Replacing A/C Compressor (depressurizing system?)

[winston856]

Originally Posted by CTScott

If the system is pressurized you want to bring it to a shop that can collect the Freon (as it is illegal to vent it to the air). Once it is purged, you can disassemble it without issue.

I own a vacuum pump and manifold gauge set, so do my own AC work. With my manifold, I can connect a tank to capture the exiting Freon for proper disposal, if I am working on a pressurized system.

I just wonder if the system is still pressurized after 4+ years of non use. I didn't want to start disassembling it and get sprayed, don't know if that would even happen