Save Money On Repairs With Routine Mini-Split Maintenance
TL;DR: Recent trends show a shift from central air conditioning to mini-split AC systems due to their energy efficiency. Neglecting mini-split maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, premature system failure, mold growth, and decreased indoor air quality. Monthly and seasonal maintenance tasks are crucial, including cleaning filters, checking for leaks, and inspecting refrigerant levels. DIY maintenance tips include cleaning indoor and outdoor units. Professional maintenance is necessary for complex issues, ensuring system longevity, efficiency, and reliability. Summit Air Conditioning in Las Vegas offers expert mini-split maintenance services to avoid costly repairs and keep homes comfortable year-round.
While most US households use central air conditioning to control the temperatures in their homes, recent trends show that people are switching to mini-split AC systems. Sales data shows that the mini-split systems market was worth 6.87 billion in 2022 and will grow by 4.9% between 2023 and 2023.
The shift is easy to understand, especially when considering one of the top advantages of mini-splits: energy efficiency. These systems offer precise control over the temperature in different rooms, potentially leading to significant savings on energy bills. However, you must maintain the systems regularly to keep reaping these benefits.
Like any other piece of equipment in your home, a mini-split system requires periodic check-ups to operate at peak efficiency. This article will show homeowners how to avoid costly repairs with routine mini-split maintenance. By staying on top of your system’s maintenance needs, you can keep your home comfortable year-round without breaking the bank.
What Can Happen If You Neglect Your Mini-split System
Neglecting your mini-split system can severely affect your wallet and the comfort of your home. Research shows that the savings from using a mini-split can be up to 45%. However, your system’s efficiency significantly drops when you don’t keep up with regular maintenance. It has to work harder to cool or heat your space, leading to a noticeable spike in your energy bills.
Ignoring mini-split maintenance can also lead to premature system failure. Replacing a mini-split system is a significant expense, and few households have the budget for a complete replacement. Then, there’s the issue of mold growth. Without regular checkups and cleanings, your system can start growing mold, which poses a health risk to you and your family.
Furthermore, if not maintained, this system can lower indoor air quality and circulate air full of pollutants and allergens. Ice buildup can appear on the indoor unit too. That is a clear sign that your system is struggling and possibly not properly functioning.
Routine Maintenance Checklist
If you want to avoid hefty repair bills, paying attention to smaller, more manageable maintenance tasks can keep your mini-split system in good condition for a long time. Dedicating time and effort to routine care can keep your system in reliable working order. So, what can homeowners do to ensure their mini-split doesn’t break down?
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
If you want the mini-split to operate at its best, do monthly once-overs. It’s best to focus on:
- Cleaning or replacing air filters: Air filters are the system’s defense against dust and debris. When they get clogged, your system has to work overtime, which can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. A clean filter means cleaner air and less strain on your system.
- Checking for signs of leaks or damage: Check both the indoor and outdoor units for signs of water leaks or physical damage.
Seasonal Maintenance Tasks
Beyond the monthly check-ups, certain times of the year call for a more thorough inspection to prepare your mini-split for the heating or cooling season.
Spring/Summer Checklist:
- Cleaning the outdoor unit and surrounding area: Before you start relying on your mini-split for cooling, make sure the outdoor unit and its surroundings are clear of debris, leaves, and dirt. That can prevent overheating and potential damage.
- Checking refrigerant levels: Your system’s cooling power hinges on having the right amount of refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels could indicate a leak, which affects its performance.
Fall/Winter Checklist
- Inspecting heating elements: If your mini-split doubles as a heater, check the heating elements before the cold season arrives.
- Ensuring proper insulation of outdoor pipes: Before the cold weather hits, double-check that all outdoor pipes are well insulated to avoid any freezing risks that could lead to damage.
DIY Maintenance Tips
If you want your mini-split AC to keep running smoothly, you must do some regular maintenance. You don’t need to be an expert to perform the basic upkeep tasks that can help prevent issues down the line. Here’s what you can do yourself:
- Focus on the filters, which are crucial for maintaining air quality. Most filters can be easily removed from the indoor unit and given a thorough rinse under running water. They must be dry before you put them back.
- Wipe down the indoor unit with a dry cloth to remove dust on the surface and vents. A damp cloth can do the trick for more stubborn grime, but don’t use strong or abrasive chemicals that might damage the unit.
- For the outdoor unit, remove any debris, leaves, or dirt obstructing the air intake or exhaust. A simple visual inspection every few weeks can save you a lot of headaches.
Professional Maintenance: When and Why
Knowing when to call in a professional is as important as the maintenance itself. More complex issues, like refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or deep internal cleaning, require professional expertise. If you try to fix these issues yourself, you can cause more trouble or even void your warranty.
During a professional inspection, the expert will comb through every part of the system to see if everything’s running smoothly. They’ll check the refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and ensure the coils and filters are clean. They will inspect the system’s internal parts and see if each component works well.
Signs You Need Professional Help Sooner
Your mini-split system will signal that it needs professional attention sooner rather than later. If you start hearing banging or hissing or notice an unusual smell coming from the unit, it’s time to call the pros. These can indicate mechanical issues or leaks you don’t want to ignore.
Another red flag is if your system isn’t cooling or heating as effectively as it used to. This decreased efficiency can mean something’s wrong internally, and the longer it goes unchecked, the more it could cost you. Also, if your mini-split starts throwing error codes or stops responding to the remote control, it’s likely indicating a deeper problem.
The Benefits of Professional Mini-split Maintenance
When you invest in professional mini-split maintenance, you’re securing the longevity of your heating and cooling system. Regular check-ups by an HVAC expert can extend the life of your mini-split, saving you the expense of premature replacement. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently. That means it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your space, leading to noticeable reductions in utility bills.
The most underrated benefit is the reliability of professional upkeep. You won’t have to sweat through a sudden heatwave or shiver in an unexpected cold snap because your mini-split decided to quit on you. Instead, you can rest easy, confident in your system’s consistent performance, all thanks to the meticulous care it receives from professionals who know what they’re doing.
Find The Best Mini-Split Maintenance Service in Las Vegas, Nevada
You can easily avoid costly repairs with routing mini-split maintenance. Try to clean the filters and inspect the units yourself. However, remember to balance these with regular professional inspections to keep your mini-split system working efficiently for many years.
If you live in Las Vegas, Nevada, Summit Air Conditioning can help you avoid costly repairs to your mini-split system. Our teams of HVAC experts can clean, inspect, and repair your mini-split to keep it running at its best. Our regular maintenance service will ensure you don’t have to worry about your AC, regardless of the season.
Do yourself a favor and avoid costly repairs with routine mini-split maintenance by Summit Air Conditioning. Call us or book an appointment today, and be comfortable in your home forever.
FAQ
Why should I invest in professional maintenance for my mini-split AC system?
Regular maintenance by professionals like Summit Air Conditioning ensures your system operates efficiently, extends its lifespan, and prevents costly repairs. With expert care, you can enjoy consistent performance and peace of mind, regardless of the season.
How often should I schedule maintenance for my mini-split AC?
It’s recommended to have your mini-split AC system inspected and serviced annually by professionals like Summit Air Conditioning. However, additional maintenance may be required if you notice any issues or changes in performance.
What are the benefits of DIY maintenance for my mini-split AC?
While professional maintenance is crucial for complex issues, homeowners can perform basic upkeep tasks to enhance system performance. Simple tasks like cleaning filters and inspecting units can help prevent problems and complement the efforts of professionals like Summit Air Conditioning.
What sets Summit Air Conditioning apart in mini-split AC maintenance services?
Summit Air Conditioning stands out for its expertise, reliability, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Serving Las Vegas, Nevada, our HVAC experts offer comprehensive maintenance, cleaning, and repair services for mini-split AC systems. With Summit, you can trust your system to operate efficiently and effectively for years to come.
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