A mini split air conditioning system is a highly-efficient, ductless way to cool your home. When paired with a heat pump, it does both cooling and heating. The biggest advantage is that you can have multiple indoor units with a single outdoor unit. This allows you to create zones within your home, and each zone has its own thermostat. This allows you to save energy by adjusting temperatures in areas you don’t use.
However, your mini split can develop issues like any other home comfort system. Below is a list of some of the most common problems you might experience and what could be causing them.
1. Mini Split Blowing Room Temperature Air
It can be frustrating when your mini split is not heating in winter or blows hot air during summer. Conversely, imagine enduring the summer without air conditioning. There are several things that could lead to this situation.
Check the Thermostat
When this happens, checking the thermostat setting is the most obvious place to start. With older thermostats, it’s easy to accidentally bump the controls. Make sure it is set to Cool or Heat, depending on the season. Also, check if the “fan only” setting is on. When that happens, your mini split only circulates air without conditioning it. In that case, you only need to adjust the thermostat setting. Also, check the temperature setting. With a smart or programable thermostat, if there has been a schedule change, the system may be bringing the home to the incorrect temperature.
Frozen or Dirty Coils
Another possible reason for your mini split blowing room temperature air is a frozen coil. This is often caused by a dirty air filter. When the filter is clogged, there is insufficient airflow over the evaporator coil. You should be changing your air filter at least every few months. If you have pets or people in the home with allergies or respiratory issues, changing your filter monthly is best.
You might also experience heating and cooling problems due to a dirty coil. A dirty coil stops proper heat exchange with the refrigerant. You can prevent this problem by having routine maintenance on your system once or twice a year.
Faulty Condenser or Air Handler
Finally, a faulty outdoor unit condenser could cause inadequate heating or cooling. The condenser is the big unit outside your home. The condenser is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system. Your condenser could develop problems due to factors like old age and damage from weather elements. Whatever the problem is, a trained professional can fix the condenser. Sometimes, a repair job would do. At other times, the technician might recommend a replacement of your condenser.
It is also possible that one of the air handlers inside the home is not working correctly. The indoor components include the fan, evaporator coil and air filter. A trained technician can replace the faulty part and restore optimal cooling or heating in your home.
Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant or a refrigerant leak could also lead to cooling problems. It could happen due to several reasons, such as a hole in the unit or old age. If you notice a leak, contact an HVAC company as soon as possible for further assistance.
2. Noisy Operation
Mini split systems are the quietest home comfort systems you can find on the market. Therefore, if yours has been noisy lately, something is amiss. If you hear rattling from your mini split, it probably means a particular internal component is loose. It’s also possible there is something stuck inside one of the units.
Humming or buzzing sounds might indicate electrical problems. It could mean that your unit is drawing more power than it should. A high-pitched whistling is another noise you should pay attention to. This is most often caused by closed vents or a clogged air filter restricting airflow. Sometimes it can be caused by faulty ball bearings or belts.
However, not all noises should be a cause for alarm. For instance, a cracking or popping sound is normal. It occurs when the mini split lets off excess heat. The sound may seem worse, depending on the location of your unit. If it’s in the ceiling, the noise might spread throughout the home.
3. Foul Odors
The air coming out of your mini split system is supposed to make your home more comfortable. Therefore, if there is a foul odor, it beats the purpose. Notably, several things could contribute to a bad smell from your mini split. One of the most common reasons is mold and mildew. This is likely to happen if there has been too much humidity over time. Mold and mildew could also grow due to operating your mini split improperly.
A fishy or rotten smell could indicate a dead animal nearby. In conventional systems, small animals can chew a hole in the ductwork and crawl inside. With a ductless system, the problem is probably in the walls or ceiling near the air handler.
If you notice a chemical or vinegar smell, it could indicate a wiring problem. As this can be a safety issue, schedule a visit immediately so we can fix the issue.
4. Water Leaks
You can detect water leaks from your mini split by spotting stains on your walls and ceilings. So, what could lead to a leak? Several factors could be responsible, with the most common being a blockage in the drain line. Condensation forms on the evaporator coils which then drips into a drain pan. The drain pan has a line to take the water outside. Checking and cleaning the drain lines is also part of the maintenance service we offer.
It is also possible that water is leaking due to a damaged drain pan. It is prone to rust and other physical damage. A dirty air filter and the consequent frozen coil is another possible cause of water leaks from your mini split. Once the coil warms up again, the ice will melt and can drip faster than the drain line can accommodate.
5. Electrical Problems
Electrical problems with your mini split can cause issues such as intermittent operation and complete system failure. These problems could be caused by factors like faulty wiring, capacitor failure, and control board malfunction. We recommend calling an HVAC technician for a thorough inspection if you suspect electrical issues. The technician will also repair or replace any faulty components to restore the efficient operation of your unit.
Talk to Mini Split Experts
Titan Air Solutions is a reputable HVAC company serving Fort Worth and Tarrant County, TX. We boast a team of professionally trained technicians who can diagnose and fix problems affecting mini split systems. We also install, repair, and maintain conventional AC and heating systems and offer indoor air quality solutions. With over three decades of combined experience, you can trust us to deliver high-quality work that will meet your needs.
Contact us today at Titan Air Solutions to request professional services for your mini split systems.
