I'm sure this would cost near $1000 extra.

If the location is only a short distance the original power outlet could be used with a longer seal flex tubing and a longer line set to the point of the original line set. This one would cost a near a couple hundred extra. But then you will have the power supply tubing and the line set running along the side of the house and it would kind of ghetto.

There is a limit how long the line set can be and depends on the specific unit you may want to buy.

Hi, Heidi,

What is the reason you want to change the location of the outdoor unit?

That’s a bit spendy. We need to compare with the extra cost of constructing something ventilated and decent looking to hide the unit on a yet-to-built patio. If we can relocate, we gain 36 sf of useable patio space…although a new unit may take up less space than our aged Goliath. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Very helpful.

Good to know, Amanda. That’s what we’re thinking.

CRH, we want to put a patio or possibly deck where the AC unit sits .

@Heidi M

The right answer is to ask. In many areas, the HVAC installer is doing the electrical work. It will take a different line set anyway, and a they are likely going to put down a new pad for the unit, regardless. So the difference involved is the electrical, and a new hole for the line set - and possibly a longer line set. There is often an amount of reluctance on the part of installers to move things though.

Your new unit is likely to be significantly larger than your old unit. The newer, higher efficiency units are very large.

I don't know where you are in US, but you might consider a heat pump, and if there are currently any incentives to do that. I'm a bit out of the loop on that, but I think there are - or very soon will be.

We live in Minnesota, so heat pump isn't an option. Good info about new unit being larger. i had no idea. We will have to keep that in mind when we ask for estimates. Thanks for helping us look at all the options and costs.

Jake, in Minnesota it is illegal for anyone to move a 240 volt disconnect without a electrical permit and requires A) a permit, and B) the work done by a licensed electrician, or the homeowner and only on his/her own home. The HVAC installer can connect the A/C unit up to the disconnect but the installer can't legally move the electrical disconnect. Minnesota happens to be my home state and I know the codes well.

In fact it's illegal to move or add any electrical circuit in your house without A) a permit, and B) the work done by a licensed electrician, or the homeowner and only on his/her own home. Any city, county or state which has adopted the same ICC building codes Minnesota has adopted would usually require they're citizens to abide by the codes.

Heidi, many cities and even some counties also require a permit to replace mechanical equipment FWIW. I don't care what you do, and disagree with all the dumb permits a person is required to get but I'm just stating the facts. If you live in a HOA you may want to check with the HOA where you can or can't put the A/C if you move it. If you do move it and it's in the wrong place they will make you move it again, $$$$. I hate HOA's, just another layer of control like we don't have enough already.

"We live in Minnesota, so heat pump isn't an option." Actually, cold climate air source heat pumps work in Minnesota and can provide heat during a good portion of your heating season. Minnesota Power currently offers a $1,200 rebate for cold climate air source heat pumps if they are replacing an electric heat source https://www.mnpower.com/ProgramsRebates/RebatesAndSavings

I think we do not have actual answers to this query only you know where you wan to rem\lcate, I agree heat pumps work in many colod climates . Your best bet is to get dome quotes from actul people doing the work in your situation.

Our desire to move the unit led us to discover we need to replace it. We will call a pro and ask our many questions, which will likely impact our patio plans. Thank you all for your input. A learning experience for sure.