How to remove the air conditioner from the wall with your own hands during repairs
Some people install air conditioners in their apartments in the summer to escape the high heat. However, sometimes it is necessary to disassemble such a device. The reasons for dismantling can be different, but most often they are removed due to breakdowns. Before proceeding with the removal, you should familiarize yourself with how to remove the air conditioner from the wall during repairs.
Precautionary measures
Before you start disassembling the device, you need to understand the features of its device. This will help to avoid unpleasant consequences during labor. The device has two main units - indoor and outdoor. They are combined with each other by pipes necessary for moving the refrigerant.
Most often, it is in this part that the problems arise when a person tries to remove the device on their own:
- incorrect disconnection of the main pipe, which leads to partial loss of freon;
- air ingress into the tubes, due to which the air conditioner can break;
- the ingress of foreign bodies into the main pipelines, which leads to a deterioration in the circulation of freon.
Tool required
There are several different tools that will be needed to do the job.
pipe cutter
A pipe cutter is a tool used to cut pipes. It differs from a hacksaw in that it makes perfectly even cuts and does not create sawdust during operation. During use, the pipe cutter is placed on the pipe, after which it is carefully clamped and turned around the axis. This is done until the wall of the tube is completely cut.
Gauge manifold
This is a special device used to control the pressure inside refrigeration systems and air conditioners. Additionally, the gauge manifold is used to fill and evacuate cooling systems.Collectors are connected to refrigerant cylinders and refrigeration units, after which the system is filled with freon.
Keys
When dismantling air conditioners, three types of keys are used.
Hex socket
Hex keys are considered a useful and irreplaceable tool used when repairing various equipment. Hexagons are used when working with hex shaped fasteners. This tool will not work for other fasteners.
Carob
Spanners are considered the most common and therefore can be found in almost every household. This tool is used to screw or unscrew the fixing nuts. When using such a key, the nut is clamped between two horns and begins to rotate. The advantages of flat keys are versatility and ease of use.
Key
Some people do not have an open-end wrench, so they have to use adjustable models when disassembling the air conditioner. The disadvantages of these tools are as follows:
- the presence of a large head, due to which it is sometimes difficult to unscrew small nuts;
- impossibility of tight fastening of the nut;
- gradual loss of performance.
Side cutting pliers
It is the most popular cutting and biting tool that almost everyone owns. These cutting pliers are used to cut wires, wires or cables. They are sometimes used to cut small sheets of metal or plastic objects into pieces.
Drill
The drill is considered an indispensable tool that has many useful functions. It is often used for drilling holes, sanding surfaces or driving screws. However, certain types of products can be used to loosen fasteners. It is this function that will be needed to disassemble the air conditioner.
screwdriver set
To quickly remove the cooling system from the wall, you need a set of screwdrivers. Phillips and straight screwdrivers are used to loosen the mounting screws. However, it is better to use tools of different sizes because the screws can be small or too big.
construction knife
A construction knife is considered a versatile tool used not only by builders, but also by designers, seamstresses, and craftsmen who repair household appliances. Previously, such a knife was used only for cutting paper, but now it is used for cutting foam, leather, cardboard and even plastic.
How to drain freon with your own hands
Before dismantling the air conditioner, it is necessary to drain freon from the system. To do so, follow these steps:
- Close the valve located between the thin line pipe and the body of the device.
- Close the tap on the thick pipe. This is done when the refrigerant has moved to the condenser.
Disassembly sequence
It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specifics of dismantling the system beforehand.
outdoor unit
Dismantling begins with dismantling the outdoor unit. First, the thermal insulation of the structure is removed. Next, the nuts responsible for fixing the air conditioner to the wall are carefully unscrewed. After the fasteners are unscrewed, the system is carefully removed. It is best to do this together, so as not to damage anything.
indoor unit
To remove the indoor unit, follow these steps:
- remove the housing cover;
- disconnect the cable responsible for the power supply;
- unscrew the pipe;
- remove the thermal insulation and disconnect the freon pipe;
- unscrew the screws and remove the indoor unit with the mounting plastic.
Dismantling features
There are several features of dismantling, with which you should familiarize yourself in advance.
Cassette devices
Some people install cassette models of devices in the apartment. Their main feature is the presence of reinforced protection of the whole. Before removal, you need to get rid of it with the help of special electrical devices. Then the device is disconnected from the network, after which the refrigerant is pumped out and the pipes are unscrewed.
Channel
Conduit devices are more difficult to remove due to the fact that they are very bulky.
Therefore, experts recommend dismantling with the help of another master who will help remove the structure.
In which cases it is not necessary to disassemble
There are several cases when it is not necessary to completely disassemble the air conditioner:
- Paste wallpaper. Some people remove the structures when pasting the wallpaper, but this is not necessary. Just remove the casing from the indoor unit.
- Align the walls. In this case, only the internal part of the system is dismantled.
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes are made when dismantling air conditioners:
- improper disconnection of tubes;
- incorrect refrigerant pumping;
- using unsuitable tools.
Conclusion
People who have an air conditioner sometimes have to remove it. Before that, you should familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations for dismantling such systems.