How Long Do Mini Splits Last? (And How To Keep Them Running Great)
Mini splits usually last for 15 to 20 years. But, as they get older, they won’t perform as well. You may also notice higher electric bills and more frequent repair needs. Proper care helps you get the most from your system.
A ductless system is an excellent investment, but it’s also a big one. You’ll save a lot of money on your electric bill over time. But, the upfront cost is more than a conventional furnace or central air system.
Related: The Signs (And Risks) Of A Mini Split That’s Not Installed Properly
So, you want to do everything you can to keep your system running great for as long as possible! And, HydroKleen208 can help.
We specialize in mini split deep cleanings that can make your system run as well as when you first got it. It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive. But, it’s just one part of a great maintenance strategy.
So we’ll talk more about our services a little later. For now, we’ll outline everything you need to do so your mini split brings your great comfort, excellent indoor air quality, and low electric bills for years to come.
How To Care For A Mini Split
A mini split requires proper care to make sure air circulates through it. And that all the components are in good working order and not suffering from excess wear and tear. The three most important ways to care for your system are:- Cleaning The Filter
- Getting Annual Tune-Ups
- Getting Regular Cleanings
Cleaning The Filter
A clean air filter in every handler in your home ensures that air from each room passes through the system, gets warmed or cooled, and then recirculates. The filter prevents dust and dirt from getting into the air handler and causing problems. But, eventually, there’s so much buildup on it that air can’t pass through. So, it’s essential to keep the filter clean.Related: Why Won’t My Mini Split Turn On? How Can I Fix It?
When To Do It
Clean your filter every month when your mini split is running. You can do it every three months during the off-season. If you have pets that shed fur or otherwise notice a lot of dirt on the filter, do it every three weeks instead.
Getting Annual Tune-Ups
Professional HVAC maintenance, or tune-ups, are essential for your mini split. A tech insects all the electrical connections and moving parts inside your system. They’ll clean, fix, or replace anything dirty, loose, dirty, not working, or worn out.
This way, your system ensures less stress and wear and tear when it’s running. You’ll enjoy better comfort and lower electric bills, too.
When To Do It
Ideally, you’ll get a tune-up in the fall before the cold weather. Then, get another in the spring before you need cooling. If you’re already into winter or summer, you can still get a tune-up.
Who To Call
Your HVAC contractor installing the system or repairing it also provides routine maintenance. We partner with Snowflake Air in the Treasure Valley and recommend them for all your ductless maintenance and repairs.
Getting Regular Cleanings
Deep cleaning for mini splits isn’t as well-known as tune-ups — at least not here in the U.S. But, this service is already essential in the many countries where ductless systems have been more common for a long time.
Here’s the problem: all sorts of mold, bacteria and other microbial contaminants build up on the coil and behind the barrel fans in your air handler. It reduces airflow, which results in hot and cold spots in your home.
At the same time, the components get worn out from working harder. You’ll also notice higher electric bills from that extra work — and, eventually, repair bills when the system breaks down.
Related: Why Replace Your Mini Split When You Can Clean It?
But, the problem people notice most is poor indoor air quality. All that junk in the system ends up circulating into the air you breathe. Homeowners notice allergy flare-ups, respiratory issues, and even mold toxicity symptoms.
Because of this, deep cleaning is essential. And, it’s a separate service from routine maintenance.
When To Do It
If you’ve had your mini split for more than a year, it’s time for an initial cleaning. Even in just that short time, you’d be surprised at how dirty they can get. And, you’ll often notice a difference right away. After that first cleaning, we can tell if you’ll need annual cleanings or if you can go longer in between.
Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?
Who To Call
Of course, we recommend you call HydroKleen208 for your mini split cleanings. But, that’s not just because we like to toot our own horn!
The truth is that cleanings are a separate service from routine maintenance. Instead, we use customized equipment and environmentally-friendly solutions that flush out virtually everything inside your air handlers and heat pump.
We’ll also stop midway through the process to show you what we found and how we’re cleaning it. For instance, here’s a typical picture of a coil where we’ve cleaned only one side so far:
Related: What To Expect With Your HydroKleen Visit
Our process is the culmination of more than a decade of ongoing dedicated research and development by our parent company, HydroKleen Global. As we mentioned before, mini splits are more common in other parts of the world. HydroKleen has spent years perfecting its process and equipment while cleaning more than 1.5 million systems in 36 countries.
Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump?
Heat Pump Cleaning In McCall, ID
HydroKleen208 specializes in world-class mini split and heat pump cleaning in McCall, ID, along with services in Donnelly, Cascade, and further south in Boise Metro. We guarantee you’ll notice a difference after our visit. Click below or call us at (208) 779-5596 for a free consultation or to book an appointment.