7 Ways to Maintain Your Mini-Split Air Conditioner

If your mini-split air conditioner is not cooling properly there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem before calling for maintenance or repairs.

1. Check Your Settings.

Your AC unit may allow for a variety of settings, so check to make sure something wasn’t inadvertently turned off or changed. The unit works best with the “fresh air” vent setting turned off. This setting is designed to allow your system to pull air from outside, but cooling the hot outdoor air requires your condenser to work harder. When this feature is turned off, the system uses the cooler indoor air, which takes less effort to cool to the desired temperature. Your room will cool faster and with less wear and tear when the fresh air vent is off. Also, check that the unit is set on cool mode and the temperature is set as “low.”

2. Make Sure Your Fan is Turning in the Right Direction.

A ceiling fan can make your HVAC system more efficient all year round, as long as it is turning in the correct direction. In the winter, the blades should rotate clockwise (reverse) as you are looking up. In the summer, they should turn counterclockwise (forward).

3. Make Sure Each Room’s Size is Compatible with Your Mini-Split AC.

The room size must be appropriate for the unit. If the mini-split is too small for a large room, it will not be able to cool the space sufficiently.

4. Check for Leaks.

Every AC is a closed system that draws air over coils filled with refrigerant in order to cool the air. A refrigerant leak is a serious problem that requires an HVAC professional. Running the air conditioner without fixing the leak can permanently damage the equipment.

5. Remove Obstacles and Other Electronics.

Anything that blocks the airflow from the mini-split can prevent the room from cooling properly. If necessary, relocate large objects, such as furniture. Electronics can heat up and make it more difficult to cool the room. Don’t overload the space with heat-generating items such as televisions and computers.

6. Clean the Air Filter.

The air filter protects the evaporator core and prevents the accumulation and buildup of dirt and dust. For best results and to keep your system operating efficiently over its lifetime, clean out the air filters once a month.

7. Make Sure the Voltage is Correct.

The voltage stabilizer output must be above 180V in order for the air conditioner to work normally.

For more information on mini-splits installation, or for any HVAC questions, contact a Rheem Pro Partner today. You can find us throughout Colorado and Wyoming.