How To Maintain Your Ductless Mini-Split System

One of the most important appliances in your home is your temperature control unit. Whether it is incredibly hot or below freezing, your mini-split system will help keep your home comfortable, so you don’t turn into a puddle or icicle as outside temperatures fluctuate. In order to keep this crucial appliance working properly in the long-term, it is essential to practice regular maintenance. Plus, proper maintenance will also ensure the mini-split operates at optimal efficiency, which will help lower energy bills and save you money each month. While some maintenance tasks are best left to a professional, there are many that you can do all on your own to increase the lifespan of your mini-split system. To learn how to maintain your ductless mini-split system properly, continue reading this helpful guide.

Clean and Change Filters Regularly

In order to operate efficiently, mini-split systems rely on undisrupted air circulation around its indoor and outdoor components. To facilitate the free flow of air in a system, it is essential to clean and change the filters on a mini-split system regularly.

If you do not clean the filters regularly, dust will accumulate inside of the system, and it won’t operate as efficiently. As a result, you will likely experience an increase in your monthly energy bills, and the interior components of the mini-split may experience damage, which will shorten its lifespan. Not to mention the air quality in your home may also decrease as the system won’t be able to properly flush out pollutants and toxins.

To clean your mini-split filters, remove them from the inside of the unit and wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. Once they are free of dirt, simply re-insert them back into the unit. If you cannot clean the filter properly or you notice that it has become damaged, it is important to replace the filter entirely. Generally, you should clean or change the filters in your mini-split system at least once a month. However, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions outlined in your user’s guide for more specific instructions regarding how often you should clean the filters.

Wipe Down the Condenser Coils

Another important component of your mini-split system that requires regular cleaning is its condenser coils. The condenser coils on a mini-split system are located on the outer unit and are responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant. Over time, dirt, debris, mold, and other contaminants can collect on the coils and prevent the entire system from operating properly. To prevent damage, it is vital to clean the coils in accordance with the care instructions outlined in your system’s owner’s manual. 

The process of cleaning your mini-split condenser coils is relatively simple, and you can usually do it without the help of a professional. To do so, turn the system off and give it time to cool down. Then, clean the coil with a clean, dry cloth. If there is any mold or mildew around the coils, you will need to hire a professional to conduct a chemical treatment.

Clear the Pipes

Another tip on how to maintain your ductless mini-split system is to clear the pipes. The pipes inside of a mini-split system serve as a pathway between the interior and exterior components of the machine. As such, they play a vital role in the emission of cold or hot air throughout a room. Without proper maintenance, such pipes can accumulate dust and other particles, which will block the system’s temperature-controlled air from flowing throughout your home.

To ensure your mini-split serves its purpose of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, it is essential to clean the pipes regularly. While cleaning, you should also keep an eye out for any small cracks or leaks that could impede the functionality of your system.

Clean the Outside of the System

As you’ve probably gathered, a large part of keeping a mini-split system well maintained involves regularly cleaning its various components. In addition to wiping down the system’s filters, condenser coils, and pipes, it is also important to clean the outside of the unit. If the exterior of a mini-split system becomes covered in dust or other debris, such particles can begin to make their way inside the system, causing internal damage. By simply wiping down the outside of the mini-split with a damp cloth on a regular basis, you can prevent such major issues from occurring and greatly increase the operational lifespan of your system.

Clear Some Space Around the Unit

Another way to increase the lifespan and efficiency of your mini-split unit is by clearing the space around it. While ductless mini-split systems don’t take up as much room as most temperature control systems, giving them some room to operate will still help them work more smoothly.

In addition to blocking the flow of air from the system and preventing it from flowing evenly throughout the room, too many obstructions around the unit can accumulate dust. Such excess dust can ultimately infiltrate the system and damage internal parts or clog filters more quickly. As such, it is beneficial to remove large furniture or decorations within four feet of the unit for optimal performance.

Remove Ice or Snow From the Exterior Unit

During the colder seasons of the year, when mini-split systems are used to heat a home, they can start to collect ice and snow on the outdoor unit. When ice and snow accumulate, they can cause expensive damage and prevent the system from running efficiently. As such, it is important to inspect the exterior unit of your mini-split system on a regular basis and gently remove any ice or snow that has accumulated. 

When maintained properly, ductless mini-split units are among the most efficient temperature control systems on the market. If you’re interested in purchasing a mini-split system for your home, the Pioneer Mini Split Store has a wide range of high-quality options to choose from. Our extensive inventory includes a variety of configurations, such as mini-split wall mounts, ceiling cassette, and floor-mounted splits. To learn more about how our energy-efficient, sleekly designed mini-split systems can help keep your home comfortable all year long, contact us today.