Troubleshooting Guide: Why Is My Mini Split Not Getting Cold

Troubleshooting Guide: Why Is My Mini Split Not Getting Cold?

Troubleshooting Guide: Why Is My Mini Split Not Getting ColdThe most common reasons for a mini split to not blow cold air in the summertime are the wrong thermostat settings, a refrigerant leak, or a clogged condenser coil. Each of these problems requires very different solutions — and costs. Proper maintenance prevents most of them.

Your mini split should keep your home at a constant temperature no matter how hot it gets outside. But, if something’s wrong with it, the air coming through the air handlers may not feel cool. Or, there’s no circulation at all.

The good news is that there’s no need to panic. If you follow our troubleshooting guide, you may be able to fix it yourself! Or, you can start with a low-cost solution that often solves the problem.

HydroKleen208 specializes in deep cleanings for mini splits and heat pumps. Our cleanings can make a massive improvement in your mini split’s performance and the overall comfort in your home, But it’s a separate service from what you’ll get from regular HVAC service.

We’ll talk more about these services and how they differ later on. For now, we partner with Snowflake Air in Boise Metro and Valley County and recommend them for any mini split repair or service needs.

When it comes to cleaning, however, we’ve got you covered.

How Does A Mini Split Transfer Heat?

Your air handlers draw in warm air from your home in the summer. The air passes over a coil, which removes heat from the air and moves it to a refrigerant liquid in the system. That liquid absorbs the heat and runs to the heat pump, which transfers the heat to the air outside. Back inside, the air handler recirculates the now-cooled air.

The system works in reverse in the winter: Your heat pump draws heat from outside. That heat warms the refrigerant, which travels to the air handlers carrying the heat.

Now that you know how it works, let’s see what can go wrong.

Four Reasons Your Mini Split Won’t Blow Cold Air

The three most common reasons your mini split runs but doesn’t blow cold air are:

  1. Wrong Thermostat Settings
  2. Clogged Air Filter
  3. Refrigerant Leak
  4. Clogged Condenser Coil

Wrong Thermostat Settings

Leaving your system on a winter thermostat setting, or using the wrong features, can result in no air coming through the air handlers. Or warm air when you want cooling.

Related: My Mini-Split Won’t Turn On. What’s Wrong? How Do I Fix It?

What To Do

Ensure each air handler’s thermostat is set to “Cool” and “Auto.” If it’s still on “Heat, or if the temperature is set too high, you won’t get any cooling. Meanwhile, “Fan Mode” circulates the air without heating or cooling it.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in each air handler catches dust and dirt from the air as it enters your unit. When that filter gets too full, it won’t allow the air to pass through. When warm air doesn’t pass all the way through the system, it doesn’t get cooled.

What To Do

Clean your air filters once a month whenever your mini split is running. And, every three months when it’s not. If the filter is visibly clogged or very dirty, it’s been too long between cleanings.

Refrigerant Leak

If there’s a refrigerant leak, then there’s nothing moving the heat out of your air handler. Warm air enters the system, doesn’t get cooled, and recirculates at the same temperature. Related: The Signs (And Risks) Of A Mini Split That’s Not Installed Properly

What To Do

Call your HVAC company if you notice a hissing sound or chemical smell near your heat pump or air handlers. You won’t see any refrigerant because it will be warm and in gas form.

Clogged Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is the part in the air handler that draws the heat from the air as it passes through the unit. But, the coil can get clogged with tiny particles that make it past the filter. Mold and bacteria buildup are also very common. These contaminants prevent air from passing over the coil, which means there’s no way to remove the heat from it. Once again, the result is the air recirculating without any cooling.

What To Do

If you’ve never had your mini split cleaned before, start there. It’s a different service than a repair, and often cheaper. And, since a dirty system also causes other problems, which we’ll talk about in a moment, the cleaning also addresses those other issues. If you’ve checked the filter and thermostat, and there aren’t any signs of leaks or other problems, start with a cleaning.

Why Mini Split And Heat Pump Cleanings Are Important

How Mold In Ductless Mini Splits Cause Biotoxin IllnessMini splits are more prone to organic buildup than conventional systems. The inside of an air handler is dark and warm. There’s also moisture in there from the air, especially around the coil. That makes the equipment a perfect breeding ground for mold and other contaminants.

As we’ve seen already, this results in a clogged coil that prevents heat transfer. It also leads to higher electric bills: Your system requires more power as it struggles to overcome these impediments.

Eventually, you’ll notice other problems, including breakdowns, due to the excess stress and wear and tear to your system.

Related: How Can I Make My Mini Split Last Longer?

Meanwhile, the air handler spreads those tiny pollutants, including mold spores and bacteria, out into the air you breathe in your home.

Mini Split Cleaning Vs. A Tune-Up

Cleanings are a different service than a mini split tune-up or seasonal maintenance. A tech checks dozens of inspection points during a tune-up. And while they’ll do some cleaning, it’s not nearly as comprehensive as a separate service.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

Until recently, a tech would have to take apart your heat pump and air handler and then carefully, manually, clean each part. That includes scrubbing in between each tiny, delicate fin on every condenser coil.

It would take hours, meaning you’d get a huge bill. And it may not even be that effective. So, most companies don’t offer this service. That’s where HydroKleen208 comes in.

We use customized equipment that flushes out virtually all the dust, dirt, pollen, mold spores, and other microbial contaminants in your air handlers and heat pump.

Our pressure washers are perfectly calibrated to do the job without damaging anything. And, our cleaning agents are 100-percent environmentally friendly and won’t introduce toxic chemicals to your home.

The result? A mini split that’s just as clean as the day you bought it and works like new as well.

To see what we mean, check out this coil. We started cleaning one side, then took a picture before continuing.

You can see how dirty they can get and how clean they are once we’re done:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

And, if you’ve never had a cleaning, your coil almost certainly looks like the untreated part of that photo. Fortunately, our process is fast, easy, and inexpensive. 

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?

Heat Pump Cleaning In Donnelley, ID

HydroKleen208 brings more than a decade of international research and development to mini split and heat pump cleaning to Donnelly, ID, as far north as Cascade and as far south as Kuna. To learn more or schedule a visit, click below or call us at (208) 779-5596.

Mini Split Improper Installation: What Could Go Wrong?

The Signs And Risks Of A Mini Split That’s Not Installed Properly

Mini Split Improper Installation: What Could Go Wrong?

It’s tempting to go the DIY route when installing ductless mini splits. The instructions are straightforward, and the online prices are much cheaper than contractor quotes. But, it’s not as easy as it looks, and an improper installation can cause the system to fail and cause damage to your home.

That’s why it’s essential to call a professional. This way, you’re sure you have the right system to address your home’s unique heating and cooling needs. And, you’re backed by manufacturer warranties and the contractor’s guarantees.

Before we go any further, we’ll note that HydroKleen208 does not install ductless units. Nor do we handle most mini split repair calls. Our specialty is mini split deep cleanings in Boise Metro and Valley County in Idaho.

Cleanings go hand-in-hand with proper maintenance — and proper installations. You’d be surprised how often a lousy installation results in clogs, buildup, and other problems that require cleaning even after you’ve gotten the system repaired.

With that in mind, we’re stepping out of our usual maintenance role to help you head off problems down the line. If you’re thinking about putting a mini split in your home or business yourself, please consider these points first.

And, once your mini split is installed by a licensed professional, remember to call us for regular cleanings. Even a single visit from us every year or two makes a huge difference.

What Can Go Wrong With A Bad Mini Split Installation

Installing a mini split is not a DIY operation. Here’s what could go wrong if you don’t use a licensed professional:
  1. Units Fall Off The Wall
  2. Water Leaks Behind The Wall
  3. Noisy, Damaged, Or Malfunctioning Units
  4. Poor Indoor AIr Quality
  5. No Warranty

Indoor Units Fall Off The Wall

The simplest problem also carries the most risk for damage or even injury: An air handler falling off the wall. Sure, each unit comes with a specialized bracket. But, if it’s not fastened correctly or not bolted to the wall as it should be, that heavy unit can come crashing down. It will rip up more of the wall as the piping and wiring behind it get dragged down with it. Now you’re dealing with construction costs along with a broken air handler. That’s not to mention damage to any furniture or an injury to anyone in its path.

Water Leaks Behind The Wall

An improper mini split installation can cause a condensate line clog, which results in water leaking behind your wall. It can take a while to notice, and by then, you’re dealing with a lot of damage — not to mention a possible mold problem. Each air handler has a condensate line, or drain pipe, to get rid of water inside the system. As your system dehumidifies the air in the summer, water vapor condenses into liquid and has to go somewhere. But that line is often flexible to run through the wall. If it kinks or bows, water builds up inside the air handler. The same happens if the line gets clogged with dust, dirt, or other buildup. The water has to go somewhere, and if it doesn’t leak out of the air handler and into the room, it drips behind the wall.

Noisy, Damaged, Or Malfunctioning Units

You have many more options with mini splits than with conventional central air or heating. But, that also means more chances for something to go wrong. A system that’s too big or too small, or not suited for your home’s layout will not work the way it should.

That’s when you end up with noisy or malfunctioning units. It may be working too hard all the time to keep up with the load, and you hear it grinding.

Related: Mini Split Improper Installation: What Could Go Wrong?

Eventually, that excess wear and tear causes the components to break down. That means expensive repair calls and a much shorter lifespan for your mini split.

Or, it keeps working but never gets your home as warm or as cool as you want it. That’s common when a room is better suited for a recessed ceiling unit or low-wall air handler, for instance, rather than the more common high-wall unit.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor Indoor Air Quality Could Be A Problem

Along with poor comfort, you’re more likely to notice a drop in your indoor air quality. This happens due to poor circulation. Or, more often, dirt and mold buildup inside your system.

It’s a common problem even for professionally-installed systems. But, DIY jobs pose an even higher risk. You’re more likely to encounter a drain line clog, for instance, among other problems.

In this case, a cleaning will go a long way, and we’ll talk more about that later. But, with a bad installation, it’s just the start of your problems.

Related: My Does My Mini Split Smell Funny? (Common Causes And Fixes)

No Warranty

Read the fine print: If a licensed HVAC technician doesn’t install and maintain your mini split, the manufacturer is not obligated to cover the costs of anything that’s usually covered under warranty.

That means you can do everything right but still end up paying more if something’s wrong with the unit itself. Or if something usually covered comes up.

How To Find A Quality Mini Split Installer

Start by following the usual guidelines for choosing a contractor when you’re looking for a quality mini split installer. That means looking for a company that’s worked in your area for a long time. They should have a physical location you can visit and plenty of five-star reviews. References from friends and family are always a plus.

For mini splits, in particular, look for a company specializing in ductless systems. And check to see if they are certified for the brand you want.

Related: Who should I trust to maintain my air conditioner?

The extra money you’ll pay for a licensed HVAC technician that’s certified to work on your mini split brand is well worth it. You’ll save money in the long run — not to mention head off aggravation and discomfort — with the investment.

How To Keep Your Mini Split Working Great

Along with regular tune-ups, regular deep cleaning keeps your system running great for years to come. A dedicated cleaning eliminates all sorts of buildup that doesn’t get addressed during routine maintenance.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

The problem is that dirt, dust, and microbial contaminants (read: mold, mildew, and other organic matter) build upon the coil fins and behind the barrel fans of your indoor units. Those parts are tough to reach without taking the unit apart. Or, they’d take forever to clean manually. 

Instead, HydroKleen208 uses customized equipment and powerful yet environmentally-safe cleaners to flush out virtually every pollutant building up inside your system. For example, here’s a photo where we’ve cleaned one side of the coil already but not the other: 

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?

With one quick visit, you’ll notice an immediate difference in your system’s performance as well as your indoor air quality. You’ll likely see a drop in your electric bill, too. To learn more about our mini split and heat pump cleaning in Cascade, ID and down through Boise, click below or call us at (208) 779-5596.

How To Spot And Fix Mini Split Condensate Drain Line Clog

How To Spot And Fix A Mini Split Condensate Drain Line Clog

How To Spot And Fix Mini Split Condensate Drain Line ClogThe condensate drain line on your mini split gets rid of water that would otherwise build up in your mini split system. Your air handlers dehumidify a room as part of the cooling process, and when the moisture in the air condenses back into a liquid, it has to go somewhere.

That’s where the condensate line, or drain pipe, comes in. As humid air passes over the evaporator coil in your indoor unit, the water vapor condenses into liquid and flows through the line outside.

But, if that drain line gets clogged, you’ll run into a host of issues. And, it’s easier than you may realize for that line to get blocked up. That’s especially so with a mini split versus a conventional air conditioner.

We’ll walk you through the common signs of a clogged drain line in this article. And, we’ll give you some tips on how to troubleshoot and possibly fix it.

You may need to call a licensed HVAC technician to solve the problem. But in other cases, an excellent deep cleaning gets rid of the problem. That’s where HydroKleen208 comes in.

Our cleanings are often less expensive than a repair. And, they’ll improve your indoor air quality. We’ll get into all that a little later in the article. For now, you can always call us at (208) 779-5596 with any questions about the mini split in your Treasure Valley home or business.

Related: My Mini Split Won’t Turn On: Four Common Causes (And How To Fix Them)

Why Is My Mini Split Leaking Water?

A mini split leaking water inside your house is a common sign that your condensate drain line is clogged. Instead of draining out as it should, water that’s condensed from vapor to liquid in your system has no way to escape. Eventually, it builds and starts leaking from the indoor unit.

Now, the best-case scenario is that the water seeps into the room. You may not think a damaged wall or furniture is ideal. But it’s a lot better than dripping behind the wall where you can’t see it right away.

In this case, check for bubbling wallpaper or soft or spongy spots. And sniff around for a musty odor behind the wall.

That’s as opposed to the smell coming directly from the indoor unit: A dirty air handler blowing stale air spreads mold or mildew as it circulates the air.

How Does A Condensate Drain Line Clog?

The two main reasons your mini split condensate line or drain pipe clogs is a bad installation or buildup inside the system.

Related: What Is The Cost Of A Cleaning?

In the case of a bad installation, the line kinks, gets disconnected, or bows in such a way that water can’t flow through it. When that happens, it backs up and leaks out.

Or, dust, dirt, and even mold buildup inside your air handler blocks the condensate line. It happens the same way hair clogs your shower drain or too much food in your sink drain causes a backup.

The good news is that the buildup is the more common cause. It’s still inconvenient, but it’s easier to clear out than taking the unit apart or going behind the wall.

In some cases, all you need is a good cleaning, which we’ll talk about a little later.

Other Signs Of Mini Split Drain Problems

While water leaking from the system is a clear sign of a mini split drain problem, you might notice other symptoms first. Another, as we mentioned, is a musty or moldy smell near the unit.

In other cases, your system starts malfunctioning. The excess water prevents it from working correctly, so you end up with weak airflow and hot and cold spots in the house. That’s because your unit can’t heat or cool the air as it should.

Or, it gets bad enough that your indoor unit trips a failsafe and won’t turn on at all. However, there are plenty of other reasons for weak circulation or your mini split not powering on at all. So, you’ll need to do some more troubleshooting when that happens.

Related: Five Reasons You’ll Love A HydroKleen Cleaning

How To Check And Clean A Mini Split Drain Line

Depending on where the blockage occurs, you may be able to spot it and fix it yourself. But, we don’t recommend you take anything apart. You risk damaging the system even more or, at the least, voiding the warranty. 

But, start by powering off the unit and taking off the air handler panel. If you see puddled water, look for the drain line near it.

Remove any dirt or organic matter blocking the line. And shine a light down the drain pipe. If you can see more buildup right near the opening, you can carefully clear it out. 

Next, check outside where the line ends. That’s usually outside near the heat pump or in a slop sink in the basement. Look for signs of mold around the end. And, shine a light to check for a clog at that opening. 

Once again, we don’t recommend taking apart your system or reaching too far into the line. Even if you find the buildup, you should still get a professional cleaning. That service will cover much more than you can, and it will alleviate other problems like weak airflow or even rising electric bills. 

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

When you call, be sure to mention the clogged drain line, even if you cleared it yourself. That way, your tech can inspect for anything else that will cause the pipe to get blocked up again. 

Our HydroKleen208 cleaning process is different from routine maintenance. We don’t check electrical components, moving parts, and things like that. But, our specialized process does a much better job of flushing out all the contaminants inside your system. 

For instance, here’s an air handler coil where we’ve cleaned half so far:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

A cleaning compliments regular maintenance and improves your system’s performance all around. And, it’s an excellent first step toward addressing a clog. We’ll let you know if there’s a bigger problem once we start the cleaning.

Mini Split Clogged Condensate Line Repair Cost

The cost to fix a clogged mini split condensate line usually ranges from $200 to $400 when you call a licensed HVAC technician. That’s assuming they don’t need to reinstall the unit to prevent the problem from happening again. 

That’s usually more than you’d pay for a HydroKleen visit. And, as we mentioned, our cleanings improve your system performance and energy efficiency as well.

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?

Heat Pump Cleaning In Eagle, ID

HydroKleen208 brings more than a decade of research, development, and experience to our mini split and heat pump cleanings in Eagle, ID and across the Treasure Valley. If you’d like to learn more, or are ready to set an appointment, call us at (208) 779-5596 or click below.

My Mini-Split Won’t Turn On. What’s Wrong? How Do I Fix It?

My Mini Split Won’t Turn On: Four Common Causes (And How To Fix Them)

My Mini-Split Won’t Turn On. What’s Wrong? How Do I Fix It?There’s no need to panic if your mini split system suddenly won’t turn on. There’s a quick, simple fix for the problem in many cases. Sometimes, you can even handle it yourself!

This article will go through some of the most common problems that result in no power to the indoor units. And, we’ll tell you how to fix them.

Some of these issues will require a licensed HVAC professional, and in other cases you need a separate cleaning — which is where HydroKleen208 comes in!

Our mini split and heat pump cleanings work hand-in-hand with proper mini split system maintenance and repairs. A fast, inexpensive visit from us once a year heads off all sorts of issues — including some of the ones we’ll cover here.

You can call us at (208) 779-5596 with any questions about the system in your Boise Metro or Valley County home. Or, contact us online to set an appointment.

Related: What To Expect With Your Mini Split Cleaning

Four Reasons Your Mini Split Won’t Turn On (And What To Do)

The four most common reasons your mini split won’t turn on are:

  1. Wrong Settings
  2. Low Batteries Or No Power
  3. Refrigerant Leak
  4. Poor Airflow

Wrong Settings

Sometimes, just the wrong setting will prevent your mini split from powering on. If it’s set to heat in the summertime, for instance, your system won’t turn on at all. It’s waiting for the temperature to drop before turning on.

What To Do

Make sure your system is turned on and set to “Heat” in the winter and “Cool” in the summer. Then, check the thermostat setting. On a related note: You may notice the air handler running, but you’re not getting warm or cool air. The problem may be the “Fan Only” setting. That’s where your system circulates that air but doesn’t heat or cool it.

Low Batteries Or No Power

If the remote for your air handler is on low battery power, or the batteries or dead, your system won’t turn on at all. In other cases, you may have tripped a circuit breaker, and your system never turned back on.

What To Do

Start by putting new batteries in the remotes and then power it back on. If it works, you’ve solved the problem! If not, check for a tripped circuit.

Do Mini Splits Have Fuses?

If a surge of power hits your HVAC system, the fuse will blow before the system gets damaged. You can see for yourself by opening the panel and checking near the motherboard. Be very careful, and check your user manual for the exact location.

Some models may have a non-fused disconnect box outside near the heat pump. After that, check your circuit breaker box to see if anything’s tripped.

If the fuse is blown, replace it and power on your system. Or, flip the circuit back on. A power surge could be the culprit if you recently had an electrical or thunderstorm in the area. If the fuse blows again, however, call a professional.

Refrigerant Leak

Your ductless system uses refrigerant to transfer heat from the indoor units to the heat pump and vice versa. But, if there’s a refrigerant leak, your system notices the problem and won’t turn on.

Related: How To Spot And Fix A Mini Split Condensate Drain Line Clog

What To Do

Check around each air handler and your heat pump. You won’t see anything leaking out because the coolant will be in gas form. What you’re checking for is a hissing sound from the gas escaping. Or a chemical smell near the units.

Turn off the system immediately and call a licensed HVAC professional if you notice either one. You need someone to fix the leak and possibly recharge the system.

Related: Improper Mini Split Installation: What Could Go Wrong?

Poor Airflow

Sometimes, your system can’t circulate the air as well as it should. This can result in weak airflow: The air handlers click on, but the room is still too hot or cold. When the problem gets bad enough, your mini split won’t turn on at all.

The most common cause is a dirty coil. All sorts of contaminants build up on the coil, particularly on the air handlers. That’s everything from dust and dirt to mold and bacteria. It happens in just about any system after a while. This is likely your problem if you’ve also noticed “stale” air or bad smells coming from the indoor units.

Read More: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

What To Do

Start by cleaning out the air filter. If it’s been a while, it’s probably clogged and causing the problem. Next, call for a mini split system cleaning if you haven’t had one before. It’s a separate service from a tune-up or regular maintenance.  

The difference is that even a great HVAC technician can’t get into every nook and cranny of your air handler to clean it out. It would take hours to disassemble the whole thing and scrub every component. 

That’s especially the case when it comes to the coil. The tech would have to scrub between every tiny fin or ridge on it — and be careful not to bend it. Meanwhile, you’re spending a small fortune to cover the labor time for a simple but time-consuming service. 

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?

Instead, HydroKleen uses specialized equipment and cleaning agents to quickly flush out all the dirt and organic buildup inside your system. It’s the best way to truly clean out the system. 

For instance, here’s a coil where we’ve cleaned one side of it but not the other yet. You can spot the difference right away: 

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

And, we guarantee results. If you don’t notice a difference, you get a full refund. And, we pay for a competitor to come out and do the job again. 

Mini Split Cleaning In Caldwell, ID

HydroKleen208 guarantees the most effective mini split cleaning in Caldwell, ID and across the Treasure Valley. The visit is free if you don’t notice a difference in your mini split performance and indoor air quality. And, we’ll pay for a competitor to do the job next! Click below to contact us online. Or, call us at (208) 779-5596.

Common Mini Split Smells: What They Mean And How To Fix Them

Why Does My Mini Split Smell Funny? Common Causes And Fixes

Common Mini Split Smells: What They Mean And How To Fix ThemYour nose knows! A funky smell coming from your mini split is a sign of a problem. Depending on the odor, it could be anything from an electrical issue to mold infestation to a problem outside your home.

No matter the cause (or the stench), it’s always important to investigate it right away. Even though the problem could be small and easy to fix, it won’t remain that way.

Minor issues get more severe over time. If you ignore it for too long, you’ll end up paying a lot more for a more extensive repair.

Even worse, you’ll compromise the indoor air quality in your home: The air you breathe will be less healthy and can make you sick.

But the good news is that it’s a simple fix most times. And, with mini splits, in particular, a good deep-cleaning clears up most issues with one last visit.

We’ll walk you through troubleshooting based on what you’re experiencing. If you think you need a cleaning or have more questions about the system in your Kuna, ID home — or any house or business in the Treasure Valley — call HydroKleen208 at (208) 779-5596.

We’ll answer all your questions and help you decide if it’s time for a cleaning.

Four Common Mini Splits Smells And What Do Do About Them

These are the four most common odors people notice coming from their mini split:

  1. Chemicals Or Vinegar
  2. Seafood Or Fish
  3. Sewage Or Rotten Eggs
  4. Stale Or Cheesy

We’ll explain what each means and what you should do about them.

Mini Split Smells Like Chemicals Or Vinegar

Electrical problems inside an air handler cause a smell people describe as “chemical” or sometimes like white vinegar. The strong, sharp odor usually means something’s overheating or burning inside the unit.

You can investigate this by looking for brown droplets after taking off the cover and filter. They may look like animal droppings, but what you’re seeing is the sign of something melting and dripping off deeper inside the unit.

Related: 5 Reasons You’ll Love A Mini Split Cleaning

Turn off that air handler if you notice this, and check the others as well. And call your HVAC company right away. It’s nothing you can fix yourself, and you risk major damage if you leave it unattended.

Mini Split Smells Like Seafood Or Fish

Animal remains near your heat pump or air handlers result in your mini split producing a smell similar to seafood or fish. The scent comes from bacteria and other contaminants from the decomposing body.

Start by checking outside near the heat pump. Next, sniff near the walls around your air handler for any natural decaying smells.

It’s worth clarifying a difference here between ductless systems and conventional central air: A fish smell in traditional forced-air systems is usually the sign of an electrical problem, while a rotten egg smell often means a dead animal.

But, as you’ve seen already, these odors mean different problems for mini splits.

Mini Split Smells Like Sewage

A sewage smell coming from your mini split indicates a wastewater problem somewhere in or around your home. There’s a broken sewage pipe, and your HVAC system is circulating the odor.

Once again, turn off the system and check around the house for more odors. Sniff around outside, too.

And, if you feel weak, dizzy, or nauseous, open all the windows and call your HVAC contractor or plumber immediately. A sewage problem can also result in methane gas exposure.

Mini Split Smells Stale Or Cheesy

A stale or cheesy mini split smell is a sign of a mold problem. It’s called Dirty Sock Syndrome because people often describe it as smelling like an old gym bag. The cause is mold and mildew building up inside the air handler, usually on the coil.

It’s pretty common: Your air handler is warm from all the electronics at work, and there’s no light in there. When you combine that with the moisture from the air condensing inside it, you end up with a perfect breeding ground for mold.

The best way to get rid of the problem is with a deep cleaning, and we’ll discuss that in more detail later.

Regular Maintenance For Mini Splits Prevents Odors

You can head off most mini split odors with some easy preventative maintenance:

  • Cleaning The Air Filter
  • Annual Tune-Ups
  • Deep Cleaning

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

Clean The Air Filter

Take the reusable air filters out of your air handlers once a month and clean them out. This gets rid of all sorts of dust, dirt, and debris. And it improves airflow, which in turn prevents other buildup inside the system.

Related: Six Telltale Signs Your Mini Split Needs Cleaning

Annual Tune Ups

Call an HVAC company in the spring for a tune-up. That’s when they inspect and clean out your system. You’ll need one in the fall, too, if your mini split heats your home as well. A quick visit heads off all sorts of problems.

Deep Cleaning

Regular Service Is The Best Way To Avoid Repairs

A deep cleaning goes much further than a tune-up when it comes to cleaning your system. A regular HVAC contractor may clear some surface dirt but can’t get too far into the units.

Instead, HydroKleen208 uses specialized tools and non-toxic, environmentally-safe cleaners to flush out your entire system without taking it apart.

It’s the best way to be sure your air isn’t filled with mold spores, allergens, and other microbial contaminants circulating from your mini split.

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?

Mini Split Cleaning In Kuna, ID

HydroKleen208 is the worldwide industry leader for mini split cleaning in Kuna, ID and across the Treasure Valley. We bring more than ten years of dedicated research and development to every visit. Call us at (208) 779-5596 or click below to set your appointment.