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Do you have a ductless mini-split? A ductless mini split is a high-efficiency air conditioner that doesn’t require ductwork. It’s designed to cool a smaller area in your home rather than a whole house. Mini-splits have an indoor handling component and an outdoor condenser unit. They only require a three-inch hole in the wall for the conduit to connect to the outside unit. Ductless mini-splits are an excellent option for many homes, but like any other appliance, they need regular maintenance to run efficiently. Keep the area around the unit clear because it needs air to circulate the unit freely. It will also be easier to clean, and you won’t have things falling and damaging your unit.

Most homeowners can clean their mini-splits themselves using our tips. However, a regular deep cleaning by an HVAC professional in NJ, like Hudson Home Improvement, should be done twice a year. Routinely looking after your HVAC system will help prevent major issues and save you money in the long run.

Please use this guideline to clean your HVAC unit:

1. Clean the unit cabinet inside your home with a dry cloth or small vacuum regularly to keep dirt and dust from accumulating

2. Every 4-6 weeks, inspect and clean the air filter. Each unit has a removable air filter that needs to be cleaned regularly. Clean these as often as your owner’s manual recommends, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember to turn the system off before opening the cabinet.

3. Once the power is turned off, clean dust and dirt from inside the cabinet using a small vacuum or dry cloth

4. Inspect the outdoor unit periodically. Remove leaves and other debris and trim nearby shrubs away from the unit. Check the coil for dirt and debris between the delicate fins and gently remove it.

5. With the power turned off, you can clean the condenser coils on the outdoor unit with a garden hose – do not use a high-pressure nozzle. Be sure the unit is completely dry before turning the system back on.

Sometimes, your mini-split system may require more than the typical maintenance. You should call a professional when you notice:

• Excessive condensation, ice build-up, or freezing of the coil

• A part looks broken, and you are not 100% sure how to fix or replace it

• Signs of condensate/water leakage from or near the indoor unit

• No airflow or reduced airflow from the indoor unit

• New or unusual sounds coming from the indoor or outdoor units

Your mini-split requires maintenance twice a year. Regular upkeep allows you to minimize energy use without letting small inefficiencies build up over time. Mini-splits that are not properly maintained use up to 25% more energy. You will also likely avoid significant repairs and ensure a long life for your system. Remember to keep your system under warranty so repairs will be a fraction of the cost. The best way to ensure your ductless heating and cooling system is functioning optimally is with an HVAC professional’s help. Please call us today with any questions or to schedule your service.