How to remove the split system yourself. How to dismantle a split system with your own hands: features and procedure for performing work How to change a split system

How to dismantle split-system air conditioners yourself in summer and winter

In connection with moving to a new place of residence or changing the location of the office, it may be necessary to dismantle split-system air conditioners - removing the external and internal modules from their mounts. The process has its own characteristics regarding the type of device, time of year, and also requires the availability of appropriate tools.

dismantling by industrial climbers

A team of professional installers will be able to carry out this work efficiently and quickly, but their work costs money, especially if it is necessary to dismantle several split-system air conditioners at the same time. If they have high power ratings, on which the price depends, then the total cost will be rather high. Is it possible to save money on this, or will trying to cut costs entail big expenses?

Of course, this is the first thing that comes to mind in a situation of shortage of funds. It would seem intuitively clear to a man who has at least some understanding of technical topics how to unscrew the fittings, pump freon, disconnect the necessary communications, remove everything and pack it in boxes. There are instructions and videos for dismantling the air conditioner with your own hands - I read, watched and got to work. But in reality everything is not so simple.

Disadvantages of DIY dismantling

The main danger is under-pumped freon. And this can happen if there is no special pressure gauge to measure the pressure on the gas line. Freezing of water vapor in the air conditioner leads to pump failure.

Actions using unprofessional tools will lead to damage to the evaporator pipes of the indoor unit, which are located very close to the place where the device is mounted in the walls.

If the pipeline was cut too short, it may simply not be the right length for subsequent installation. Building a new one disables the unit.

Evaporative units of duct split systems, in addition to pumping out the refrigerant, disconnecting the pipeline, electrical wires and drainage hose, require careful disconnection from the air ducts. It is quite difficult to do this without experience.

To dismantle the air conditioner yourself, you will need special tools, the cost of which is significantly higher than the price of dismantling by qualified craftsmen, even if you rent them.

Large semi-industrial splits have considerable weight and size. It is impossible to remove them alone. Here you can add difficulties with removing external unit– it is located on the facade of the building, often at a sufficient height and a decent distance from the window. Here, in any case, you will need a team of industrial climbers if the amateur does not want to risk his life.

No one can guarantee 100% preservation of the functionality of the air conditioner when dismantling it with their own hands. The risks of delivering a device to a new facility in a faulty condition are very high.

If these arguments do not stop a person from his decision to try himself as a master installer, then he should carefully study the instructions for dismantling air conditioners on his own. various types, given below.

Dismantling wall split system

liquid and gas valves, respectively, on the right and left

Oversized wall splits are not particularly difficult to remove. The following set of tools should be available:

• pressure gauge;
• 2 Swedish keys;
• wire cutters or pipe cutter;
• set of hexagons;
• wrenches or socket set;
• indicator screwdriver, simple screwdriver;
• pressure gauge station for collecting freon (if the air conditioner needs to be dismantled in winter).

They begin work by pumping freon into the external unit in order to use it again later. To do this, you need to connect a pressure gauge through the shredder valve to the gas valve of the pipeline. The air conditioner operates in cooling mode. Next, remove the covers on the side valves and tighten the discharge valve using a hexagon. After a couple of minutes, the pressure should drop below zero. Now you can close the suction valve, turn off the device, turn off the power.

The next step in dismantling the air conditioner with your own hands will be to disconnect (cut) the main pipes with wire cutters or a pipe cutter at a distance of 15-20 cm from the fittings, caulk them and remove the outdoor module from the bracket. It must be placed in a dense cardboard packaging container and surrounded with foam plastic. Then wrenches or use heads to unscrew the brackets.

The condenser unit must be transported only in a vertical position.

Next, they move on to dismantling the indoor unit of the air conditioner, where it is necessary to open the cover protecting the device. The module is held on both sides and the fasteners are unscrewed. Disconnect the pipeline line, caulk the ends of the tubes, disconnect all electrical interconnecting wires and remove the unit from the mounting plate by opening the fastening latches and following the guides of the indoor unit.

Now they move on to removing the fastening itself, the remaining pipeline and the decorative plastic box. Thus, the dismantling of the wall-mounted split system air conditioner is completely completed, and all that remains is to carefully pack the system and transport it to a new location.

If you do everything according to the proposed scheme, then during subsequent installation you will not have to completely fill the circuit with freon.

All described work can be viewed below in the video of dismantling wall-mounted air conditioners.

Dismantling a duct split system

flaring of copper pipeline for split systems

The greatest difficulties arise when dismantling a ducted air conditioner yourself, since the weight of this structure is significant, and you will still have to disconnect the air ducts from the units.

Set of tools in in this case remains the same. Work begins with disassembling the air ducts. The supply and exhaust adapters with the grille are removed. Remove the air ducts by disconnecting them from the indoor unit. If they are metal, then unscrew the screws; if they are flexible, remove the clamps. Next, freon is pumped into the receiver of the external unit and removed according to the scheme for dismantling a wall-mounted split system.

The fastening nuts of the evaporator unit are loosened, the freon line, drain hose and electrical wires are disconnected. Next, carefully remove the block from the wall and pack it in a special container.

air conditioner drain hose

Some craftsmen dismantle the duct air conditioner with their own hands in the following order:

• pumping freon into the receiver of the external unit;
• removing the outdoor module and disconnecting its connecting communications;
• disconnecting air ducts;
• dismantling the indoor unit of the air conditioner and its connecting communications;
• packaging of the split system and its transportation.

Both options will be technically correct and will not cause subsequent problems with the functioning of the system in the new location.

Dismantling of column, cassette and console split systems

A column split system, like a wall-mounted one, does not present any difficulties in terms of dismantling work. Everything goes according to the same scheme:

• checking the pressure with a pressure gauge and pumping freon into the indoor module;
• disconnecting all of its connecting lines and then removing the device from outer wall building;
• disconnecting the connecting lines of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and its subsequent dismantling.

The indoor column unit does not have a mounting plate (like a wall unit) or studs (like a cassette, column and console unit) to attach it to, so in this regard there are much fewer problems with it.

The cassette split system is dismantled according to the duct scheme. When working with the internal module, it is necessary to loosen the fastening nuts, and then perform the remaining manipulations. The only difference is that in this case there are no air ducts.

The indoor unit of a floor-ceiling (console) split system is attached to the wall or ceiling with studs, like a cassette or channel block. When removing it, instructions for dismantling a wall or duct split system will help.

Do not remove the outdoor unit during rain or snow, as moisture that gets inside the ports leads to damage to the compressor.

Dismantling the split system in winter

Some difficulties arise if you have to dismantle the air conditioner yourself winter time. What are the difficulties? The fact is that when the temperature outside is below the permissible operating values ​​of the device, it cannot be turned on, therefore, it is impossible to remove the working fluid from the line. In such cases, you will need a pressure gauge station to collect freon. The taps on the external unit are closed, the station is connected to the shredder valve and the refrigerant is collected from the main line and the internal module.

If this is not done, a complete leak of refrigerant will occur. You will have to refill the circuit and change the seals of the service ports. Therefore, it is better not to dismantle the air conditioner yourself in winter.

You should watch the video of dismantling a wall-mounted split system with your own hands for a complete picture of the process.

Do-it-yourself air conditioner dismantling

There are situations when it is necessary to dismantle the split system or one of its units. For example, it may be necessary to remove the units when renovating an apartment, moving the air conditioner to another place, moving, etc. It would seem that there is nothing easier than removing or disconnecting something. “Breaking is not doing.” But in the case of an air conditioner, this motto does not work. The reasons are as follows:

• In order for the air conditioner to work normally in the future, it is necessary to preserve freon. Otherwise, refilling it will not justify the money saved. In this case, you need to know how to transfer freon to the external unit. And some tools will be required;
• Few people undertake to install air conditioners that have been removed “clumsily” in the future. And when installing it yourself, even more difficulties arise.

Do-it-yourself air conditioner dismantling

Let's look at some of the features of this process, and then find out the sequence of actions. What to consider for air conditioners without winter options:

• If the outside temperature is positive, you will need to turn on the air conditioner for cooling and wait until the compressor turns on and cold comes out of the indoor unit. The temperature in the room must be sufficient to turn on the air conditioner. Read more here;
• If you need to dismantle the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures, we can do without turning it on (using the air conditioner at low temperatures is not allowed). In this case, we simply turn off the service taps, then bleed the remaining freon from the “route”. At negative temperatures, the main part of the freon condenses in the external unit, and its loss will not be so significant.

To dismantle the air conditioner with your own hands you will need: a pressure manifold, a set of hexagons, a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a knife.

1. Connect pressure gauges to the service connector of the external unit (thick tube). We unscrew the cap (if installed) and the valve plugs (but not the tube nuts).

Attention! Pressure gauges must be screwed on quickly and to end. because wherein will Freon comes out under pressure! Be sure to take this into account and use gloves. Freon can cause burns!

2. Then turn on the air conditioner for cooling. We are waiting for the compressor to turn on and the pressure in the circuit to rise.

3. If the temperature outside is negative, simply turn off the taps. At positive temperatures, follow these instructions. Actions must be carried out quickly and correctly with the compressor running (study in detail first).

• Using a hexagon, we begin to close the tap of the liquid tube (thin) to the end. After which the pressure begins to drop to 0 bar (this takes about 5-15 seconds) (look at the pressure gauge).

• As soon as the pressure has crossed the 0 bar mark on the pressure gauge, quickly (but carefully) close the tap of the gas tube (thick) all the way. And immediately (within 5 seconds) turn off the air conditioner from the remote control (you may need the help of a partner). That's it - now freon is in the external unit.

When tightening the taps no need to tighten too much .

4. Turn off the “power” of the air conditioner.

5. Remove the pressure gauges. Unscrew the tube nuts on the external unit. This will bleed the remaining freon from the indoor unit.

Important! Immediately seal the fittings and ends of the tubes to prevent the slightest dust from entering.

6. Unscrew the top cover of the outdoor unit. We write down how the interconnect wires are connected to the external unit. We disconnect them. We also disconnect the “power” cable and other additional wires (if any).

8. Carefully straighten the route and clear the hole. Here you will probably have to cut the ends of the tubes to remove the nuts (don’t forget to seal them right away). Thermoflex and drainage can also be cut. We tape the “track” together with tape. In the photo below there is a “power” wire to the indoor unit. Everything is ready outside.

10. Remove (up) the internal block from the plate. And we pull out the block along with the route. Here you will need the help of a partner.

11. Unscrew the plate. We can foam the hole.

12. Attach the remote control and plate to the indoor unit so as not to lose it later.

Dismantling only the indoor unit

The indoor unit is removed separately when it interferes with repairs. After repair, it is reinstalled in place. It can be removed separately if the air conditioner is installed correctly. There are cases when the nuts of the indoor unit are hidden in the wall, which is unacceptable. Then the air conditioner will have to be removed along with the “route”.

First, we carry out the operations of points 1 to 4. Next we do the following:

• unclip the lower clips of the indoor unit. We put some kind of support under the block;
• open the flex under the block. We unscrew the nuts with two wrenches, this will bleed off the remaining gas (a little oil may leak out). We seal all ends of the tubes;
• open the cover for connecting the interconnect wires of the indoor unit. We sign how the wires are connected. Then we turn them off;
• disconnect the drainage hose (water may leak);
• disconnect the “power” cable if it goes to the indoor unit. We check if there are any other additional wires;
• remove the support and remove the internal block (up) from the plate;
• then remove the plate of the indoor unit.

And don’t forget to attach the plate and remote control to the indoor unit so as not to lose it. For subsequent installation of the indoor unit in place, it is necessary to evacuate the system.

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Do-it-yourself dismantling of air conditioners - it all depends on the system

Do-it-yourself air conditioner dismantling

It is clear that you do not always want to involve professional performers to perform the work of dismantling an air conditioner. Therefore, it is very important before proceeding with the removal of the structure on our own, take care to comply with all safety rules, which will guarantee that the work will be completed and no one will get hurt.

Dismantling a device such as an air conditioner is not an ordinary procedure at all, you must admit, because we don’t do this every day. Therefore, if you are 100 percent confident in your abilities, then you can safely start doing the work.

Tools and materials for dismantling

Like any other type of work, dismantling air conditioners with your own hands requires some preparation. In order not to worry about materials and not be distracted by searching for the necessary tools, it must be prepared in advance.

Tools and materials for dismantling the air conditioner yourself

So, we will need the following:

• an adjustable wrench, if you don’t have one, a gas wrench will do;
• hex keys;
• socket wrenches;
• open-end wrenches;
• screwdriver;
• pliers;
• if available, pressure gauge;
• pipe cutter;
• materials that will be needed to make plugs for faucets and disconnected pipes.

If your air conditioner is installed on the balcony multi-storey building or in a private house, in which case dismantling will not be difficult even for a novice craftsman, but if the device is installed on the surface of the wall, in this case, it is worth stocking up on a set of accessories for mine rescue operations.

Oversized air conditioners, how to dismantle them

It is not at all difficult to dismantle the air conditioner on your own, without involving professionals in the process. Before you start doing the work, even if you are confident in your abilities, it is worth reminding yourself in what order the work to dismantle the device is carried out.

Removing any type of air conditioner is carried out in several stages:

• we block the channels that served to supply the refrigerant;
• turn on the device and wait for the waste material to completely leave the device system;
• disconnect the electrical wires;
• disconnect the air conditioner drain.

Having completed these stages of work, you can, with the utmost care and accuracy, remove the device from its mounts (this does not apply to floor-standing air conditioners), disconnect the pipes that served as a conductor for the liquid, and finally remove the unit.

Dismantling the split system

Dismantling the split system

Removing this system is somewhat more difficult to install traditional types of air conditioners. Here it is also necessary to carry out preliminary preparation. We will need keys, which are usually supplied with the device.

A similar dismantling scheme is also used when working with monoblock systems.

Large air conditioners, how to dismantle them

The greatest difficulty in dismantling work is presented by cassette air conditioners, because such devices are distinguished by their large mass and rather large dimensions. Therefore, before you start work, you should look for a partner to help you. The process of removing such systems is carried out in several stages.

Disconnect the refrigerant supply pipes

Duct air conditioners, dismantling features

Dismantling a duct air conditioner

The most difficult job to perform is the removal of duct air conditioners. All models in this series are distinguished by their large dimensions, heavy weight, complex design and air ducts, which also need to be dismantled. Because of large sizes It will be very difficult to manage air conditioners of this type on your own, so find yourself partners who will help you cope with the job successfully.

Like other types of work related to the dismantling of air conditioning systems, the dismantling of duct-type systems is carried out in several stages.

Since beginning craftsmen do not always have everything in stock necessary equipment, you should contact professional performers.

If you take a closer look at the installation of an air conditioner, it becomes clear that the process is not quite complicated and it is quite possible to do it on your own. The only differences that may arise in the way the work is performed depend on the model and type of air conditioner, as well as its installation scheme.

Particular attention to waste freon

It is very important when dismantling the system to pay special attention to the process of pumping used freon into the external unit. To do this, you need to turn it on and select the cooling mode. After this, we attach the pre-prepared pressure gauge to the outlet and close the valve. Now, when the supply of working fluid is impossible, the system compressor begins to operate only in suction mode, which allows freon to be pumped into the external unit of the system. Having made sure that the needle on the pressure gauge has reached “zero”, we very quickly close the valve and turn off the power to the compressor. After simple manipulations, we ensured that the working fluid is now in the external unit of the system, as it was with the new device. Having pumped the working fluid, you can begin removing both the external unit and the fasteners that served as a support for the air conditioner.

Dismantled air conditioners need to be completed and preserved; this measure will avoid unwanted contamination and dust entering the system. Now that the air conditioner has been dismantled, oxygen can enter its system, which oxidizes and does not have the most positive effect on the pipes inside the system. To prevent the device from becoming unusable, store it dismantled long time not worth it. If there is still a need to keep the air conditioner removed, then inviting a specialist will allow you to pump nitrogen into the pipes of the system and clog them.

Video - do-it-yourself dismantling of air conditioners

Do-it-yourself air conditioner dismantling

Moving often involves partial or complete dismantling of the air conditioner. And if a certain type of technology does not require the use of special tools and certain technical skills (for example, washing machine), then other devices require a careful approach. And such devices include air conditioners.

Is it possible to dismantle the air conditioner with your own hands?

It is enough to have a pre-purchased specialized tool on hand, know some technical subtleties and take your time. The question arises: why waste time and effort if you can call the appropriate specialists who will carry out necessary operations for a short time? You can, but there are two reasons why you shouldn't:

• Price is the most important aspect. The average pricing policy for dismantling a modern split system is 4,000 rubles. We are talking about small apartment models. If the device has substantial dimensions and is installed mainly in offices, then the price will rise to 10,000 rubles. Quite significant for the budget.
• The likelihood of ending up with low-quality “specialists”. The modern desire of the population to do their own business leads to the massive appearance of people who do not understand the work they do. Also with some air conditioning “masters”. Therefore, the chance increases that the procedure will be performed poorly at a high cost.

But it should be said right away that manually removing a split system cannot always be successful. A common problem is the complete leakage of freon, which is quite expensive, and the price of a new one is at least 1,500 rubles. Therefore, when removing, all actions must be performed precisely.

The necessary tool and its possible replacement

If you have the means, you can hire a specialist to remove and install modern split systems, without even paying attention to the manufacturers of this tool, which changes the pricing policy. But then the point of independent dismantling, which is carried out in order to save money, disappears. Therefore, some types of tools are best replaced with cheaper ones, and some will have to be abandoned altogether.

List of tools required for disassembly:

• Gauge manifold. This is a necessary thing, as it will show the pressure when pumping freon into the outdoor unit. And this particular measuring device falls into the category of tools that you should discard (at your own peril and risk), since its minimum cost is 1,500 rubles. A more reliable one will cost 3000-3500 rubles.

Example of a pressure gauge for split systems

• Set of hexagons. This position is mandatory, since the fitting cannot be unscrewed any other way. Fortunately, the price of such keys is not exorbitant - 3000-350 rubles.
• Pipe cutter It is inexpensive (about 300 rubles), but you can reduce costs even further and purchase an ordinary hacksaw, which will later be useful for housework.
• Flat and figured screwdrivers. Now they are sold in any hardware store or hardware store.
• Safety equipment if the air conditioner is located on upper floors. It’s not worth saving here, and not paying for a product whose cost is less than 1000-1500 rubles.

One more thing required condition– having an assistant, or better yet two. Both the external and internal units have a significant weight, so it will be problematic to handle it yourself; you can accidentally damage the device.

What to pay attention to when dismantling

The most fragile place in an air conditioner is the compressor pump. Despite its compact dimensions, the design of such a pump includes complex mechanical components: rotors with cams, sealed system elements and a chamber in which the main work takes place.

If ordinary dust gets in, the walls of the chamber may be damaged; accordingly, freon will move aimlessly around the system without doing any work. useful work. Therefore, the main slogan when dismantling the air conditioner is to preserve the vacuum in the system, which, in turn, requires the tightness of all external openings.

Main types of removal: with and without freon preservation

How to remove or hang the air conditioner from the wall without losing freon? As mentioned above, freon is quite expensive, and when removing the air conditioner yourself, it should be saved. But if the service life of the device is long, and the freon needs to be replaced, then when moving, you don’t have to save it, but simply drain it and dispose of it.

1. On the outside of the split system there are service valves with protective caps covering special slots. To access the slots, the caps should be disassembled and the hexagon should be installed only in the valve on the thin tube located at the bottom of the device.

Removing special hex splines

1. Now you should set the lowest air cooling temperature and turn on the device at maximum operating mode. Some models have a turbo option.
2. After switching on the enhanced operating mode, the valve (with the hexagon installed) should be tightened. From this moment on, the system must operate for at least one minute, during which all the freon will flow into the external unit.
3. After freon is pumped into the outdoor unit, the gas line is shut off and the device is turned off. It should be remembered that continuing to operate the air conditioner in this mode with two valves closed will lead to damage to the split system.
4. Unscrew the nuts securing the copper lines covered with a heat-insulating layer, which should also be removed. Now the tubes bend neatly and can be removed through the hole in the wall.

An assistant is required when removing the external unit

After completing all of the above operations, you can begin to directly dismantle the air conditioner, which is best started by removing the external unit.

It is very important to remember that the pipes should be sealed after removal. Often, simple adhesive tape, film or electrical tape is used for this. More in a reliable way is to close them using simple pliers. If you approach the problem with full responsibility, then the ends of the pipes should be securely closed using a bench vice, thus preventing the penetration of moisture and dust into the evaporation chamber.

How to properly and quickly dismantle the external unit of a split system

This procedure should not be performed if the system is installed on the upper floors of a multi-story building. This can be life-threatening.

Removing the external unit on the upper floors

Removal of the external unit of the split system occurs only after all the above operations have been correctly completed. Dismantling should begin by disconnecting the input electrical cable, the wires of which are suitable for the air conditioner terminal box, located under a special protective cover. To simplify the connection of the device at a new location, the wires should be marked with the appropriate colors (red - phase, blue - zero, yellow-green - ground).

All that remains is to unscrew the nuts that secure the air conditioner to the brackets. This is not a problem, but an assistant is needed to support the external unit during the entire process. Once the nuts are unscrewed, you can carefully remove the unit and prepare it for transportation.

Don't forget the brackets to which the air conditioner is attached. They are usually mounted using dowels to the outside of the wall, and dismantling takes a little time.

You should know that split system manufacturers strictly prohibit the transportation of devices into which freon is pumped. Why? The answer is simple: after all the above actions, excessive pressure forms in the system, and the air conditioner housing is not designed to withstand even the slightest mechanical impact. Therefore, without necessary conditions(covering the block with a sealant or special film) the block body can simply break through. This can be understood by the characteristic hissing.

Removing the indoor unit

After the external unit has been dismantled, it is necessary to dismantle the internal (located in the room) air conditioner unit. There are fewer problems with it, since there is no need to work even at low heights, but there is a certain dismantling procedure and additional tricks.

You shouldn’t relax and think that it’s enough to unscrew a few nuts, remove the indoor unit, and send it to a new place. The main trick lies in the desire of air conditioner manufacturers to make the process of removing the device as inaccessible as possible for craftsmen. That is why each indoor unit is equipped with a system of latches with which it is attached to the wall. You can only work with such fasteners using a special tool, but no hopeless situations, and it is quite possible to choose something simpler.

Two screwdrivers will help you quickly remove the latches

Another tip: when removing a block, it is best to have not one assistant, but two. This is due to the fact that the indoor unit is quite bulky and heavy, and one person may simply not be able to handle it.

The two most common options for removing the indoor unit are:

• The most simple design sometimes it is the most difficult, which is why manufacturers of split systems try to hide the latches under the evaporator cover. The cover bolts are located inward, so to unscrew them you will need a special short bit in the form of a shaped screwdriver and a head with a ratchet.
• In addition to securing the evaporator cover, they try to make the latches themselves internal. If you don't have a special tool, you can use two flat-head screwdrivers and push them between the bracket and the wall. Now it’s enough to press a little (you shouldn’t be too zealous, they can be removed without effort), and an assistant can safely remove the internal block.

Removing the indoor unit with an assistant

There is one circumstance that can significantly interfere with work - this is the presence large quantity evaporator tubes, and they are usually located near the mounting brackets. Therefore, when working with brackets, you should be as careful as possible so as not to damage them.

How to properly re-hang an air conditioner

Situations often arise in which relocating an air conditioner is more important than completely dismantling it. In this case, one of the blocks is left in its place, and for the second the tubes are simply extended. The process of removing both the internal and external units is no different from those described above, the only difference being the need to build up copper or ordinary pipes.

When dismantling one of the units, you should also monitor the safety of freon and pump it into the outdoor unit before carrying out all operations. After undocking the split system, it is necessary to rehang it as carefully as possible, without damaging the air conditioner housing. To save more money, you don’t have to do the soldering of pipes yourself, but entrust this task to specialists. Split system service technicians have a corresponding column in their price list, which is called interblock route extension.

Having prepared the necessary tool, read the instructions and watched the corresponding videos on the Internet, you should also learn several important subtleties:

• As in complete dismantling split systems, and when partially moving the device, you should not worry too much about the safety of copper pipes. Replacing them will not cost too much money and installing new ones is always better than repairing old ones.
• If it is difficult to understand which pipeline is liquid and which is gas, then you need to pay attention to the diameter of the pipes. The liquid pipeline, which is also the outlet pipeline, is always thinner than the gas supply pipeline.

Examples of pipes on an air conditioner

• During transportation, the system should be covered with any seal, since any blow to the housing can lead to loss of freon or failure of the device.

And the most main advice– never rush, since these systems require precise and careful movements; strength will not always help here.

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There are situations when it is necessary to dismantle the air conditioning system. For example, you planned major renovation, relocating an air conditioner or moving.

To dismantle the split system, you need to know the features of this operation. Let's consider the sequence of actions when dismantling the air conditioner, as well as the consequences of incorrect dismantling of the air conditioning system.

When is it not necessary to remove the air conditioner?

Based on the scale of the planned repair and the tight fit of the indoor unit to the wall, instead of immediately starting to dismantle the air conditioning system, you can resort to another way to resolve the issue.

Case No. 1

If you plan to re-glue the wallpaper and the gap between the wall and the indoor unit is large enough, then it is not necessary to dismantle the entire air conditioner, just disconnect the unit from the plate.

Case No. 2

If during the renovation you plan to plaster and level the walls, then you can also dismantle only the indoor unit. Upon completion of the repair, the length of communication should be sufficient for reinstallation of the module.

Case No. 3

There are cases when the block needs to be dismantled along with the route. This may be caused by a number of circumstances:

• it is planned to “lower” the ceiling;
• the nuts for connecting the route to the module are located in the wall;
• in order to prevent the connection of nuts inside the wall after repair;
• to move the indoor unit.

Case No. 1
Case No. 2

How to remove an air conditioner from the wall yourself: instructions

Before you begin removing the split system, you need to prepare not only ordinary household tools, but also professional ones.

TO necessary tools for dismantling the split system include:

• pipe cutter;
• side cutter;
• construction knife;
• Phillips and integral screwdrivers;
• hexagon socket wrenches;
• manifold;
• open-end and adjustable wrenches;
• drill;
• screwdriver

In some cases, safety equipment may be needed.

Preparatory stage

After preparing the instrument, study the recommendations of specialists proper dismantling air conditioning systems. Most people ignore the recommendations of professionals, after which the air conditioner is dismantled with many errors.

Interesting:

Dismantling without pumping freon into the device leads to its leakage. Restoring freon is then quite difficult and expensive. The minimum amount of financial costs is four thousand rubles.

Freon release

There are three main methods for dismantling the air conditioner yourself:

• disassembly with release of freon;
• preservation of freon in the device;
• saving refrigerant in full thanks to the use of special techniques and specialized equipment.

The last method allows you to get maximum effect lossless, but other methods are also widely used.

Before carrying out work, carefully consider design features air conditioning systems. It is a closed circuit with refrigerant and includes a compressor, an evaporator with a condenser and a system of copper tubes to connect all the components and ensure the supply and removal of refrigerant.

To turn off the air conditioning system without losing refrigerant, you need to pump it into the condenser. This is possible when operating in cooling mode by closing the valve from the product to the tube. It will take no more than one minute to pump the full amount of freon. After pumping, it is necessary to close the valve on the tube. With this operation you can stop the gas supply completely.

Dismantling

Work begins with removing the external unit. To do this, you first need to disconnect the copper tubes. The tubes are cut at a distance of about twenty centimeters from the fitting, and then the sections are caulked for complete sealing.

When the device is stored for a long time in a disassembled state, the copper tubes are filled with nitrogen and provide a tight seal to prevent oxidation.

Work begins with removing the external unit

Outdoor unit

After disconnecting the copper tubes, remove thermal insulation. It is advisable that the operation be carried out by two people: one will work outside the building, and the other inside the room. This will greatly simplify and speed up the process.

So, one person will shut down electrical energy, and the other will disconnect the wires.

The tubes should be straightened so that they can pass through the holes in the wall. Next, the end of the cable that is dragged into the room is screwed to them. After this, the nuts that support the external unit on the brackets are unscrewed.

At the end of the operation, the block is removed and dragged into the building. It can only be stored vertically.

Disconnecting the compressor

It is very important to dismantle the compressor in the right way. To do this, you need to perform the following operations:

1. Remove the cover from the external module.
2. Disconnect the suction and discharge pipes.
3. Disconnect electrical wiring.
4. Unscrew the condenser and fan fasteners.
5. Pull out the capacitor.
6. Remove the fasteners and dismantle the compressor.

With this sequence of measures, the possibility of pipe defects is eliminated and it becomes possible to carry out repair of other components.

Indoor unit

There are cases when owners limit themselves to dismantling only the external unit. For example, when repairing a compressor. When it is necessary to remove the entire split system, it is important to take into account the existing nuances of dismantling the indoor unit.

To dismantle the indoor air conditioner module, you must perform the following steps:

1. Remove the housing cover, focusing on the indicators located at the bottom of the product.
2. Disconnect the electrical cable by unscrewing it from the terminals, and then carefully remove it from the split system.
3. Unhook the pipe, installing the reservoir in advance; liquid may leak out from there.
4. Remove the heat insulator and disconnect the refrigerant pipe.
5. Carefully unscrew the tubes as when removing the external unit, and wrap them with insulating tape or screw on the caps.

1. Carefully dismantle the indoor module and remove the mounting plate.

Features of work in winter

In cold weather, it is almost impossible to pump refrigerant into the condenser: the oil thickens greatly, and if you try to connect the air conditioner in this situation, a blower malfunction can easily occur. This situation is not terrible for air conditioner models that are equipped with a special winter kit. The equipment includes heating of the compressor crankcase and drainage, as well as a fan speed retarder.

If you have a model installed without this configuration, then freon can be pumped through a pressure gauge station to collect gas.

This station is connected to the shredder valve, similar to a pressure manifold.

Consequences of improper dismantling

Here are a number of possible consequences if the air conditioning system is dismantled incorrectly manually:

1. Loss of tightness of the cooling circuit and leakage of freon. Eliminating this unpleasant situation will require significant financial investments.
2. Clogging of the internal circuit of the system with dust, penetration of moisture. These circumstances especially affect the functioning of the compressor, and the operation of the air conditioner in general. Therefore, the product should not be removed in rainy or snowy weather.
3. A heavy outdoor unit falling from a height. Even if the product falls from a small height, in most cases this will lead to its breakdown and replacement.
4. Mechanical damage to the surface of the external module and other elements, which can cause depressurization of the circuit. Even the slightest crack can cause gas leakage and dust and moisture getting inside.

Watch the video on how to remove the air conditioner

When moving to new apartment or home or change of office location, there is a need to dismantle the air conditioner or several devices at once. The nuances of this type of work largely depend on the type of device.

Sometimes only professionals with sophisticated experience in this field can dismantle the air conditioner quickly and with very high quality. However, their services are quite expensive, so many people often prefer to dismantle the device themselves. This raises a fair question: how to dismantle the air conditioner with your own hands? This solution will allow you to save a lot of money, but only if you do everything correctly.

When is the best time to remove an air conditioner?

Many companies have seasonal discounts, quite significant ones at that.

Seasonality has virtually no effect on the cost of services for dismantling climate control equipment. But it is much more important to take into account weather conditions when carrying out work. So, you should not dismantle in winter, because low temperatures will significantly complicate the work or make it simply impossible (for example, due to the need to release freon). Dismantling should not be carried out in rain or snow, as moisture can damage the elements of the outdoor unit. If there is no rain, snow or frost, then please dismantle your device.

Precautionary measures

Most device breakdowns occur during transportation.

Any modern air conditioner is equipped with two units: one of them is located outside, the other is inside. They are connected by two lines designed to move refrigerant through them. After circulating through a tube with a smaller diameter, freon moves to the outdoor unit from the indoor unit through a tube with a larger diameter. Next, gaseous freon circulates in the opposite direction. This is where problems can arise that can prevent you from dismantling the device yourself.

• Loss of freon (total or partial) may well occur if the main pipelines are turned off incorrectly. Air containing moisture is quite capable of getting into the heat exchanger, as well as the tubes, and this will lead to a malfunction of the split system already at the place where it will be reinstalled. Why? Moisture will penetrate into the compressor of the device, and the latter will simply break.
• If small particles penetrate into the tubes due to improper transportation or if they are pulled through the wall, then failure will occur.
• Pay close attention to the fittings on the threads that are soldered to the tubes. If they are damaged at the slightest level, repairs cannot be avoided, which will cost a pretty penny.
• If the wires are connected incorrectly, namely, the required places are not marked on the terminals with special marks, then when re-installing, connecting the air conditioner correctly will be very problematic.
• Clearly determine the size of the drainage tube (if it is cut short, it will have to be replaced very soon). Although this is not too expensive, it is labor-intensive.
• Finally, be careful not to lose parts or hardware while transporting your device. To do this, they simply need to be securely fastened.

All of the above points can entail a very expensive repair of the air conditioner, so before you begin dismantling the device yourself, carefully study the instructions supplied with it.

Preparatory work

Ignoring the advice of professionals will most likely lead to incorrect shutdown of the air conditioner.

Before dismantling the air conditioner yourself, you need to carry out preparatory work. And this applies not only to instrument preparation.

Thus, the device can be dismantled without first pumping freon into the device. And a freon leak is not so easily replenished. If you refill the entire system with refrigerant, you will have to fork out money. So, this operation for inexpensive air conditioners will cost about 4 thousand rubles. (depending on the refrigerant used).

If you are talking about dismantling the air conditioner yourself, then you can do this in three ways. Let's take a quick look at them.

• Disassembling the device, which involves releasing freon.
• Preservation of gas inside the split system.
• Complete preservation of freon using a special technique and the use of special equipment.

The last option is considered the most effective, since it does not involve any losses. What do experts advise? They strongly recommend retaining all the refrigerant, since this way there will be no problems when installing the device in a new location.

To independently turn off the air conditioner without any significant loss of freon, you need to ensure that the latter is pumped into the condenser. To do this with the device operating in cooling mode, the valve between the small diameter pipe and the air conditioner should be closed. After pumping all the refrigerant into the condenser (this will take no more than a minute), close the valve on the tube largest diameter

, thereby turning off the freon supply.

Required materials and tools

Before dismantling the air conditioner, it is worth preparing the necessary tools for this purpose. Here is a list of them.

• hex keys (set);
• gas wrench (an alternative is an adjustable wrench);
• socket and open-end wrenches (set);
• pressure gauge;
• pipe cutter;
• screwdriver.

Step-by-step instruction

So, let's look at the instructions for dismantling the air conditioner step by step.

We work with the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit must be placed vertically during storage and transportation. It is important to avoid shocks and shaking, so the block should be placed in a box with foam plastic

1. We disconnect the freon wires.
2. We unscrew all the nuts connecting the block fittings to the lines. Similar method used when the length of the tubes allows them to be reused.
3. Next, we seal the open fittings with tape or tape so that they do not become clogged.

Since extension of freon wires is not allowed, they are not reused. In this case, the tubes are cut and then their ends are caulked.

If the air conditioner is left disassembled for a long time, then, as a rule, the tubes are clogged after first filling them with nitrogen. The fact is that nitrogen does not oxidize products.

Next, from the device disconnected from the network, you need to remove the protection cover, which is located where it is connected electrical cable. We mark its terminals somehow (this is done in order to prevent confusion during a new connection). Then we unscrew the clamps that fasten the wires to the contacts. After this, the end of the wire must be screwed to the freon pipes. Next, you need to unscrew the nuts holding the outer unit and remove it along with the brackets.

Removing the compressor

If the air conditioner is dismantled in order to carry out repairs, the device must be correctly disconnected. To do this you need to do the following.

1. Remove the cover from the outdoor unit
2. Disconnect the discharge and suction pipes from the compressor.
3. Disconnect the cables supplying the fan and compressor.
4. Unscrew the fasteners that hold the condenser and valves.
5. Remove the capacitor.
6. Remove the compressor.

If you act this way, you will not damage the piping pipelines. In addition, it will be possible to simultaneously repair several elements of the outdoor unit, and this will significantly speed up the task.

To start working with the compressor, you should empty the oil from it. In piston devices it is drained through a pipe. In models of the rotary or spiral type, you will need to drill the bottom (and it is not allowed to drill through it, since chips may well get inside). You should leave a thin partition and then pierce it with a punch.

Removing the indoor unit

After removing the block, you must unscrew mounting plate, then remove the freon wires, cable and box

To gain access to the clamps holding the internal unit, remove the front panel. Then we ensure that the electrical and freon wires and clamps are disconnected, and only then we remove the block from the guides.

At this stage, a number of difficulties may arise: if you act carelessly, you can easily break the evaporator latches. This element is usually closed with a lid. Access to the latches was deliberately made more difficult, since this ensures that dismantling of the device will be carried out exclusively by professionals. Two thin screwdrivers will help you get to the fasteners.

You also need to be careful when snapping the latches. If they are damaged in a new place, the device will not be able to be fixed, and due to vibrations it will break very quickly.

Those who carry out dismantling themselves should invite an assistant

Of course, when dismantling the air conditioner yourself, errors of a very different nature are possible. Here are some of them.

• Refrigerant leak. It will lead to additional costs, because the device will have to be refilled. To prevent this, dismantling must be carried out in such a way that the refrigerant remains inside the air conditioner.
• Ingress of dust or moisture into the internal circuit of the device. This will quickly damage the compressor. To minimize water ingress, do not dismantle the equipment during snowfall or rain.
• Block falling. Since the external unit is quite heavy, you may miscalculate the force and drop it. Specialists who use special equipment are insured against such an outcome.
• Damage to device elements. The most serious damage is that results in depressurization of the air conditioner circuit. Even through an unnoticeable crack, freon can leak or water and dirt can get inside. So be careful.

Now you have learned how to dismantle the air conditioner yourself. If you have at least a little experience in conducting repair work, then you can safely get to work.

This household system is dismantled for subsequent repairs or when moving; many users solve the problem simply - call the specialists from service center. A thrifty owner who has the skills and desire can save money and do everything himself, and we will tell you how to remove the air conditioner correctly, while avoiding mistakes and negative nuances.

Any modern split system, which includes a household air conditioner, consists of blocks for indoor and outdoor locations. They are connected by two lines through which the refrigerant moves. By phone smaller diameter circulates freon in liquid state from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, the same thing runs through a thicker copper tube in the opposite direction, but in a gaseous state.

This is where problems lie that can ruin everything you do when trying to remove the air conditioner yourself.

1. As a result of incorrect shutdown main pipelines may occur partial or complete loss of freon.
2. Air containing moisture can get into the tubes and heat exchanger, which can cause damage when the air conditioner operates in a new place - incompressible moisture enters the compressor and disables it.
3. If small particles get into copper tubes when they are pulled through a wall or during improper transportation, the system will quickly break down.
4. Particular attention should be paid to the threaded bends soldered to the tubes; if they are damaged, very expensive repairs will be required.
5. Incorrectly disconnected wires. If you do not put special marks on the terminals, it may lead to incorrect connection at the new location.
6. Cutting it too short drainage tube, which discharges condensate outside the outdoor unit, you doom yourself to its premature complete replacement.
7. When transporting a product to a new location, there is a risk of losing small fasteners and parts if they are not securely fastened after disassembly.

All of the above cases lead to very expensive repairs of the entire system, so before you start dismantling the air conditioner yourself, read the instructions.

Preparation

Before dismantling the split system with your own hands, you need to prepare a tool, not a simple one. home arsenal, but purely professional, as shown in the photo:

Many users do not take seriously the advice of professional craftsmen on how to properly dismantle any split systems. As a result, the shutdown is carried out with numerous violations: they dismantle the product without pumping freon into the air conditioner, and it leaks, which will not be as easy to replenish as many people think.

Refilling the entire system with refrigerant will result in serious financial costs:

• first, the master will check the integrity of all pipelines - 600 rubles;
• refilling an air conditioner with a power of up to 4.5 kW - up to 3 thousand rubles;
• the same actions with equipment power up to 7 kW - up to 3.5 thousand rubles.

In the most minimal scenario for household air conditioners this operation will cost you at least 4 thousand rubles, depending on the refrigerant used.

Freon release

There are three ways to dismantle the air conditioner yourself:

• disassembly with freon release;
• keep the gas inside the air conditioner approximately or “by eye”;
• completely save freon with the help of professional equipment using a special technique.

The third option gives best effect without any loss, but many users use all methods. Experts advise completely preserving the refrigerant so that there are no problems when installing dismantled equipment in a new location.

To properly dismantle the air conditioner, you need to know the design of the split system, which consists of a closed circuit filled with freon. The main components are a compressor, an evaporator with a condenser and a system of copper pipes that connects the entire structure and ensures the supply and removal of refrigerant.

This is what the schematic diagram of a modern air conditioner or any split system looks like:

To turn off the air conditioner yourself without losing freon, you need to pump it into the condenser; to do this, when the equipment is operating in cooling mode, you should close the valve between the product and the thin-diameter tube. When all the refrigerant is pumped into the condenser within a minute - that’s exactly how long it will take to completely pump gas into the condenser, you need to shut off thick tube valve, turning off the freon supply, and “close” it in an improvised trap.

Dismantling

Before dismantling the external unit, you must disconnect copper tubes, but in practice they are not reused, since their extension is strictly prohibited. It is necessary to cut them at a distance of about 200 mm from the fitting and caulk the sections for complete sealing.

Attention! When storing the product disassembled for a long time, the tubes are filled with nitrogen and ensure tightness to prevent oxidation of the inner surface.

Outdoor unit

The instructions read: after working with copper tubes necessary remove thermal insulation As a rule, all masters work together, one indoors and the other outside. Thus, dismantling is carried out faster: the partner has turned off the power and now you can disconnect the wires at the place of their connection, first marking the terminals.

The tubes are straightened manually so that they pass through the holes in the wall without interference, and the end of the cable is screwed to them to remove it into the room.

After this, we unscrew the nuts that hold the outdoor unit on special brackets, together with an assistant, carefully remove the unit and move it inside the apartment. Lastly, the brackets are removed from the wall of the building.

Important! During transportation and storage, the dismantled outdoor unit is positioned only vertically to avoid mechanical damage from shaking - it is inserted into a box with foam at the bottom.

Compressor

Sometimes only the outdoor unit is dismantled, for example, if only the compressor needs to be repaired, and the indoor unit of the air conditioner remains in place. During similar operations, the internal block of the split system is also not touched.

The main condition is to properly dismantle the compressor:

• remove the cover from the outdoor unit;
• then disconnect suction and discharge tubes;
• all electrical wiring is turned off;
• the fasteners of the condenser and fan are unscrewed;
• remove the capacitor from the block housing;
• access to the compressor is open - remove the fastenings and dismantle it.

With such actions, the risk of causing damage to pipelines is eliminated and there is a real opportunity to repair other elements located in the casing of the outdoor unit, if necessary.

Indoor unit

Dismantling the internal unit of an air conditioner has its own very specific nuances, without knowledge of which all your efforts will be useless, and in some cases careless actions can lead to breakage of rather delicate fasteners, for example, evaporator latches or clamps holding the unit on the guides.

To understand how to remove an air conditioner from a wall, you need to study the instruction manual, which contains the section you are interested in. Many users will not be able to do this operation and will have to turn to professionals.

Remove the indoor unit The air conditioning system will only work after removing the front panel, then you also need to disconnect all electrical wiring, freon inlet and outlet pipes. You need to disassemble the tangle of wires carefully and without fuss. But this is not all the testing - manufacturers have reliably blocked access to evaporator latches

ensure that dismantling is carried out only by specially trained people.

Access is closed by a lid, the latches of which are pressed quite tightly to the wall - you can get to them using two screwdrivers with a very thin tip. Your partner must hold the entire block during this labor-intensive process. After removing the evaporator, you can unscrew mounting plate , which blocks access to the electrical wires and freon pipes supplying the product, hidden in a special gutter inside the wall. Last to unscrew decorative box

, which runs along the outer wall all the way to the outer unit.

The disconnected wires are carefully twisted and placed in a separate box for transportation. To help home craftsmen, there is a video on how to dismantle an air conditioner on your own, without turning to specialists:

Dismantling in winter Many users are interested in the question: how to remove a split system in winter period

when due to low temperature it is impossible to pump refrigerant into the condenser. The oil in the compressor will thicken, and all attempts to turn it on can end very badly. If you have a special model equipped with a kit where there is heating of the compressor crankcase and the entire line drainage system , as well as a block that slows down the rotation of the fan, then your intentions will be crowned with success. If it is not available, you can use a special refrigerant collection station

, which is connected in the same way as a pressure manifold. Several Yet practical advice