10 Maintenance Tips for Your Mini Split System

Your home’s mini-split system maintains home comfort by providing heating or cooling throughout the year. However, for it to continue running efficiently and offer great service for many years, it needs routine maintenance. Here are 10 tips to keep your home’s mini-split system in good condition and potentially improve performance and reliability.

1. Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

Regular inspections done by a qualified HVAC technician at a company like Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical are the way to achieve longevity and maximum efficiency from your home’s mini-split system. At the very least, make an appointment for an inspection twice a year before the toughest heating and cooling seasons. During these visits, our professionals check for refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, or worn-out components. 

Regular inspections help us notice potential problems and get them repaired before they become huge problems that may be intrusive and costly. These check-ups ensure your home’s mini-split system operates at peak efficiency and helps you keep the energy bills for your home lower. Our technicians also make sure that all of the system’s parts run well, which reduces system strain and can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.

2. Clean or Replace Air Filters Frequently

Air filters in your mini-split help trap dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. With time, these filters tend to clog and inhibit free airflow, making the system work harder. A dirty air filter means that the mini-split system works harder and less efficiently, which leads to wear and tear. To prevent this, the air filter needs a replacement or cleaning monthly.

A clean filter saves energy because it allows air to flow freely, not consuming too much electricity and resulting in a home with a consistent temperature. Having your home’s air filters regularly serviced also enhances the air quality inside your house and lowers allergens, dust particles, and contaminants.

3. Have the Indoor Unit Coils Inspected and Cleaned

The indoor coils in your home’s mini-split system transfer heat, and their cleanliness directly affects the system’s functionality. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris stick to these coils, forming a barrier that hinders the proper transfer of heat. That means the system works harder than it should to reach the desired temperature, which increases energy usage and potentially strains the system’s components.

We inspect the coils for accumulated dirt or corrosion during routine maintenance visits. We also clean the coils with specialized tools and cleaning agents that wash out any form of contaminants without causing damage to the fragile coil fins. 

4. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris

The outdoor part of a mini-split unit usually doesn’t have protection from leaves, dirt, and debris. Debris may choke off the airflow around the unit and affect its efficiency or cause damage. In extreme cases, such as blocked airflow, the unit may overheat, putting more wear on vital parts of the system. When one of our technicians comes to your home to do an inspection, they will make sure that there is no debris, check the condition of the fins, and make sure that the refrigerant lines have proper insulation. 

5. Have the Condensate Drain Checked for Blockages

The condensate drain for your home’s mini-split system is a drain line designed to remove the moisture the system draws from the air. Should this drain become clogged, it backs up the water into the system and potentially creates water damage to your home or negatively impacts the unit’s performance. The blocked condensate drain also increases the humidity inside your house, reducing comfort and potentially growing unwanted contaminants.

6. Have the Refrigerant Levels Monitored

Refrigerant makes the mini-split system effective in cooling or heating your home. Low refrigerant generally is an indication that there is a leak in the system. This greatly reduces the efficiency of your home’s mini-split system and may even contribute to mechanical breakdowns. Low refrigerant is the cause of inadequate cooling or heating, higher electric bills, and more wear and tear on your home’s mini-split system. We can quickly get the refrigerant levels back to normal so your home’s mini-split system works well again. 

7. Have Electrical Connections and Components Inspected

Your home’s mini-split system depends on electrical connections and components to work properly. Over time, these connections may loosen or become corroded. This issue may lead to system malfunction or even create an electrical short. This then forms a safety hazard. 

During the maintenance visit, one of our technicians checks all electrical connections, including wiring, terminals, and circuit boards. They tighten any loose connections and replace components that appear corroded or worn. This in-depth inspection provides you with the peace of mind that your home’s mini-split will not fail and works safely and reliably.

8. Ensure Proper Thermostat Functionality

Essentially, your mini-split’s thermostat is the command center, controlling the temperature in the space. With a poor working thermostat, the system is inconsistent in temperature and offers poor energy efficiency. For instance, a thermostat that doesn’t work well utilizes the system for too long or not long enough, which means hot or cold air blows air into your home unevenly.

We check the thermostat for calibration to establish that it correctly responds to the temperature in your home. We make sure the thermostat properly interfaces with your ductless mini-split system for maximum output during operation. Proper thermostat operation translates to a suitable indoor climate that enhances your ductless mini-split’s performance.

9. Have the Fan and Blower Assembly Maintained

This assembly helps to circulate the air in the house. Over time, this crucial unit may end up covered in dirt, dust, or other forms of debris, disrupting airflow and further exerting pressure on the system. Reduced airflow occasionally results in either hot or cold spots in the room and reduces system efficiency while increasing energy costs.

During servicing, one of our team members cleans the fan blades, blower wheel, and all the surrounding areas to clear anything stuck to them. Restoration of proper airflow enhances comfort in your home and reduces the system’s workload, leading to an enhanced lifespan and energy consumption reduction.

10. Invest in a Surge Protector for Your Mini-Split System

Electrical surges happen because of several issues, like a lightning strike, a drop in electrical power, or even an anomaly in your home’s electrical system. Sometimes the surges cause crucial damage to the sensitive electronic components of your mini-split system and end up being costly in terms of repair or even replacing the whole system. A surge protector is a good way to have peace of mind that your mini-split system has an extra layer of protection.

At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical in Weatherford, TX, we provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance services for homes in the area. Our friendly and punctual team also provides heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for more information about maintaining your home’s mini-split system today!