How to Open Split Type Aircon

With its compact and ductless cooling format, a split type aircon changed the air conditioning privileges that window ACs used to offer. Its chilling system is separated into indoor and outdoor units, where each of these is responsible for maintaining quality air inside the house.

But when it comes to cleaning a split AC, proper maintenance must be observed to avoid unnecessary damage to the system. It has many advantages in comparison to window ACs so it’s best to maintain it in good condition all the time. And the first step to ensuring its safety is to know how to open the aircon properly. So how to open a split type aircon?

How to Open the Indoor Unit

Turn off the power source before opening any of the two units. Find the latches or tabs holding the front panel of the interior system. Carefully discharge the locks or push the tabs, and cautiously lift the panel upward access to its inside workings. The front panel of the internal system holds most of the controls, like temperature setting, fan speed, and auto or manual mode. On the other hand, If the panel can’t be removed, hold it in position with one hand and clean the inside.

What’s Inside the Indoor Unit of the Split Type Aircon?

Installing a split system AC can be quite a challenge since it has two units. While the front panel includes the control settings, the main body of the interior part houses the air filters and evaporator coils. Evaporator coils are located inside and these are typically made of copper, which contains coolants and quickly conducts hot air.

These two components need to be checked to see if there are coils that need straightening or filters to be replaced. It’s to be noted that air filters are prone to moisture buildup due to the accumulation of dust from the household air. On the other hand, the evaporator coils are responsible for converting warm air into cold air that the users can enjoy.

How to Know if the Interior Part of the Split Type Aircon is Working Fine

As previously discussed, the interior part has all the controls for the split-type aircon. The manufacturers develop the settings to be user-friendly to accommodate all types of users, especially of varying ages.

After removing the front panel and cleaning internal workings, place everything back exactly how it was removed. Turn the electricity on by going to the circuit breaker or aircon power source. Check the split-type aircon to see if cold air is coming out of it once the power is on and running.

How to Open the Outdoor Unit

Most of the time, the outdoor system requires external cleaning only. This involves rinsing the grille and removing any debris and dust on the casing. However, maintaining the good condition of the split AC is equivalent to checking if there are fins or internal wirings that need fixing.

To disable the grille from the condenser’s top, use a screwdriver or another pointed tool. Remove any electronic systems, more specifically the fan, before the fins can be cleaned. Before lifting the fan out of the metal casing, remove any bolts or screws, holding it in place with a wrench or screwdriver. However, the fans are wired to it so it can’t be entirely removed. Use this opportunity to check if there are faulty wires and bent fins.

What Will I Find When I Open the Outdoor System?

It’s only natural to know what to expect to find inside the outdoor system before deciding to open and clean it. There are interior and exterior parts to the air conditioner, and each is connected to a series of wiring that needs proper maintenance. 

As the hot air passes through the coil, the coil absorbs heat, causing the refrigerant to vaporize into a gas state. Here, the hot air inside the appliance is transferred by the refrigerant and then passed through the compressor and condensing coils. The refrigerant is given back in liquid form by the compressor. The fans are also located in this part of the split-type aircon. It’s responsible for maintaining the right amount of airflow for the refrigerant to flow, and for the exchange of hot and cold air to happen.

How to Know if the Outdoor Part of the Split Type Aircon is Working Fine?

Similar to its interior counterpart, check if it’s working fine after conducting maintenance and cleaning. To reinstall the fan in the condenser plating, use the same tools used when it was removed. Reattach the top grille to the outdoor part, and turn the circuit breaker or power source back on. Check carefully if the system is running smoothly and if there is unnecessary humming or noise from the system.

What to Do if there are Faulty Wirings in the Split Type Aircon Units?

If faulty wiring or unnecessary sound is coming from the aircon, check the source and make sure to keep tabs on everything. Don’t hesitate to contact an HVAC expert to ask for help and to prevent any further damage to the air conditioning system. While YouTube videos offer free guides on how to deal with this kind of situation, it’s still wise to consult an expert for more proper maintenance.

Final Thoughts

A split type aircon has two units and both have a different purpose. Yet without the other one, a proper cooling system can’t be achieved. This reason alone is enough to always handle the units with more caution. As such, the simple act of opening the front panel or removing the casing is important to ensure there won’t be any further damage to the system as the maintenance progresses from the moment the units are opened.

While modern technology and internet accessibility offer many great deals, like free tutorials on YouTube and other websites, it’s best to ask an expert if the situation is too complex to understand or to deal with.