Ductless mini splits are an economical way to cool small or zoned areas within your home or business. They are highly efficient, and much smaller than your normal air conditioners, and do not require new or existing duct work. When extending or installing new duct systems is overly complicated or not a practical solution, and the area you need to cool is relatively small, a ductless mini split may be the ideal solution.

How Do Ductless Mini-Splits Work?

A ductless mini-split system is made up of two main parts: the indoor air handling unit and the outdoor compressor/condenser.

The indoor unit is usually  mounted high on a wall and sends conditioned air directly into the living space. The indoor unit is directly connected to an outdoor compressor through a refrigerant line rather than a duct system. In addition to refrigerant tubing, the indoor unit is also connected to the outdoor unit with a power cable, suction tubing, and a condensate drain line. Usually, there are multiple indoor air handling units that connect to the one outdoor unit. The multiple indoor units can be independently controlled, but they all use the same outdoor heat pump unit to either absorb or dispense heat. A traditional central air system, on the other hand, sends air from the indoor air handling unit through a series of ducts, which carry the air into your room.

How Important is it to Maintain My Ductless Mini Split System?

Maintaining your ductless mini split is extremely important to ensure the lifespan and efficiency of your system. Mini split systems need free flowing air circulation around both the indoor & outdoor units to operate efficiently. Regular filter cleanings are a MUST with mini splits. Failure to do so may result in excess energy usage, and can cause your unit to overwork itself, potentially shortening the lifespan of your system.

What goes into the Maintenance of a Ductless Mini Split?

To completely maintain a ductless mini split, and in addition to the filter maintenance, you also need to clean the condenser coils. If you prefer, you can do these by yourself by first shutting off your system to prevent electric shock, and to give your system time to cool down. You must also ensure that there is a minimum of 4-5 feet of clearance around your outside unit. Once the unit has cooled down, you can clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. While cleaning, it’s also a good idea to check for any mold or mildew growth, as well as ice or condensation build up.

Can’t Do it Yourself? Give us a Call!

Paschal Air, Plumbing, & Electric is the top heating and air company in Northwest Arkansas, SW Missouri, & the Fort Smith River Valley. If you need help with cleaning your ductless mini split system, give us a call.