Inverter air conditioners are designed to work as a complete system, which includes both the indoor unit (evaporator) and the outdoor unit (condenser). The two units are interconnected and work together to provide cooling or heating as needed. It's not advisable to start the outdoor unit of an inverter air conditioner without the indoor unit (evaporator) in place. Attempting to do so could lead to damage to the system or potential safety hazards.
Here's why you should not start the outdoor unit without the evaporator:
Refrigerant Flow: Inverter air conditioners operate by circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air (evaporator) and releases it outside (condenser). Without the evaporator, there would be no heat exchange, and the refrigerant flow could be disrupted.
System Protection: Inverter air conditioners have built-in safety features to protect the system from malfunctions. When the system detects an issue, it may shut down automatically to prevent damage. Starting the outdoor unit without the indoor unit could trigger such safety mechanisms.
Potential Damage: Running the outdoor unit without the indoor unit could cause the compressor to overheat or operate at abnormal conditions. Compressors are essential and expensive components of air conditioners, and subjecting them to improper use may result in damage.
No Cooling Effect: Even if you somehow manage to start the outdoor unit without the indoor unit, it won't provide any cooling effect in the absence of the evaporator. The cooling process requires both units to function together.
If there's an issue with your air conditioner and you suspect that the indoor unit (evaporator) is not functioning correctly, it's best to contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect and repair the system properly. Trying to troubleshoot or operate the air conditioner without the necessary components can be hazardous and may cause further damage. HVAC professionals have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix air conditioner issues safely and effectively.