Ductless Mini-Split Maintenance: 5 Simple Tips to Keep Your System Running Efficiently

Getting ductless mini-splits isn’t just a way to enjoy a more comfortable home. It’s also an investment in your future. These high-performance units boast excellent energy efficiency, quiet operation, and customizable comfort. Unlike central ACs, you also don’t need to mess around with ductwork installation and maintenance. 

However, even the best unit will still need ductless mini-split maintenance to stay functional. With the best mini-split maintenance tips and routine tune-ups, you can ensure peak performance and energy efficiency.

At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we are the trusted local experts for HVAC services. From ductless mini-split repairs to routine maintenance, we offer leading services to homeowners in the Denver area.

1. Clean or Replace Your Air Filters Regularly 

One of the most important things you can do to protect your unit’s energy efficiency and prevent future repairs is to change the air filter. A dirty filter can reduce airflow, forcing your ductless mini-splits to work harder to achieve the same temperature. Typically, we recommend cleaning or replacing the air filter every 30 to 90 days. You can check with the unit’s manufacturer to see the specific timeline for your HVAC unit. 

An air filter is responsible for trapping pet dander, dust, and pollen before they can damage the unit’s internal components. If you have allergies or pets, you should change the air filter more frequently. 

To learn how to clean a mini-split filter, use the following steps.

• Turn off the ductless mini-split unit.
• Find the filter panel. On most units, it will be on the front of the indoor unit. 
• Then, remove the filter. You can wash it with warm, soapy water if it is a washable filter. For other filter types, a vacuum cleaner will remove the dust and contaminants effectively.
• Let the filter dry out completely before you put it back into the unit.

2. Keep the Indoor Unit’s Coils and Vanes Clean 

Another one of the most important mini-split maintenance tips is to clean the indoor unit’s coils and vanes. The evaporator coil is where heat and humidity are absorbed by the refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant is transferred outside to cool your space. If the evaporator coils aren’t working properly, it can cause the coils to freeze. At the very least, your unit will have to work harder, resulting in a higher energy bill each month.

As a part of your ductless mini-split maintenance, remember to perform the following steps.

• For your safety, turn off the power to the unit before doing any maintenance work.
• Then, open the front panel of your indoor unit.
• With the help of a soft brush or a specialized fin comb, start to clean the evaporator coil’s delicate fins. 
• Afterward, gently wipe down the fan and the adjustable louvers (vanes) using a damp cloth. Be mindful of your fingers so that you don’t accidentally get cut.
• For best results, do a basic cleaning of the evaporator coil and vanes every few months. Once a year, you or one of our HVAC technicians should do a full deep clean.

3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris 

As a part of your DIY mini-split maintenance, you should clean around your outdoor compressor unit. For this unit to function at its best, the airflow can’t be obstructed. Weeds, grass clippings, and other debris should be removed. Otherwise, the unit will end up struggling to release and absorb heat. 

Ideally, you should perform these steps each season before the weather changes. 

• Make sure your unit is turned off.
• Clear away dirt, leaves, weeds, yard waste, and other items that are within a two-foot radius of the unit. 
• Hose down the unit’s exterior fins to get rid of any stubborn dirt.

4. Check the Condensate Drain Line 

Your ductless mini-splits are responsible for more than just cooling the inside of your home. They are also in charge of removing a significant amount of moisture from the air. Then, this moisture is transferred away from your home with the help of the condensate drain line. 

Over time, the condensate drain line can sometimes become clogged. Mold, debris, and insects can block the tube and prevent water from exiting your home. When this happens, you may notice leaking from your indoor unit. Left untreated, this can cause mold growth and extensive water damage.

To care for your ductless mini-splits, carry out the following steps at least once per year.

• Find your condensate drain line. It will generally be a plastic tube that comes out of your indoor unit. 
• Inspect the tube for any visible debris or blockages.
• If you believe that there is a clog, buy distilled white vinegar. Pour a cup of the vinegar down the drain line to stop algae and mold from growing.

5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up with Elkhorn

The energy used to heat and cool homes makes up more than half of all energy consumed by residential homes. In order to save money on your energy costs and prevent untimely repairs, it’s essential to schedule a ductless mini-split tune-up.

Our professional HVAC technicians can boost the long-term performance of your ductless mini-split system in a few important ways. 

• Inspection: First, we’ll perform a thorough inspection and deep cleaning.
• Refrigerant: Then, we will check your refrigerant levels. If they are low, we can recharge your unit.
• Electrical Connections: Next, we will inspect all of the electrical connections to make sure they are safe and performing at their best.
• Testing: Before we leave, we’ll perform tests to ensure that your unit is running efficiently. 

Throughout the process, we will pay attention to signs of minor issues. By fixing these problems early, we can prevent them from escalating into major issues.

Typically, we recommend scheduling at least one tune-up per year. For the best results, we schedule fall and spring maintenance tune-ups so that local homes are ready for the peak heating and cooling seasons.

Schedule Your Next Maintenance Tune-Up

The best mini-split maintenance tips can help your system function efficiently throughout the year. For the best level of comfort and performance, it’s essential to schedule your routine maintenance service with our experienced HVAC providers. By being proactive about your maintenance and repairs, you can save on energy bills in the present and avoid costly breakdowns in the future.

Book your ductless mini-split maintenance by giving us a call today.