How to disassemble the internal block of a split system with your own hands

Regular maintenance of the air conditioner requires disassembling its indoor and outdoor unit. This is necessary when replacing parts of the split system and its complete cleaning. It is worth understanding the features of the process and the consequences of improper disassembly.

How to remove the indoor unit

To remove the indoor unit of any type of air conditioner, you need to snap off the lower clips. Most devices have them on the bottom and are indicated by arrows or serifs. Clip types:

• The hook on the wall plate is made from above. In these cases, the clips are pushed upward.
• Lower hook for the plate. In such devices, there are additional holes at the bottom. The fasteners are pulled down from the block.
• Clips located under the decorative cover. First, remove the cover, and then squeeze the fasteners.

The removed indoor unit of the air conditioner is easier to disassemble.

Dismantling the indoor unit of the air conditioner

You can disassemble the indoor unit of the split system after disconnecting the device from the network. Then open the housing lid and take out the filters. The next step is to remove the case:

• Any air conditioner has self-tapping screws on the bottom, which are easy to find under the plugs. They must be unscrewed.
• There may also be self-tapping screws or latches under the cover behind which the filters are located. After unscrewing them, you can open the lower housing element.
• The next task is to release the latches located at the top of the case. They are quite tough; to detach them, you need to find out the fastening features. Most often, they can be unlocked by pulling the bottom of the case towards you and up.
• It remains to disconnect all wires, if any.

Having opened the blinds, it is easy to remove the body by pulling it towards you.

The next step is to remove the drainage container. Some models are made monolithic, so it will not be possible to separate the tray from the body in them. It is important to understand the features of its installation in order to properly install it in place during assembly.

It is recommended to prepare a container for condensation from the tray. To disassemble the container, it is enough to unscrew one self-tapping screw, and then disconnect the clips at the bottom. Disconnect the louver motor from the tray. After removing the container, separate the "tail" of the drainage hose.

The next task is to remove the fan (shaft). This procedure is the most responsible and complex. A simple option for removing the shaft is applicable when it is removed to the left, without affecting the control unit and the engine:

• Unscrew and release the left side of the radiator from the device case.
• Unscrew the fastening on the right in the shaft itself a few turns. This screw is often overtightened, so it is important to be careful not to damage the head of the fastener or break the blades.
• Remove the shaft from the bottom of the housing, taking care of the safety of the parts. Since the fan is often installed quite tightly, it takes a lot of experience to remove it. The screw can be held with a screwdriver while pushing the shaft.

When installing the shaft into the housing of the device, the screw must be exactly in the original position. Otherwise, the fan will touch the walls.

There is also a more difficult option for removing the fan. If the shaft is pulled out from the right side, you will have to remove the electric motor and control unit.

Sequencing:

• Remove the control unit from the housing. This will require disconnecting all wires and sensors.Then the latches are disconnected and the self-tapping screws securing the control unit are unscrewed.
• Unscrew all motor mountings. Detach cover with shaft.
• Carefully study how the shaft is disconnected from the motor. Carefully bend the copper pipes that fit the radiator.

Disassembling the outdoor unit

Dismantling a mobile or window air conditioner does not take much time - just remove the device from the window or remove the air duct. When disassembling a complete split system, all refrigerant must be retained.

The connecting pipes, through which freon is transported, have different diameters. The thin channel is used to transport liquid refrigerant. The large tube is designed for pumping freon gas. When disassembling the air conditioner, it is necessary to "drive" the refrigerant into the outdoor unit. Then you can disconnect the trunk channels. To pump refrigerant, it is necessary, while the device is running, to screw the pipe with liquid freon, which goes from the outdoor unit to the room. The device pumps the gaseous substance into the outdoor unit in 1 minute. After that, switch off the device immediately.

Dismantling the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is carried out by two people. This way you can eliminate unnecessary risk and shorten the work time.

After disconnecting the device from the mains, disconnect the cables by marking the terminals.

The copper channels that carry the refrigerant can be straightened by yourself with care. Together with them, the electrical cable is removed into the room. It is screwed onto the end of the tube. Then you need to unscrew the nuts that hold the outdoor unit. They remove the block together. The brackets are removed from the wall last.

The removed outdoor unit requires vertical storage and transportation. To exclude possible damage, it is placed in a box with foam.

Removing the compressor

In some cases, only the dismantling of the outdoor unit is required, for example, when it is required to adjust the operation of the compressor. In this case, the indoor unit remains in place. The main task is to properly remove the compressor:

1. dismantle the cover of the outdoor unit;
2. disconnect the discharge and suction pipes;
3. disconnect the electrical wires;
4. unscrew the fasteners of the fan and condenser;
5. remove the capacitor from the case;
6. dismantle the compressor mounts and the part itself.

By following this sequence of actions, you can reduce the risk of damage to the piping and gain access to other elements located in the housing.

Consequences of improper dismantling

It is easy to damage the air conditioner if it is removed incorrectly. Possible unpleasant consequences:

• Depressurization of the cooling circuit, which entails leakage of freon. The next time you install the device, you will have to pay extra for refilling the system with refrigerant.
• Mechanical damage to the case of the outdoor unit, freon pipes, and other parts.
• Debris clogging the cooling circuit, moisture penetration. If dust gets in, the compressor wears out faster. Water can oxidize the surface of the copper freon line, causing the entire system to fail.
• Falling of the outdoor unit from a height. The installation height of the module is not important - after a fall, it will have to be replaced in any case.

The air conditioner is usually dismantled when changing residence, during repairs and cleaning. When disassembling simple units, you do not have to understand their device. However, full-fledged split systems require a careful approach. Since the equipment is expensive, it is better to turn to professional installers who will do the job efficiently and with a guarantee. You can disassemble the device yourself only if you are fully confident in understanding its device.