Your home’s HVAC system is a crucial piece of machinery. Whether it’s trying to get you through the scalding summer or the wicked winter, you need your mini-split system to be able to live up to its capabilities. Issues may arise with your ductless mini-split, so it’s important to know what you can do to fix the problem or when you may have to call in some experts for help in fixing your HVAC.
Preventative Maintenance
When it comes to learning how to troubleshoot your ductless mini-split system, getting out in front of issues is the easiest way to avoid troubles. Research shows that an air conditioning system loses up to 5 percent per year in efficiency if proper maintenance is not carried out. Regular cleaning and replacement of air filters are two of the easiest ways to avoid equipment within a ductless mini breaking down. It also helps to ensure that contaminants and crud aren’t circulating throughout your household anytime you turn on the HVAC.
In turn, you are expending less energy when you use your ductless mini-split, as you are not putting undue pressure when using your air conditioner or your heater. Replacing filters is an easy fix for any homeowner. If you notice that the issues go beyond cleaning or changing air filters, it may be time to call in an HVAC technician to take care of your ductless unit. There could be a much more significant electrical issue.
Check the Outdoor Unit
A ductless mini-split system is a two-part system that requires the simultaneous use of outdoor and indoor units. Difficulties with your ductless unit can be spotted with an assessment of the compressor and the condenser unit outdoors. Fallen leaves, branches, and other debris can cause damage to the outdoor unit, compromising its ability to generate hot or cool air throughout the household. Airflow can be obstructed, parts can be damaged, or coolant can leak out. In the summer months, ice buildup can form on the outdoor unit.
Any faults in your mini-split system can be determined by checking your unit’s condensate drain line, making sure there’s no buildup causing system failure. If the ductless unit is leaking from the indoor air-handling unit or doesn’t appear to be draining at all, then it’s time to call in a technician. In severe cases, a damaged drain line can cause backups that result in persistent issues in your home. There could also be cracks that are leaking refrigerant, which should only be handled by a technician. Certain equipment breakdowns can be replaced under your owner’s warranty.
The Mini-Split System Won’t Power On
A ductless AC and heat system may not be able to trigger on, which could leave your home freezing cold in the dead of winter or sweltering in the middle of summer. This can be caused by an operational error. In some cases, it’s a minimal issue, where a homeowner has set the incorrect settings on their HVAC unit. If the heat and AC are still not operating at your speed, check the circuits in your home. There’s a good chance that the problem may actually be stemming from your house’s power supply rather than a malfunction.
In order for a ductless mini to function well, proper communication is essential. If your system is experiencing communication issues such as poor signal and inconsistent operation, one of the most common causes is improper wiring. A potential way to fix this common problem with a ductless mini-split is to check local electrical codes and make sure the correct communication wire is being used. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for cleaning and other maintenance to keep your mini-split up to code.
