Routine maintenance, AC repairs, and parts replacements may warrant a complete removal of a ductless air conditioner. Taking out an old ductless AC is also necessary when replacing the unit with a new model. Now you’re wondering how you can remove a ductless air conditioner. We researched and consulted with niche experts to give you the following answer.
Prepare for ductless air conditioner removal by having an assistant to help with lifting the different parts of the system. With a helper nearby, follow these steps to uninstall your ductless cooling system:
- Unscrew and take out the cover that holds the cables in the outside unit.
- Remove the nuts with a wrench and take away all the wires connected to the outside unit.
- For the indoor unit, open the cover and reveal the side panel.
- Remove the wires in the side panel by unscrewing them.
- Lift and carry the inside unit away from its wall mount carefully.
Make sure that you have sufficient knowledge, skill, and muscle strength to go through with the air conditioner removal job. Keep reading as we talk about the safety precautions and hazards associated with removing a ductless air conditioner. We’ll also tackle the steps to remove this cooling system in greater detail.
Can You Relocate A Ductless Split System Air Conditioner?
It’s possible to move a ductless split system AC to a different location. But bear in mind that this project is labor-intensive. Also, the operation demands a good understanding of electronics and proper wiring.
If you don’t have the strength to lift fairly heavy objects, and you’re not confident with your current knowledge and skill in electronics, let professionals handle this project for you. Otherwise, you’re going to put yourself and the air conditioner at risk of harm.
Watch this video to gain additional insight about the safety protocols and hazards involved in relocating a ductless air conditioner:
Perhaps you plan on relocating the ductless split system air conditioner to help bring cold air to an attic. Our post on cooling an attic bedroom should help you gain additional insight on that subject matter.
How Do You Remove A Ductless Split System Air Conditioner?
It can be ideal to start uninstalling a ductless split system air conditioner from the outside unit. Also, check your owner's manual to look at the information that will help you with the removal procedure. If the details aren’t immediately available, call the manufacturer to clarify the steps before proceeding with this undertaking.
Consulting the manufacturer or the owner’s manual is important to prevent costly mistakes for some ductless AC systems may require some distinct steps for their uninstallation processes.
After taking note of those pieces of information, here’s a look at how to remove a ductless split system cooling system:
What You’ll Need
- Screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Unscrew and remove the cover securing the cables that go to the house. Then, take out the nuts fastening the wires to the outdoor unit.
- Use an appropriately sized Allen wrench to remove the wires from the outside unit if necessary.
- Unscrew all the wires connected to the outside unit.
- Move the indoor unit and open its cover by swinging it up to reveal a side panel. Unscrew the side panel open to reveal additional wires and screws.
- Remove the screws securing the wires in the side panel.
- Close the side panel and remove the entire indoor unit from its wall placement carefully.
This job can be easier than intended if you have another person to help you with the heavy lifting. Also, ensure that you take note of each wire you disconnect. Never haphazardly reconnect wires into your ductless air conditioner. Doing so can put the cooling unit at risk of contracting irreparable damage.
Understand more about compressor wiring for air conditioners and heat pumps by watching the video below:
Additionally, the following clip shows a visual representation of the steps mentioned above:
At this point, you might be looking for options to replace the ductless air conditioner with another cooling system. If so, read our post on air conditioning options for homes with no ductwork.
How Do You Remove A Hole In The Wall After Removing An Air Conditioner?
Taking out an air conditioner like a ductless split system would often result in a gaping hole in the wall. Failure to close the gap is like an open invitation for pests to access your home’s interiors.
Here are the steps to close the hole in the wall after removing an air conditioner:
What You’ll Need
- 2x4 wooden boards
- ½-inch thick drywall sheet
- Joint compound
- Joint compound knife
- Plywood sheet
- Circular or handsaw
- Insulation
- Drywall screws
- Preferred paint
Step-by-Step Guide
- Build a wooden frame surrounding the hole using 2x4 boards.
- Apply a ½-inch thick drywall sheet that fits the dimensions of the frame. Secure the drywall to the frame with screws afterward.
- Apply drywall joint compound into the opening. Then, put drywall tape into the compound to help push it onto the open area.
- Spread another layer of joint compound but this time focus on the frame’s seams. Smoothen the application with a joint compound knife.
- Let the compound dry, which should take about 24 hours.
- After the joint compound dries, paint the drywall to match the color of the rest of the wall.
- Move to the outside hole and place insulation in it.
- Cut a plywood sheet to size with a saw and secure it on the hole with drywall screws.
- Cover the wood with your home’s wall treatment (e.g., shingles or siding)
Where To Install A Ductless Air Conditioner?
Relocating a ductless air conditioner after removing it from its previous placement requires careful attention to different essential factors. Some of the things to think about for a proper ductless cooling system installation are:
- Air distribution: The new location of the ductless AC should be in an area where air can circulate properly. A placement that’s 7 feet above ground should suffice.
- Sunlight: Ensure that the AC is away from direct sunlight. Harsh UV rays may bring harm to some of the cooling unit’s parts, resulting in a fairly low serviceable life.
- Obstructions: Keep the indoor air conditioning unit away from electronic devices like computers and TVs. Doing so will help prevent the AC from accumulating an unwanted increase in internal temperature.
Additionally, install a ductless air conditioner in a room near an exterior wall. Albeit it's possible to install the cooling unit in an interior wall, additional remodeling might be necessary to pull off this setup.
How To Install A Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Before you start with the installation, ensure that you have all the parts needed for the job. Check your ductless mini-split air conditioner’s manual for information on the components you may need to purchase separately.
Also, inspect the cooling unit for any visible defects. Send the ductless air conditioner for repairs, or return it to the manufacturer or retailer if you find flaws that would otherwise jeopardize the installation.
Once you took note of the precautions, you can proceed with the install project:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the wall bracket from the back of the mini-split indoor air handler.
- Install the bracket at your preferred location.
- Drill a hole in the wall for the condensate line if you haven’t yet.
- Remove the drain hose from the indoor unit by following the steps dictated on the unit’s instruction manual.
- Secure the drain plug and open the side panel.
- Push the multi-conductor wire into the inlet hole from the back of the side panel.
- Bundle the control wire, drain tube, and refrigerant lines with electrical tape.
- Place and secure the air handler on the wall mount. Then, push the bundled wires and lines into the hole for the outside condenser.
You can also watch the video below to learn additional details about a ductless mini-split air conditioner installation. It shows the equipment and materials necessary for this job, along with the setup process for the outside condenser unit.
Check out this mini-split air conditioning system on Amazon.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove An Old Air Conditioner?
Old air conditioner removal costs using professional services are usually free of charge, depending on the company. Some companies may have fees for the clean disposal of removed old or broken air conditioners. These costs for dumping worn cooling systems often range from $25 to $200.
The overhead can also increase if homeowners decide to replace their cooling systems with new models. If so, property owners should expect to pay between $4,350 and $12,095, which includes the new unit and professional installation services.
Final Words
Ductless air conditioner removal can be a laborious job. Make sure to have adequate knowledge and skill before attempting this undertaking. Having an assistant to help you with the uninstallation process can also help make this project easier and safer to complete than expected.