am about to replace the heater core in my '96 XJ (with AC). I have the heater core and am ready to begin, but have 3 questions before I dig in.

1) How to I safely discharge the refrigerant in my AC system? Do I just go to a local repair shop and pay what they charge are are there cheaper and ethical options (I'm in WA).

2) Are there seals in the AC system that I will need to repalce before putting it back together?

3) What else should I replace while I'm in there? Blower motor? Evaporator?