How to dismantle the air conditioner with your own hands with the preservation of the freon and without the preservation of Freon – step -by -step instructions

If you’ve ever considered replacing your air conditioner or just getting rid of it because it’s old and inefficient, you may be unsure of where to begin. Disassembling an air conditioner can seem like a difficult task, regardless of whether you want to save the refrigerant, also referred to as freon. It is, however, something you can handle on your own if you have the necessary information and direction.

It’s important to know the possible risks and safety measures associated with handling refrigerants before you start. While some older air conditioners use substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as Freon (chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs), more recent models usually use R-410A or R-134a, which are environmentally friendly alternatives. No matter what kind of refrigerant your air conditioner uses, it’s critical to handle it carefully to protect the environment and yourself.

The safe removal of refrigerant is a major concern when disassembling an air conditioner. You must take certain precautions to guarantee that the freon is appropriately captured and contained if you intend to preserve it for reuse or appropriate disposal. To remove the refrigerant from the system safely, this procedure usually calls for specialized tools, like a refrigerant recovery machine. Trying to remove refrigerant on your own without the right equipment and know-how can be dangerous and could cause leaks or environmental harm.

On the other hand, if you don’t care about collecting the refrigerant, the disassembly procedure gets a little easier. In this scenario, you’ll primarily concentrate on disconnecting and removing the air conditioner’s various parts, like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator coil. Even though you won’t be concerned about collecting the refrigerant, you should still take safety measures to prevent any unintentional leaks while disassembling the air conditioner.

It is imperative to take a methodical approach to the disassembly process regardless of whether the refrigerant is being preserved or not. First, disconnect the air conditioner from all electrical sources and turn off the power. After that, take off any panels or covers to expose the internal parts. Make careful to adhere to any safety instructions or manufacturer’s instructions that come with your particular air conditioner model.

Make sure to label and arrange the removed parts for simpler reassembly or disposal as you disassemble the air conditioner. To make sure nothing is lost throughout the process, keep an eye on any bolts, screws, or other fasteners. Additionally, to avoid injuries when handling heavy or sharp components, think about donning protective gear like gloves and safety glasses.

When to remove the split system there is no need

There are situations when disassembling the split system is not necessary, such as when doing aesthetic repairs. It is not necessary to take out the air conditioner entirely in order to glue the wallpaper; simply loosen the latches, take out the inner block from the mounting plate, unscrew it, glue the wallpaper, and then put the equipment back in its proper location.

Speaking of which, Dismantling both blocks is not necessary if the house is being repaired and plastering, aligning, cladding, or other wall-related tasks are to be completed; only the internal walls need to be disconnected. The route should be long enough to accommodate the node’s installation later on.

general information

There are two steps involved in moving the air conditioner:

1. Dismantling (with preservation of refrigerant). The external and internal block is removed, the freon route is dismantled;
2. Installation in a new place (with lengthening the track, if necessary).

There are just two steps, but a lot of intermediate work needs to be done during the transfer process. The gadget must first be disassembled while keeping the freon safe. The air conditioner can be securely sent to scrap metal if this isn’t done.

Also see: The air conditioner’s copper and other metal content.

You must set up a space for air conditioning when you move. Choose the best place for installation, then carry and drill walls. In the event that the previous freon route proves to be inadequate, you will need to solder extra tubes to extend the route.

It requires a long time to complete the transfer procedure. Professional masters, however, can handle in a few hours. However, you have to realize that in this case, productivity—rather than speed—is the most important factor. Every step of the process requires careful consideration of numerous details to ensure that the air conditioner functions correctly in a new location.

The nuances of the transfer of the air conditioner

Blocks and tracks can be disassembled by even a novice master. However, it is not that simple to accomplish with Freon preservation. This was covered in more detail in a different article. To learn more about the subtleties of the work, make sure to read.

The freon line lengthening is another significant nuance. Copper tubes serve as the refrigerator agent’s (Freon) transportation network. Measurements are made during the air conditioner’s first installation, and the master determines the ideal tube length. It might turn out that the pipes’ length is insufficient in a new location. This requires that they be "lengthened" by soldering extra pipes to the ends.

However, it frequently occurs that the outdated track is merely tucked away in the wall without even being used in a new location. Transferring historical communications is an excessively complex process. Sure, you can save a little money—but not always—but it also requires a lot of work and time. Ultimately, the track is installed straight and curves into the wall. Furthermore, these bends frequently need to line up because the strobe’s shape is still altered when it is in a new location.

To put it briefly, we advise removing the external and internal blocks only—keeping the freon intact—and utilizing new communications to join the blocks. preservation of the former highway and an attempt to repurpose it as an apartment building—a purposeless endeavor in many respects.

Additionally, it is preferable to get in touch with the service center and have a specialist examine your equipment even before any work is done. If the air conditioning system is old, it’s crucial to evaluate its functionality. It makes no sense to put up with the device if it is only temporary. Investing more money on a new gadget is preferable.

Possible problems

You must be aware of the issues you may face before attempting to disassemble the air conditioner by hand. They are listed in the following order:

• In the process, a refrigerant leak may occur. It will begin to disappear into the atmosphere. This will lead to the need for an extraordinary refueling of the unit. Better not to allow this. It is necessary to dismantle so that the substance remains in the system.
• Having the water refrigerant will lead to the fact that the liquid will freeze in the evaporator. Solid pieces of ice will bring compressor unusable. So that this does not happen, you can’t work in a rainy time.
• The outer unit located on the outside of the wall may fall when dismantling. To eliminate the risk of such a trouble, work should be carried out with an assistant.
• Damage to the structural elements cannot be allowed. Freon will begin to disappear through the crack or dirt will get inside. Therefore, in the work, accuracy should be observed.
• Caution should be taken when disconnected from the rogues of the highways. They are soldered on them with carvings that can be disrupted.
• When disconnecting the wires, their location should be recorded. This will come in handy with the reverse installation.
• Do not cut the short drainage pipe through which condensation comes out.

Precautionary measures

If the air conditioner is broken and not subject to repair, it is very simple to dismantle it, since there is no need to observe precautions and preservation of the freon, as well as the integrity of vital nodes. You need to act differently with work equipment. It is impossible to allow not only dust to penetrate the system, but also air, otherwise, after installing and subsequent starting the device in a new place, it will be almost guaranteed to be damaged. Also, when dismantling the split system, it is important to preserve the freon so that it is not required to download it again, since this service will cost a lot.

Counseling! Wire handling requires caution when disassembling. It is advised that you take pictures of the connections or take notes when they are turned off. Their improper connection may cause the technique to fail.

The owner of the climate equipment may begin disassembling the air conditioner on his own only if he is certain he can accurately fulfill the aforementioned requirements.

Preparation for dismantling

The primary challenge that arises when getting ready to disassemble equipment is the requirement for a manometric station. It will be simpler to rent because it is highly pricey and unreasonable to purchase it for a one-time use.

With the exception of the station, you’ll need for work:

• hexagonal and wrench;
• Screwdriver Set;
• pipeline;
• ordinary locksmith vice;
• pliers.

Set of tools

It is highly advised to entrust qualified installers for both the air conditioner’s installation and disassembly. This virtually ensures that the installation process will be completed to a high standard and that neither case will result in unfavorable outcomes. However, if money is tight and an expensive service is not needed, repulsive skills can be completed on one’s own.

When disassembling the split system, the most important thing to remember is to follow the basic guidelines neatly and consistently to keep the equipment operating as intended. In many respects, specialized tools that facilitate disassembly with the least amount of work will be helpful here. Among them are:

• A pipeline
• Bokorez
• Construction knife
• Cross screwdriver
• The screwdriver is integral
• Hexagonal keys to end
• Rozhny keys
• The keys are divorced
• Drill, screwdriver
• Manometric collector.

Since many standard installation devices are not very useful, this set of tools is necessary. If the latter is used, the system will probably sustain irreversible damage and need to be modified.

How to disable electric circuits

The final step before disassembling is to cut all electrical circuits. Only after the refrigerant residues have been removed can this be completed. It is very easy to locate a shutdown site; it is typically located on the back of the external air conditioning unit.

You should sketch the entire plan before disconnecting if you can’t find the diagram or it looks too complicated. Only the conductors connecting the external unit to the inner module should be disconnected. Furthermore, it might be required to take apart network eyeliner. Because it is inside the building, doing this is pretty challenging.

Once everything has been disconnected, you can remove an external block from its brackets. As long as all steps are followed precisely, there shouldn’t be any issues when installing and turning on the device later on.

How to work as a manometric station

The block is the station case. On its lateral surface are two pipes. They give rise to two distinct tubes.

1. The one that is thin provides the transfer of liquid refrigerant from the capacitor to the evaporator.
2. Thanks to the thick tube, gas-fraon enters the condenser block.

Every fitting has its own unique valve. It’s required to stop the Freon’s feed.

The standard procedure is followed when filling the capacitor with freon.

1. Protective covers of pipes and nipples are dismantled.
2. Nipple connects to the collector.
3. The air conditioner turns on and the maximum cooling mode is adjusted.
4. After that, you should wait 4-5 minutes and overlap the valve of the pipe, which is responsible for the supply of a liquid freon. Given the action interrupts the supply of refrigerant to the evaporator.
5. Pressure control is carried out using a manometer.

Working with a manometric station requires assistance for the final step. The truth is that you have to stop the gas fitting right away if the indicator shows a -1 MPa. The compressor pump will start to operate at idle if you wait, which will have a detrimental effect on the overall performance of the air conditioner.

Dismantling step by step

There are a number of situations in which it may be necessary to remove the air conditioner, including moving to a new apartment, having repairs done on the existing one, and equipment failure. A split system may need to be disassembled entirely or in part, depending on the circumstances. The previous section addressed how to remove the internal block from the walls alone. The following algorithm must be followed in order to fully disassemble the technique:

• carry out preparatory work;
• lower the freon;
• Disconnect and dismantle the outer block;
• disconnect the compressor (if necessary);
• Remove the inner block.

To avoid damaging the air conditioner, all operations must be carried out cautiously and in accordance with the instructions.

Preparatory work

Gathering the required instruments, including the professional ones, is part of the preparatory work. Thus, the master ought to have:

• a set of slotted and wretched screwdrivers;
• a set of end keys-players;
• pliers;
• manometric station;
• pipe cutter and sidewalls;
• knife for construction work;
• set of rye and divorce keys;
• screwdriver;
• drill.

Crucial! Insurance equipment will be needed if the external unit needs to be removed from a height.

The descent of Freon

You must turn down the freon in the air conditioner before beginning to disassemble it. This step must be taken in order to assemble a refrigerant in the external block if the device is going to be reinstalled somewhere else. This problem can be solved in two different ways: first, using a manometer; second, using a pumping station and a collection of refrigerant that is connected to the cylinder via two valves. In the latter instance, the apparatus is outfitted with a built-in manometer and compressor, enabling you to extract the freon either in a liquid or gaseous state.

Although the first method is easier, it is only utilized when the device can be started. The freon is then moved to the external unit by means of its own compressor.

The second approach is more difficult, skill-based, and highly costly to rent a comparable station. One benefit is that even in the winter, when starting the equipment is prohibited, Freon can still be pumped out. Furthermore, the external unit operates at vacuum, and the condenser does not retain refrigerant, making the device safer to transport.

You must locate two fittings on the air conditioner with thin and thick tubes in order to gather a freon in the outer block using a pressure gauge. The first is used to move liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. The second is required in order to download gaseous Freon to the capacitor. Every fitting has a cover over the heads of overlapping valves, and the gas has a nipple-equipped divert. Additionally, the following procedures ought to be followed in order to gather the refrigerant in the outer block:

• remove protective covers from nipple and fittings;
• Connect the pressure gauge to the nipple;
• run a split system for maximum cooling;
• After a few minutes, block the receipt of the refrigerant into the evaporator;
• observe the testimony of the manometer.

It is required to stop the split system right away and block the gas fitting with a hexagon when the device displays the values "-1 MPa." It shouldn’t be left running in idle mode for an extended period of time as this could cause a compressor breakdown. That is why it is recommended to work with an assistant, and not yourself-to quickly run to a split system to turn it off, not everyone will get.

Speaking of which, The refrigerant is assembled in the condenser, and a technical vacuum formed in the remaining nodes, according to the value of "-1 MPa."

Why is it necessary to lower the freon

On a hot day, air conditioning is a useful technique that can quickly cool the room. But occasionally, circumstances need that it be disassembled. In some situations, it’s quite simple to accomplish. For instance, if the machinery breaks down entirely and is not going to be fixed. The primary parts of the air conditioner don’t need to be kept tight with this kind of work.

The strategy is different if the air conditioner needs to be removed even though it is operating as intended. Preventing air and dust from entering the system is crucial in this situation. If this occurs, the compressor breakdown will most likely happen after the device is installed and powered on. The vacuum pump’s intricate design is the primary cause of this.

The split system’s operating principle

It is associated with the properties of Freon. It is very fluid, at the entrance to the system very cold, and at the exit – very hot. Therefore, the device of air conditioners does not use ordinary pumps or compressors. The fact is that their gaskets and seals simply could not withstand constant operation in the conditions of a constant temperature difference. High tightness of the vacuum pump is achieved by high -precision adjusting the surfaces of moving parts and internal surfaces of chambers. This is a very complex and subtle work, since even the smallest scratch can cause the compressor to fail. A grain of ice that forms if air enters the air conditioner. As a result, moisture freezes and can cause a breakdown.

Modern air conditioners immediately fill with inert gas, which is then removed before the system is filled with freon, to prevent these issues. A vacuum pump is used for this.

Removing the outer block

Once the refrigerant has lowered, you should begin removing the blocks. However, you must first disconnect the tubes, which can be done in one of two ways.

The tubes are fastened to the fittings by nuts, which can be undone using the first method. In their place, special covers are placed on. Thus, the tubes won’t break, but this process will probably result in air being inside the compressor.

The second technique involves taking about 15 cm of the tube away from the fittings and cutting it out with side cutters. The edges then need to be bent and pressed together using a vice. Although this method requires you to replace the route, it is a quick procedure that reduces the likelihood of dusty air entering the compressor. In a similar vein, in order to safeguard the evaporator, you must cut and hold the tube close to the inner unit.

The external unit’s signal and power wires should then be disconnected. Following that, you can take the unit out of the bracket by unscrewing the holding fastener.

Removing the compressor

In certain cases, a compressor repair requires removing an external unit. After that, the disassembly process appears different because the refrigerant has been totally removed from the system. In order to prevent any loss of freon, it is pumped into the cylinder through a specialized station and can be released into the atmosphere during the summer.

Speaking of which, Clamp the tubes or cover the valves with lids when disassembling the compressor because an external vacuum pump is used to remove the old, inefficient compressor and clean the outer unit.

It is advised to leave compressor replacement to experts, as their work requires a variety of specialized tools, such as a gas burner, vacuum pump, and manometer. If the user desires to carry out these tasks on their own, they ought to be:

• Remove the protective casing from the external unit;
• Using a gas burner, disconnect the nozzles and suction tubes;
• Disconnect the electric cable;
• to unscrew and remove the fastener, holding the fan and capacitor;
• remove the capacitor;
• Remove the mounts and dismantle the compressor.

You can now work on other tasks or remove the pulley from the compressor. The procedure for installing a new compressor is done in reverse order.

Removing the inner block

In order to take apart the internal block, you’ll need:

• Pull out protective plugs according to the instructions, unscrew the fasteners, remove the body cover;
• turn off the power cable, disconnecting it from the terminals, pull it out of the air conditioner;
• remove the drainage tube and substitute the container to drain the remaining liquid;
• trim, bend and clamp copper tubes, as on the outer block;
• eliminate the mounts and remove the block from the mounting plate;
• twist the screws with which the plate is attached to the wall, and remove it.

Features of work in winter

When trying to connect the air conditioner in cold weather, it is nearly impossible to download a refrigerant into the capacitor because the oil is thickening so much. This can easily lead to a supercharger malfunction. For air conditioning models—which come with a special winter kit—the situation is not too bad. The equipment consists of a fan rotation speed detector, a heating compressor, and a drainage crankcase.

In the event that your model is installed without this configuration, gas can be collected by pumping Freon through a manometric station.

This station is connected to the Schroeder valve in a manner similar to that of a manometric collector.

We provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively disassemble an air conditioner yourself, keeping or removing the Freon, in our article. We can help you dispose of the Freon responsibly or preserve it for future use. Our guide guarantees that you comprehend the procedure and can confidently take on it. We list the necessary equipment and guide you through every stage of the process, from disconnecting the unit to handling the refrigerant safely. Whether it’s for replacement, maintenance, or repair, you can easily disassemble your air conditioner with the help of clear instructions and practical hints.

The consequences of improper dismantling

We list several likely outcomes in the event that the air conditioning system is incorrectly disassembled:

1. Loss of tightness of the cooling circuit and freon leakage. The elimination of this unpleasant situation will require significant financial investments.
2. Clogging the internal contour of the system with dust, penetration inside moisture. These circumstances especially affect the functioning of the compressor, and the air conditioner in general. Therefore, it is impossible to remove the product in rainy and snowy weather.
3. Fall of a heavy external block 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 that can cause depressurization of the contour. Even the slightest crack can cause a gas leak, and the dust and moisture entering.

Step	Instructions
1	Turn off the power to the air conditioner from the main electrical panel.
2	Locate the service valves on the refrigerant lines. There should be one for the high-pressure side and one for the low-pressure side.
3	Using a wrench, slowly turn the valve on the low-pressure side counterclockwise to release the remaining Freon into the system.
4	Once the Freon has been released, use a pipe cutter to cut the refrigerant lines on both the high-pressure and low-pressure sides.
5	Remove any mounting brackets or screws securing the air conditioner to the wall or window frame.
6	With the help of a friend, carefully lift the air conditioner out of the window or wall and place it on a stable surface.
7	Use a screwdriver to remove the cover of the air conditioner and expose the internal components.
8	Disconnect the electrical wires connected to the air conditioner.
9	Remove any remaining screws or bolts holding the air conditioner together.
10	Once all components are disconnected and removed, carefully transport the air conditioner to a suitable recycling facility for proper disposal of the unit and the refrigerant.

It can be difficult to disassemble an air conditioner, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, you can certainly do this task yourself if you have the necessary information and methodology. Regardless of your intention to preserve the freon, this step-by-step guide will assist you in the process.

Your primary concern should always be safety first and foremost. Make sure your air conditioner is turned off and unplugged from any electrical source before you even consider touching it. This will lessen the possibility of mishaps or injuries occurring while disassembling.

You must handle the refrigerant extremely carefully if you want to keep the freon. When released incorrectly, freon is a dangerous chemical that can have negative effects on the environment and your health. Throughout the disassembly process, it is imperative to handle and contain the freon according to the correct protocols.

To reveal the internal components of the air conditioner, start by carefully removing the outer casing. Remember how the different parts are connected to one another and how they are laid out because you will need to reassemble everything exactly. Taking photos or drawing diagrams will also be helpful in guiding you through the reassembly process.

Locate the compressor unit and refrigerant lines next. You’ll need to recover and store the freon safely using specialized equipment if you’re preserving it. In order to pump the freon into a recovery cylinder, this usually entails connecting a recovery machine to the system. Observe all safety precautions and laws when working with refrigerants.

You can skip the recovery step and go straight to removing the compressor and refrigerant lines if you don’t care about keeping the freon. Make sure not to harm any components when disconnecting any electrical connections or tubing.

You can start disassembling the remaining parts of the air conditioner after removing the compressor and refrigerant lines. Sort and reserve the different parts, including the fan motor, condenser unit, and evaporator coil, for appropriate disposal or recycling.

Lastly, remember to dispose of any hazardous materials—like refrigerant or any component containing chemicals or oils—properly. Make sure to ask for advice from the numerous neighborhood recycling centers or waste disposal facilities as they provide services for properly getting rid of these materials.

You can successfully disassemble your air conditioner with or without keeping the freon by following these step-by-step instructions. Just always keep in mind to put safety first and handle hazardous materials according to the right protocols. You can confidently take on this do-it-yourself project if you have a little patience and pay attention to detail.

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