How to remove a split system yourself without losing freon

It may seem difficult to remove a split system air conditioner, especially if you don’t want to lose any freon in the process. The refrigerant used in these systems, freon, can be costly to replace but is essential to their functioning. Fortunately, you can disconnect and remove your split system safely and without losing this important component if you have the right tools and some guidance.

It’s crucial to comprehend your split system’s fundamental architecture before getting started. Usually, these units are made up of an outdoor and an indoor component that are connected by refrigerant lines. Making sure these lines are correctly

Methods for dismantling a split system while preserving freon

Prior to dismantling a split system without losing freon, you must choose the instruments that will enable you to work as fast and effectively as possible. Stage of preparation

This kit will expedite the removal process and guard against damage when taking apart a split system. to stop freon from leaking out because the wrong tools were used.

With the correct procedures and equipment, removing a split system air conditioner without losing freon can be completed quickly and safely. To contain the freon inside the unit, start by shutting off the power supply and closing the service valves. Next, carefully unplug the electrical wiring and the refrigerant lines. Make sure to cap the lines to stop any leaks of freon. You may successfully remove the unit without losing any freon by taking these safety measures and working methodically. This will save you time and money on repairs and refills.

Step one: pump freon into the external unit

Note that the external unit’s condenser can only be pumped with freon when it is in the cooling mode; when it is in the heating mode, it functions as an evaporator already.

The basic idea is that when the air conditioner runs, the outdoor unit’s valve at the outlet closes first, which triggers the collection of freon. The split unit shuts off when the second valve closes after a predetermined amount of time. You can now remove the split system yourself without losing any freon because it’s all contained in the outdoor unit. If someone can assist you in quickly turning off the air conditioner, that’s good.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Connect the pressure gauge and unscrew the valve plug. There’s pressure on Freon, and it might leak! Take care to prevent burns; wear gloves. You can check the pressure gauge’s readings as soon as you connect;

Step 2: Select the lowest temperature setting and activate the cooling mode. Remember to switch on the air conditioner’s turbo mode if it has one. Now that the compressor is operating at maximum capacity, you receive precisely what you require.

Step 3: Using a hex wrench, we start tightening the thin tube’s valve. The outdoor unit still receives refrigerant, but it no longer has an outlet. When the nut is tightened all the way around, the pressure gauge will register a lower pressure.

You will hear the compressor start to operate under load as soon as the thin tube is closed. This occurs because the compressor keeps pumping the leftover freon from the evaporator even though the supply of freon to the apartment has been cut off. However, the second tap remains open.

Step 4: Close the thick pipe’s valve when the pressure reaches zero or marginally lower, which should happen in ten to twenty seconds. The duration of the conversation determines how long you must wait; the longer, the longer. Pay attention to these statistics: For 20–30 seconds, 3-5 m is sufficient, and for 40–50 seconds, 7–10 m is required.

Step 5: In order to prevent overtaxing the compressor, the air conditioner must be turned off as soon as all of the freon has been added to the external unit. Using the remote control or giving this task to an assistant is convenient.

With the exception of the first step being skipped, the sequence is identical to the prior iteration. The fourth step is to wait "blindly" for about fifteen seconds.

It is not advised for novice repairmen to use this freon-saving technique as it may result in compressor failure.

Using equipment

The third and most difficult way to remove an air conditioner calls for the use of specialized tools. You shouldn’t use it without specialized technical training, though.

Freon is pumped in large volumes in high-performance split systems, and its complete restoration in the outdoor unit might not be feasible. In these situations, all of the refrigerant is collected using a specialized charging cylinder, which serves as a heat exchanger.

How to remove a split system in winter

Winter work is unique in that there is a minimum operating temperature that depends on the type of air conditioner, auxiliary equipment, and freon. The compressor’s unique design, which is based on oil and thickens with cold temperatures, is another reason for this dependence. Simple air conditioners have a lower temperature limit of +5°C to -5°C, and inverter air conditioners have a lower temperature limit of -15°C to -25°C.

To prevent freon from escaping, these features should be considered before the split system is removed. Use of a freon collection station with an oil-free compressor is required if the temperature falls below the specified limit and the air conditioner is not equipped with crankcase heating.

On the other hand, some argue that since the outdoor unit houses almost all of the freon during the winter, there’s no need to pump it in. which makes breaking down the split system on your own even simpler. All you have to do is take out both units and unplug the device. The only issue that could arise are frozen valves. If this occurs, heating them with a hairdryer is an easy way to fix the issue.

Naturally, some refrigerant will leak into the street after removal, but you won’t have to refill the refrigerant entirely when installing it again. You can restock your air conditioner if it operates on 22 freon.

In order to start the air conditioner in cold weather, some craftsmen employ a trick where they locate a temperature sensor and warm it up. You will break the compressor if you do this, so I strongly advise against it.

7 important nuances when dismantling an air conditioner

The best course of action would be to hire experts to handle the disassembly and additional reinstallation. You become accountable for the equipment’s upkeep when one person disassembles the split system and another installs it. Furthermore, not every person will install an air conditioner that a previous "master" brutally removed.

In the event that you are unable to locate a qualified expert, keep the following considerations in mind when eliminating the split system:

1. Refrigerant leaks. May occur due to improper disconnection of circuit piping. This will not lead to an environmental disaster, but when reinstalling you will have to pay for refilling freon again.
2. Water. Damp air may enter the heat exchanger. When you turn on the split system, the water will freeze and turn into ice fragments, and solid particles can negatively affect the operation of the compressor. Therefore, it is not recommended to remove the outdoor unit in humid weather.
3. Foreign particles. If dust gets into the pipeline during disassembly, there is a risk of damaging the compressor, as was the case with water.
4. Impacts and mechanical pressure on the equipment should be avoided, as this may lead to freon leakage. Note the threaded fittings that are welded to the pipes. If they are damaged, expensive repair work or complete replacement of the line will be required.
5. Careless disconnection of tubes. Without markings, they can easily be confused during installation, which can lead to malfunctions or even failure of the split system.
6. Cut off drainage tube. If you cut it off incorrectly during dismantling, then in the future there is a possibility that it will be short and will need to be replaced.
7. Dismantling the external unit. If it is located above the first floor, it is best to trust a professional, since in this case you will need special equipment. However, even if access is possible from ground level, it is recommended that at least two people do so, as such modules are heavy and there is a risk of them falling.

The freon is safely moved to the external unit and can be reused when moving if all the procedures were followed. Let’s now investigate the ease of removal for both the indoor and outdoor units.

Stage two: dismantling the split system

Mark the pipes with a marker, leave scratches on them, or cover them with colored electrical tape before taking them apart. Remove the pipes from the outside and indoor units by unscrewing them, then promptly plug the holes. You can purchase specialized plugs for this purpose, or in dire circumstances, use electrical tape and tape. To keep the compressor from being harmed, the primary need is to keep dust out of the pipeline.

How to remove the outdoor unit of a split system

It is risky and difficult to remove an air conditioner’s outdoor unit. If it is fixed at a height greater than 2-3 meters, it is not advised that you attempt to disassemble it yourself.

Read the directions below to remove the outdoor unit if you are certain you can handle it:

1. Using a wrench, remove the clamps connecting the fittings to the copper tubes. Carefully move them to the side. Tighten the plugs onto the holes to prevent foreign particles from getting in. Alternatively, instead of removing the tubes, you can simply bite them off and bend them by flattening the ends.
2. The next step is to disconnect the outdoor unit from the power source. Look for a cover on the unit that covers the terminals. Before disconnecting the wiring, put masking tape on top and write down the connection order so that in the future you don’t have to remember where and what to connect. Now you can unscrew the cables.
3. Unscrew the bolts connecting the outdoor unit to the bracket attached to the outside wall. Usually there are several of them along the edges of the body. Carefully remove the device from the bracket.

Thus, we gave the idea of taking the air conditioner’s external unit apart some thought. Let’s now proceed to the block inside the house.

How to remove the internal block of a split system

The external unit of the air conditioner has not been fully disassembled on its own. The block inside the house must also be removed. Although you can complete this task on your own, working together is recommended.

Disconnecting the unit from all communications is a prerequisite before disassembling it. Communications are connected to the unit in a single location in many split systems. To reveal the connection, you can take off the protective plastic.

Verify whether the device’s bottom has latches. Try to hook the bundle of connecting pipes and pull them out after you unlock them and carefully remove the device from the wall.

In the event that no latches are present, you must take apart the front panel in order to locate the supply pipes.

Typically, a special material is used to insulate the communication bundle. A knife should be used to carefully, but not completely, cut through the insulation. Reaching connections and unscrewing them while preserving as much insulation as possible are critical.

Next actions:

1. Unscrew the nuts using the appropriate wrenches. Cover the open ends of the tubes with caps to protect them from foreign particles. Alternatively, cut the tube and flatten the end.
2. Find the junction of the drain pipe and the pan. Cut the pipe so that it is easier to connect them together when reinstalling the air conditioner.
3. Turn off the power supply and remove the wiring. Apply masking tape on top and label the order in which the wires are connected to make it easier for you to assemble the unit in a new location.
4. After turning off the power, carefully remove the device from the wall by loosening the remaining latches or unscrewing the fasteners. It is recommended that two people remove the block, as it is difficult to do it alone.
5. Unscrew the mounting panel from the wall.

Please be aware that the domestic air conditioner may have a water-filled drain pan inside of it. It needs to be removed carefully, emptied, and given another wash.

To make moving the split system and installing it in a new place easier, you can now put all the components together on the floor. After removing the mounting plate from the wall, screw the device onto it. Use masking tape to firmly secure any moving parts. Everything is prepared for action.

Eliminating the remaining communications within the wall is the only task left to do. Take caution when working to avoid damaging the copper pipes. You can leave everything in place if the pipeline is concealed by a layer of plaster and you don’t want to harm the finish. Nevertheless, you will need to re-lay them in a new location.

Step	Description
1	Turn off the power
2	Close the valves on the outdoor unit
3	Run the AC in cooling mode for a few minutes
4	Turn off the AC and unplug it
5	Disconnect the pipes and wires carefully
6	Remove the indoor and outdoor units

If done carefully, removing a split system without losing freon can be a manageable task. The crucial actions include disconnecting the indoor and outdoor units, safely releasing the refrigerant, and making sure all parts are handled correctly. You can preserve the freon and prevent system damage by adhering to a regulated procedure.

Make sure you have the required equipment and safety gear first. It’s imperative to have a wrench set, gloves, and safety goggles. To begin, turn off the unit’s power supply and check the freon levels with a gauge. If necessary, it’s crucial to recover the refrigerant using a recovery machine because it’s dangerous and forbidden in many places to release it into the atmosphere.

Next, disconnect the refrigerant lines and the electrical wiring with caution. As soon as possible, cap the ends of the lines to avoid contamination and freon loss. To make the process of reinstalling them easier later, make sure to label the pipes and wires. The indoor and outdoor units can then be removed from their mounts by unscrewing and pulling them.

During the procedure, take care handling every part to prevent any physical harm. The preservation of freon and the continued operation of the system can be guaranteed by appropriately sealing the refrigerant lines and putting the units in a secure location. By following these safety measures, you can successfully remove your split system without losing freon and protect the environment in addition to saving money.

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