>> I'm thinking of removing the non-functional and rarely-used A/C in my so
as to have more storage.
Is this a difficult thing to do, and does it create issues about releasing
freon into the air? <<

Listen to Chris. Taking that out would be a bad idea. It would only gain a
little bit of space in the cupboard and cost a fortune for the next owner to
gather up used parts to put back in if they wanted to get it working again.

Bryan