Mini Split Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
Did you know that if your ductless mini split air conditioner is not properly maintained, it can spew mold spores and mildew into your home–Ick! Not only can this lead to what’s called sick building syndrome, which can be caused by inadequately maintained air conditioners involving a variety of flu-like symptoms that are immediately relieved upon exiting the building, but it can also be potentially dangerous for those who suffer from severe asthma or other lung-related diseases.
To preserve the health of your equipment and your home or building’s occupants, you can follow our mini split air conditioner maintenance checklist.
Note: Make sure you check your manual to ensure that performing any of the items listed on this mini split maintenance checklist yourself does not void your warranty, as some brands require a service technician to perform certain replacements and repairs.
Clean or Change the Filter
Cleaning or changing a filter is high on the mini split air conditioner maintenance checklist because it’s one of the easiest and most surefire ways to prolong the life of your machine. When filters get clogged with dust, it loses their ability to effectively cool your room. What’s more, it can cause your unit to work overtime but with reduced results, raising your utility bills and decreasing your mini split’s productive life.
Remove Dust from the Evaporator & Condenser Coils
You should clean your evaporator and condenser coils for many of the same reasons you should clean or change your filter:
- Decreased efficiency
- Reduced lifespan
- Bacteria, mold and fungi buildup
- Higher utility bills
- Diminished airflow
There are a couple of ways to go about cleaning those bothersome coils. You can blast away the dust with compressed air, wash it down the drain with a commercial cleaner or clean it up with a household detergent.
Check out this article on how to clean an air conditioner coil for more information.
Assess the Refrigerant Levels
You should never have to top off the refrigerant in your air conditioner because it’s continuously reused and recycled. Frequently checking your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels will tell if there’s a leak. Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Inefficient or nonexistent cooling
- Higher utility bills
- An increase in humidity
- Ice on the coils
- Puddles in or around your unit
- Hissing sounds
- A sweet, chloroform-like smell
If your ductless mini split is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to call an authorized service technician for a repair.
Inspect the Condensate Pan & Pipes
Water is a natural byproduct of a heating and cooling system, so it’s okay if you see a little water in the condensate pan–after all, that’s its entire purpose!
The presence of standing water in the drain pan may signal that your unit is not fully level. This typically isn’t a huge issue, but you should make a note to check and clean the pan at more frequent intervals, as mildew, bacteria and other species of mold thrive in a moist environment.
However, if there’s an excessive amount of water, this could indicate the drain pipe is clogged. Your drip pan can be used as a diagnostic tool to fix small, manageable problems before they become large, expensive repairs.
Wipe Down the Exterior
Whoever said what’s on the outside doesn’t matter as much on the inside? In the case of mini split air conditioning maintenance, what’s on the outside has a tendency to work its way in and obstruct the condenser. Removing external dust debris can significantly increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Take Note of Anything Unusual
You should call an authorized service technician if you become aware of any of the following:
- The conditioner is making new or unusual noises
- There are puddles in or around your unit
- There’s a substantial build-up of condensation or ice on the coil
- A component appears to be broken
- Your unit is not working or working at a reduced capacity
- There’s a noticeable increase in humidity
Call an HVAC Technician
Of course, you should follow the mini split air conditioner maintenance checklist above at the frequencies recommended, but there are always some things you should not attempt yourself.
So if you’re ever unsure about anything you see or hear or the cleaning or replacement procedures, you’re better off calling a professional who's been trained in the mechanical and electrical operations of your mini split air conditioning unit.
How Often do Mini Split Air Conditioners Need to be Serviced
Much like split air conditioner maintenance, in an ideal world mini splits should be serviced twice a year during seasonal shifts from hot to cold and again from cold to hot. These bi-annual maintenance checks require a certified HVAC technician. Otherwise, you should complete the mini split air conditioner maintenance checklist every 4-6 weeks.
More Home Maintenance Tips
Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional HVAC technician, it’s likely that you’re in charge of the upkeep and safety of more than one air conditioning unit. Each type of HVAC system – whether that be a mini split, a window unit or a central air conditioning system – have its own quirks and demands. To ensure that you’re properly caring for your unit, check out our article on home air conditioner maintenance tips for more information.