At the end of the season, as the weather finally cools down and the autumn celebrations begin, you might not be thinking much about air conditioning or heating. After all, the weather is simply gorgeous right now. But that means it’s the perfect time to take care of your HVAC system. And if you’ve got a ductless system, it has some particular needs.
Maintenance is critical for any type of heater or air conditioner. It’s ideal if that maintenance is done during the in-between seasons, usually spring for an air conditioner and fall for a heater. A ductless mini split heat pump, which provides both heat and AC, needs maintenance twice a year to avoid breakdowns and repair needs. Here’s why.
Dust and Grime
Layers of dust build up during the six months between maintenance services. This dust is like blankets of insulation, blocking air circulation and holding in heat in components like blower fan motors. Overheating can easily occur, which will trigger the limit switch to shut the whole system down. If that happens, you’ll need professional repair, and the system won’t work until you get it.
Grime and grit can also work their way into the moving parts of the system. Fan blades, motor bearings, and more will grind away at those particles, causing friction and wear and tear. But when you have ductless system maintenance done by a qualified technician, their first priority will be to clean all that mess away. All components of the system will be sparkling clean.
Lack of Lubrication
Another reason for problems and breakdowns of ductless systems is the lack of lubrication. This leads to friction, forcing the system to work harder and run more of the time. The extra strain will increase the likelihood of problems that require repair, so it’s very important for your technician to apply fresh lubricant once the system is thoroughly cleaned.
Minor Issues
It’s very easy over the course of several months of hard work and constant vibration for components in your ductless system to work their way a little bit loose. A wobbling fan blade, a screw that needs tightening—these things are easily fixed during maintenance. But if they don’t get the adjustment they need, they can develop into much more serious problems that require costly repairs.
Drainage Clogs
When the refrigerant coils leave the outdoor unit of your ductless heat pump and head indoors, they divide. Separate refrigerant lines go to each air handler in the various zones of your home. That’s why this type of system is sometimes called a mini split. The refrigerant coils cool (or heat) the air right there, at the air handlers. So condensation develops in each one.
This means that drainage is one of the key differences between ductless systems and traditional ducted ones. Every air handler has its own drainage system: a condensate pan and drain line to catch that moisture and carry it out of your home. A clog or other problem could quickly lead to mold growth, water damage, and more. Don’t let this happen, because it can be expensive to mediate.
Avoid all these issues with routine ductless system maintenance. And if you do encounter any of these problems, get prompt ductless AC repair in Madisonville, LA to keep the repairs as small and simple as possible.