Mini Split systems are quite a hit overseas, and are now gaining popularity in the States as well. They offer flexibility and energy savings, which is making them a popular choice among homeowners. Just like with traditional systems, ductless mini split maintenance and proper care is crucial in order to preserve the health of the air in your home as well as of the actual unit. When timely maintained, the system stays happy, as does your wallet.
Seasonal Tips for NY & NJ Homeowners
These little systems can be used year-round. They can cool your home in the hot summer months and likewise warm it in the frigid winter months. When looking at seasonal maintenance, here are a few things to note:
- Deep cleaning is advised in the Spring and Fall, before major cooling and heating seasons. It’s best to call a professional service for this, we’ll be happy to help!
- In the winter, it’s important to protect parts of the outdoor unit and avoid ice buildup.
- Simply wiping down the unit on a regular basis can help keep it in better shape, but also don’t forget about regular filter changes!
Step-by-Step Maintenance for Optimal Mini-Split Performance
Below, is a more in depth look on things you should pay attention to in order to preserve the health of your unit. AKA your mini split maintenance checklist, coming up!
- Ensure Proper Ventilation
The unit should not be blocked by things like furniture, or home decor. Just like any ventilation system, the mini split needs to be unobstructed in order to have proper airflow so as to prevent the build up of dust and debris.
- Regularly Clean or Change the Filters
We probably sound like a broken record on this, but it truly is one of the simplest things you can do to prolong the proper function of the system. When filters get clogged, they lose efficacy. If your unit has to work harder to maintain the proper temperature, it raises your utility bills, and puts unnecessary stress on the system, which in turn decreases its lifespan.
- Clean the Unit’s Exterior
Simply put, anything on the outside has a tendency to work its way in. Hence, we advise regularly wiping down dust and other particles from the unit.
- Clean the Outdoor Unit
Just like its indoor counterpart, the outdoor unit should be unobstructed. Carefully remove things like leaves, and never allow plants to grow along the unit.
- Check Refrigerant Levels
Theoretically, you shouldn’t need to top off your unit unless it’s leaking, as the refrigerant that’s in it is constantly reused and recycled within the system. But things happen, so here are some signs that your unit may be leaking:
- Hissing sounds
- Poor performance
- Unusual smell
If you suspect a leak, call a licensed company for repair.
- Check the Condensate Pan
When it comes to ductless AC maintenance, a small amount of liquid is normal, as it’s a byproduct of the cooling process. It’s when you notice a full condensate pan that an issue (like a clogged drain pipe) could be at hand.
- Schedule Professional Mini Split AC Maintenance
There’s only so much you can do on your own. Licensed technicians have the needed tools to do a proper cleaning as well as the expertise to take your unit apart and put it back together again. Plus a trained professional can check all needed components and let you know when something is malfunctioning and requires attention. This often helps save money in the long run. Professional mini split maintenance should be completed twice a year, as mentioned above, we recommend professional service in the Spring and Fall.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts on Mini-Split Care
Just like with anything, if you stay on top of things, problems tend to be kept at bay. Mini split cleaning is no exception. Our team at Green Ductors has trained technicians in order to make your life easier. We’ll be happy to clean and assess the performance of your unit. Our goal is to ensure optimal function for years to come, so don’t hesitate and contact us at (888)334-1612 to schedule your mini split maintenance service today!
