Often there is a need not only to install a cooling system in an apartment or house, but also to dismantle it. The approach to each process has its own characteristics and nuances. This becomes relevant if the unit needs to be restarted. Therefore, the dismantling of air conditioners occurs strictly according to the rules.
It’s clear that you can hire professionals, but they will have to pay money. The cost of the service is from 2 thousand rubles. Everyone wants to save on this, especially if the installations are bulky and there are several of them. Therefore, the dismantling of air conditioners with their own hands becomes relevant. If the owner at least once held some tools in his hands, it will not be so difficult to do it yourself. You need to arm yourself with basic instructions on which to do each stage.
Negative aspects of work
Experts believe that the dismantling of air conditioners without the help of a professional has its negative aspects. The following points should be noted:
- There is a big danger - the presence of freon. If there is no instrument for measuring indicators, this leads to the fact that the pump pumping gas can break down. He also gives air cooling. It turns out that after removing all the equipment it will no longer work as expected.
- The device is attached to the wall with special screws - near them are the evaporator pipes of the indoor unit. It is easy to understand that with the wrong selection of tools, you can simply damage them.
- The pipeline should be cut correctly. Otherwise, in the future, the device will not be able to function fully.
- It is necessary to carefully disconnect from the air duct, since they are of great importance in operation. It is better to know in advance how to do this than to break the unit after.
- Do not dismantle the air conditioner with improvised tools. It is worth buying the necessary or renting.
- Too large installations must be cleaned with the help of other people. Otherwise, there is a possibility of the device falling, and this is definitely a breakdown.
There are risks, so you should prepare for the process and evaluate your abilities in reality. If a decision is made, then do it yourself according to the instructions to dismantle the air conditioner. No item can be skipped. This is the only way to be sure that the split system will work in a new place.
What tools can you do without?
Not everyone has the opportunity to use the services of professional installers, for various reasons. If this happened, then really try and complete the whole process yourself. The main feature of the whole procedure is the observance of accuracy. You need to be leisurely and use the recommendations. The following tools are involved in the operation:
- Pipe cutter.
- Side cutter.
- A sharp knife (preferably a construction one).
- Phillips screwdriver and integral.
- Keys set.
- Wrenches (open-end and adjustable).
- A screwdriver and, if necessary, a drill.
- Manometric manifold.
This set is necessary, otherwise it will not work to create conditions for accurate work. If you do not organize the necessary conditions at the first stage, you will not get a result in the future. Some devices are available in the assortment of each person’s house, but something will have to be taken or purchased. But it will be cheaper than hiring workers.
Work safety
When disassembling an air conditioner, do not ignore safety rules. This will not only protect the person, but also create the necessary conditions for work:
- Do not allow depressurization of the cooling circuit. There is high pressure gas. If you suddenly break through it, it can cause burns and other problems with the body.
- Another feature is the ingress of moisture, dust and other dirt. This will definitely disable the entire system.
- If the transportation of a unit containing Freon does not occur correctly, an explosion may occur.
- The remaining pipes must be neatly laid. If they are damaged, the device will fail.
- The fittings have union nuts - it is unacceptable to remove them.
- The indoor unit is protected by special latches. When dismantling and installing the air conditioner, they cannot be broken.
These safety rules are basic and should be followed. If something does not work out, you should invite professionals so as not to create a dangerous situation for your health. How are air conditioners dismantled? Let's consider further.
The main task
At the first stage, the basis is the process of draining and placing freon in the package. This should be done correctly, otherwise you will have to refuel, and this is a waste of money. It turns out that the dismantling of the air conditioner with the preservation of freon has its own characteristics and rules. They should not be violated. It is important to pump it carefully and carefully.
This requires a manometric manifold, although some can do without it. What does he show? The device makes measurements by which it becomes clear that there is a vacuum in the split system. After which the condition is fixed, and the refrigerant will work in the air conditioner, as expected.
In words, this process is not so complicated, but caution will not hurt. Here's how to do it step by step:
- The pressure gauge is connected to the cooling equipment. It is located in place of the nozzle with the liquid of the cooling circuit.
- If there is no device, then this step is skipped.
- After installation is complete. The air conditioner is set to the coldest mode. These data are available in the instructions. Let the unit be in this position for at least 10-15 minutes.
- After the liquid pipe valve is fixed in the closed position. A hex key is involved in this process.
- On the collector you need to watch until the arrow takes the place of "vacuum". When there is no such unit and there is nowhere to take it, then in time it is about one minute. Do not assume - it is better to accurately detect this period of time.
- When the indicator appears or the time has passed, the valve is cut off. This work is performed with the same key.
- The split system is turned off.
- Protective caps are in place.
It seems that it is not so difficult, but any violation can become irreparable. At hand should be all the necessary tools and instruments.
Working with freon in the cold
Often there are many problems when dismantling the air conditioner in the winter. The whole question is that you cannot enable the installation. Why? It's simple: the oil in the compressor thickens. In this condition, the operation of the unit is unacceptable. Although today there are also such devices that are designed for the cold period of time, since there are heating appliances inside. In this case, heating is simply done for 10 minutes, after which the unit starts. And then work with freon is performed according to the instructions, as described above.
If there is no heating system
When there is no winter heating, it is good to use a gauge station to collect coolant. How to connect it? The scheme is simple. You can glue it in the same way as the collector itself. Freon will be distilled into this unit, and then transported.
It turns out that with the right approach, working with reinstalling the unit is real at any time of the year. It’s not worth breaking anything, it’s better to think through every action and do everything perfectly.
How to remove the external unit?
Often the question arises of how to work with other components and whether this can be done independently. When the issue with the refrigerant is resolved, you need to proceed to the unit itself. So, how is the air conditioner dismantled with your own hands? The instruction consists of several stages:
- At the first stage, you must turn off the entire installation. Also remove the plug from the outlet and carefully twist it so as not to damage it.
- When after the transfer the same nozzles participate in the work, they are twisted. To prevent dust and moisture from entering, the fittings are protected. If they are not needed, then they are cut off, leaving about 20 centimeters on each side. In this case, the ends also need to be protected.
- If after dismantling the unit will not be used for a long time, then it is necessary to fill the nozzles with nitrogen and close it. It is important that there is no air present for a long time. After all, otherwise they will begin to deteriorate, entering into the oxidation process.
- Dismantled insulation material from the freon circuit.
- It is necessary to remove the terminals and remove the connection of the unit and the cable.
- The nuts that secure the module are loosened. After which he retires from his seat. There is one feature. The element is heavy, and one cannot manage alone, so it is better to call an assistant.
- You need to prepare a box with a filler. It contains all the parts removed. In order to completely eliminate damage, it is recommended to lay a soft material. It can be polystyrene or something else. They drop the body and pipe bends.
This is how the external air conditioning unit is cleaned by hand. Each action is pre-thought out and carried out carefully, without sudden movements and errors.
note
It is not allowed to place the element in a horizontal position. Any transportation or storage is carried out only in the vertical.
How to remove the indoor unit?
When the external components are removed, it's time to dismantle the internal mechanism. Accuracy comes first. Particular attention is paid to the clamps of the evaporator. If something breaks, it will be difficult to find a new one. And the old part starts to vibrate during the cooling process and will quickly put the unit out of action.
How is the air conditioner dismantled? The instruction assumes the presence of such stages:
- You need to remove the panel. This is the only way to locks.
- Remove the piping through which the refrigerant flows.
- Remove power.
- Remove the evaporator. It is required to disconnect latches which are under a cover.
- Release the latches of the indoor unit, remove from the rails.
- Unscrew the plate holding the indoor unit.
- Remove the piping.
- Pull out the drain pipe.
- Only after that the decorative box is removed.
Advice
The whole process will take time. You should not rush - you need to perform each stage slowly and competently. Sometimes the locks break, so you should not press them with great force. If breakdowns occur at this step, it will be difficult after starting the air conditioner in a new place. And the purchase of spare parts sometimes does not bring effect.
What can happen if disrupt step-by-step dismantling?
Today, experts can say for sure what awaits the owner of the split system if it damages any installation:
- If you break through the cooling circuit, then Freon will start to leak. And when it is installed again, you will have to refuel and find a leak. This is the work of professionals.
- During dismantling, any mechanical damage can be made - the circuit, pipes, outdoor and indoor units. This entails a malfunction of the system.
- If dust, moisture and dirt get into the cooling circuit, as a result, the compressor will become unusable during operation. But water is able to corrode all internal components. It is already impossible to restore such an aggregate.
- The fall of the outdoor module. Often people believe in themselves and try to remove it themselves without help. As a result, its damage is inevitable. It doesn’t matter from what height this will happen. The unit will have to be changed, since its operation will not be satisfactory.
Conclusion
It is clear that, changing the place of residence, people want to dismantle the split system, since it costs a lot. If it is difficult to do something yourself, it is better to contact professionals. But when it is decided to do the work yourself, you should not violate any recommendation and follow it right. In general, the dismantling of an air conditioner with freon is a completely feasible task.