Understanding Your Ductless Mini Split System
Before diving into maintenance tips, it helps to understand how your ductless mini split system works. These systems consist of three main components: the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant lines that connect them. The indoor unit is responsible for blowing conditioned air into your home, while the outdoor unit dissipates heat from the refrigerant. Regular maintenance of these components is crucial for efficient operation.
The Importance of Mini Split Maintenance
Unlike many traditional AC and heating units, ductless mini splits are dual-purpose systems that both cool and heat your home throughout the year. This makes preventative maintenance essential to keep your system running optimally year-round, no matter the season.
Staying on top of regular maintenance for your mini split offers several benefits including:
- Efficiency & Energy Savings – A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
- Repair Cost Savings – Preventative maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become major problems, reducing repair costs.
- Longevity – Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your system, saving you money on costly replacements.
Ignoring maintenance can lead to reduced performance, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns.
Ductless Mini Split Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
Clean the Filters – One of the easiest and most effective maintenance tasks is washing and changing the filters. Mini split filters are known for accumulating debris quickly so we recommend cleaning them at least every 30 days. Here is a step-by-step checklist:
- Turn off the system.
- Open the front panel of the indoor unit.
- Remove the filters.
- Clean the filters with a vacuum or wash them with mild soap and water.
- Let the filters dry completely before reinstalling them.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit – Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and ensure there are no obstructions around it. Regularly check for leaves, dirt, and other debris that might block airflow.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks – Signs of a refrigerant leak include reduced cooling/heating efficiency and hissing noises. If you suspect a leak, it’s best to contact a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
When to Call an HVAC Technician for Mini Split Maintenance
In the long term, DIY maintenance isn’t enough to keep your system functioning at its best. Just like traditional AC and heating units, ductless mini split systems still require a regular maintenance tune-up once a year. During this professional service visit, a technician will perform a number of tasks including thoroughly inspecting your system, cleaning components, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring everything is functioning correctly.
Mini splits should also be deep cleaned once every 2 years in most cases. Compared to a regular tune-up, this deep cleaning service goes the extra mile to get rid of stubborn, hard-to-reach debris that builds up over time. If your mini split is located in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, you will want to get it deep cleaned more often – typically once a year – to remove grease, dust, and other particles that accumulate more quickly.
Not sure if it’s time for your mini split to be deep cleaned? Check out our video that explains how to check for yourself before contacting a pro. We also share our cleaning process so you can see what your unit should look like when fully cleaned.
Schedule a Ductless Mini Split Tune-Up Today
Don’t wait until your system breaks down when you need it the most. If you’re located in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, or Delaware County, our trusted HVAC team at AirMaster Heating & Cooling Specialists offers regular tune-ups to ensure your ductless mini split system stays in top shape. We are proud to be Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractors that have extensive experience with installing, repairing, and maintaining Mitsubishi’s full line of ductless mini splits. Schedule a maintenance tune-up with us today!
