Common Ductless AC Maintenance You Don’t Want to Ignore
If you have a ductless mini split, chances are, you’re pretty happy with it. These systems offer efficient cooling and even switch over to providing heat in the winter. This means there’s only one system providing year-round comfort control, so its maintenance needs are different from a traditional AC unit.
Here’s what you should know about the maintenance your ductless mini split needs and when it should happen.
Maintenance Matters
For any HVAC system, maintenance is critical. A technician will inspect, clean, and test the components of the system to make sure everything is in working order. Moving parts will be lubricated so they can glide smoothly and do their jobs without unnecessary friction. Connections will be checked, screws will be tightened, and when it’s all done, you can rest assured that your system is in tip-top shape. It will even be restored to near-new levels of efficiency after losing an estimated 5% of efficiency over the course of a year’s wear and tear.
Routine maintenance is often when minor problems are uncovered. This allows your technician to take small steps to get things back the way they should be. Without this maintenance, a minor problem can escalate, turning into something that requires major repairs. In fact, it’s estimated that air conditioner repairs can be reduced by 85% just by having annual maintenance done. For example, a technician can tighten a loose and wobbling fan in just a few seconds. Without that maintenance, the fan could come free and hit other components, causing expensive damage.
Annual Maintenance for HVAC Systems
In general, you have heard that HVAC systems should have maintenance done annually. This means that both your heating system and your air conditioner should have a technician look at them once a year. This is generally done for the heater in the fall and for the air conditioner in the spring, so they are in top condition before they start seeing heavy use.
What does this mean for your ductless mini split? Well, it is both your heater and your air conditioner. It doesn’t get to take a season-long break from being used. It works hard all year long, and that means it accumulates more wear and tear than a system that is only used during a specific season.
Biannual Maintenance for Ductless Systems
Because of wear and tear, and because it is doing two jobs and working hard regardless of the weather, ductless systems should be maintained twice a year. This is simply the equivalent of having each system maintained once when they are separate. When your technician performs ductless AC maintenance, they will ensure that there are no refrigerant leaks from the coils, that the compressor has plenty of oil, and that the reversing valve is working properly so that whether you want your home to be warmer or cooler, your needs will be met easily and efficiently.
Contact PRK Services, Inc. today to find out more about ductless AC services.