How Often Should Mini Splits Be Serviced?
Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are rapidly gaining popularity. Whether you already own one or are thinking about installing a system, you would be right to wonder if ductless mini splits need to be serviced every year.
The short answer is yes, ductless AC units need to be serviced at least annually. In many cases, biannual service will yield significantly better improvements in performance, efficiency, and durability. Here is a breakdown of why that’s the case and how you should approach scheduling maintenance and tune-ups.
Why Is Annual Service the Minimum?
Ductless mini splits experience a number of mechanical variations over a year that may affect their performance. These include:
- Refrigerant pressure differentials
- Expansion and contraction of metal and moving parts
- Compressor oil viscosity breakdown
- Dust and other particulate buildup
- Microbial growth on surfaces
- Corrosion, especially from salt air
- Electrical issues
- Loose fittings from vibrations
Even something as seemingly simple as outdoor pollution accumulating on the AC’s condenser coils can lead to a decline of as much as 30% in system efficiency.
Checking the system annually ensures that you’ll catch the worst of the potential issues quickly. On average, systems that go more than a year without service see 5-10% declines in efficiency. Also, they can lose several years of their expected service life, possibly costing you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
Regular service improves indoor air quality, too. We can verify that the insides of the heat exchangers are clean. Likewise, our HVAC technicians can see how well the filters are holding up.
Finally, some warranties and insurance policies require annual service. Otherwise, the manufacturer or your insurer may not pay up if something goes wrong. Our technicians will provide you with all the paperwork you need to show that you regularly serviced your home’s ductless mini splits in good faith.
What We Do
Our technicians check a variety of systems. Many of the jobs are relatively straightforward, such as lubricating moving parts, cleaning coils, and checking for physical damage. Other work can be a bit more complex, such as checking and charging the refrigerant system, testing electrical stability, and checking cooling and airflow.
If there is an issue, we can quickly diagnose it. This may entail replacing components like the compressor or capacitors before they fail. We also can recalibrate components, such as making sure that the thermostat’s temperature reading is as close as possible to the real number.
What Can You Do?
The biggest thing homeowners can do is to regularly check the mini splits filters every month. Household requirements will vary, but filter cleaning or replacement usually is necessary once every month to three months.
You also can monitor the system’s performance for signs of trouble that might need to be serviced sooner than the next scheduled service date. Homeowners can monitor for indications of possible problems like:
- Grinding, squealing, or clanking noises
- Musty or burnt smells
- Reduced cooling or airflow
- Off-target temperatures after cooling
- Increases in electrical consumption
- Visible dirt on coils
Establishing a Service Schedule
The bare minimum schedule for any ductless mini splits should be annual. If you elect to only service your home’s system once a year, the best time is likely to be in the spring before the cooling season hits. This will reduce the risk that the system might fail during the peak of the cooling season.
Many homeowners prefer to schedule biannual service to maximize efficiency, performance, and peace of mind. Biannual service should include the spring tune-up and a fall winterization cycle. We can adjust the system to ensure that it handles seasonal temperature shifts and needed defrost cycles as well as possible.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating helps customers in Bradenton, FL, and the surrounding areas. If you’re ready to schedule service for your ductless mini splits, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating today.
