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

by | Feb 21, 2022 | blog

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.

Schedule A HydroKleen 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.

Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

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

by | Feb 18, 2022 | blog

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.

Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

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.

Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

Breathe Smarter: New Asthma Management Technology [2022]

by | Feb 11, 2022 | blog

New Technology That Helps Control Asthma And Prevent Attacks

Breathe Smarter: New Asthma Management Technology [2022]

Modern science hasn’t found a cure for asthma yet. But, the latest technology can help you manage your symptoms and treatment better than ever before. Everything from apps to smart products to new cleaning strategies makes a world of difference.

And, these breakthroughs come just in time.

Even before 2020, Americans, in general, spent around 90 percent of their time indoors where asthma triggers build up. Now, with remote work and learning taking off, managing your home’s air quality is crucial.

Related: Can Air Conditioning Trigger Asthma Symptoms And Attacks?

We’ll explore the latest and greatest tools out there. If you’re looking for more ways to improve the indoor air quality in your Donnelly, ID home (or anywhere in the Treasure Valley), call HydroKleen208 at (208) 779-5596.

Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

New Asthma Treatment Technology

The basics behind rescue inhalers, albuterol treatments, oral corticosteroids, and other standard treatments are still the same. But, their delivery methods are getting smarter, and you have more ways than ever to track, treat, and address your symptoms. 

Smart Inhalers

Do you know how often you use your inhaler? Your doctor probably asks, and sometimes it’s tough to keep track. THat’s where smart inhalers come in. 

These new products use Bluetooth and other mobile technology to track your usage. Not only do you get a record of when you’re using it. That data can help prevent future attacks. 

With close, careful tracking, you and your doctor can identify the expected times you need your medication. From there, you can work on how to prevent those events. Your doctor may also recognize a need to change your medicine or adjust the dosage.

Some models can even tell if you’re using the inhaler properly or not. Or alert you that you’re entering an area with a lot of pollen or pollution. 

Interactive Spirometers

Managing asthma for children is challenging. They don’t always understand why they need to do things their friends don’t have to. Or take medicine that other kids don’t need. An interactive spirometer makes it easier for them to follow doctors’ orders.

Take Aluna, for instance. It looks like a toy, and it connects to an app with an interactive game for children. That makes it more engaging for them, which means using it is less of a struggle. 

It will also time out after too many tries. That way, your child won’t tire out their lungs by “playing” with it too much at once. 

Meanwhile, the app tracks and stores the results. You can download the data, send them to your doctor, and get real-time alerts with results when your child uses it.

New Apps

There Are Even Apps That Can Help You Manage Asthma NowBeyond gadgets, your smartphone alone can help you manage your asthma. They’re easy to use, and most are free.

Asthma MD (And Others)

Asthma MD makes it easy to keep a detailed asthma journal. It lets you log your medication usage, attacks, and more. Since it’s an app, you can access it on multiple devices — no need to keep a physical book with you. 

You can color-code it and log entries for everyone in your family. And send the data directly to your doctor.

You can also check out Asthma Buddy and AsthmaTrack. They have similar features. 

KagenAir App

The KagenAir App isn’t just for people with asthma. But, it’s an excellent tool for those managing it for themselves or family members. It’s an app that tracks weather along with common asthma and allergy triggers in the environment around you. 

Related: Common Asthma Triggers From Mother Nature [And How To Avoid Them)

You can fine-tune it by answering a few questions about your allergy or asthma symptoms and triggers. It takes less than a minute every day. 

From there, the app customizes your daily report. Depending on what you need to know, you’ll get information about pollen counts, humidity, wind speed and direction, mold spores, pollution, and more. 

Preventing Asthma Attacks In Homes With Ductless Mini Splits

What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump And Mini Split In Boise Metro?

Homes with mini splits, or ductless heating and cooling systems, often have more asthma triggers than you may realize. 

All sorts of dust, dirt, and microbial contaminants build up inside the air handlers. They take hold behind the barrel fans and in the tiny grooves of the coil behind the filter. 

Then, when the system turns on, all that junk blows into the air around you. 

If you have a mini split, ask yourself: Have you been experiencing more allergy symptoms or asthma attacks after having your system for a year or longer? Does the air in your home feel stale or just not as clean as it used to? 

Related: Excellent Indoor Air Quality Is Essential For People With Asthma

If so, the odds are your air handlers are gunked up with pollen and dust and infested with mold and mildew. If you were to take it apart (which we don’t recommend), you’d probably see something like this: 

A Ductless System Can Get Moldy If Not Taken Care Of

That stuff can and will trigger asthma attacks — and worse. In severe cases, mold spores circulating from an air handler cause toxic mold problems.

Fortunately, there’s a fast and easy solution for businesses and homeowners in Valley County and Boise Metro: A deep cleaning. 

Why A Deep Cleaning Is Important

A mini split deep cleaning goes way beyond cleaning your filter or even having an HVAC professional perform service or maintenance on your system. It’s the only way to reach every nook and cranny inside your system and eradicate the pollutants inside it. 

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

Our cleanings work so well because our parent company, HydroKleen Global, spent more than a decade researching and developing tools and strategies specifically to clean these systems. 

Now, HydroKleen208 brings those innovations to the Treasure Valley with a fast, easy, and inexpensive visit. 

Related: What To Expect With A HydroKleen Visit

Our pressurized washer is strong enough to flush out the entire system without damaging anything. And, our cleaning agents are 100% non-toxic and safe for the environment.

Mini Split & Heat Pump Cleaning For People With Asthma In Donnelly, ID

HydroKleen208’s mini split and heat pump cleanings play a pivotal role in managing asthma. We serve homes and businesses in Donnelly, ID, across Valley County, and Boise Metro. Click below for an appointment or call (208) 779-5596 to learn more.

Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

Common Asthma Triggers (And How To Avoid Them)

by | Feb 9, 2022 | blog

How To Make Your Home Safe From Mother Nature’s Common Asthma Triggers

Common Asthma Triggers From Mother Nature (And How To Avoid Them)Let’s face it: Mother Nature is no friend to people with asthma. Sure, manufactured chemicals and toxins may trigger attacks. But there are plenty of hazards in the natural world that do the same.

And, some of them may surprise you. For instance, did you know that a thunderstorm can cause asthma attacks for thousands of people at once? 

Or, how wildfires on the west coast and here in Idaho affect people with asthma?

This article discusses common (and surprising) asthma triggers out there thanks to Mother Nature. We’ll also discuss preventing attacks and steps you can take to remove many natural triggers from your home. 

Improving indoor air quality is an essential part of what we do here at HydroKleen208. If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home near Cascade, ID or Boise Metro, give us a call at (208) 779-5596.

Related: Excellent Indoor Air Quality Is Crucial For People With Asthma

Wildfires

Wildfires are unhealthy for everyone. Even if you’re hundreds of miles away, the smoke and ash can irritate your nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues get it even worse. 

In particular, the smoke and ash irritate and inflames your lungs. These conditions make it much harder to breathe, which triggers asthma attacks. What’s worse is that the smoke lingers for days or weeks. That means prolonged exposure. 

Here in Idaho, wildfires are a big problem, especially in the summer. Not only do we deal with wildfires in our state. We also get pollution from fires in nearby Washington, Oregon, and California.

How To Prevent

For starters, stock up on air filters for your heating and cooling system early in the year. Even a basic filter helps screen out smoke and ash in your house. But if there’s a shortage by spring, you’re stuck when wildfire season hits. 

You can keep track of wildfires in Boise Metro or Valley County by following the news or checking Idaho’s wildfire site. And in general, you can check your air quality by zip code any time using this site.

If you have a mini split system, you wash and reuse your filter. In that case, clean it more often when there’s wildfire smoke nearby. And, we’ll talk more about mini split cleaning later on. 

Next, keep some particulate respirator masks on hand. Those would be N95 or P100 masks. Cloth masks don’t work nearly as well. 

Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma

Believe it or not, a severe thunderstorm can trigger asthma attacks. Technically it’s not the storm itself. The culprit is usually pollen. 

Heavy rain and sudden changes to temperature or humidity cause pollen grains to open and release high amounts of pollen at once. Then, high winds spread the pollen, and fungal spores, quickly. 

Thunderstorm asthma isn’t the most common problem for people with asthma. It doesn’t occur with every storm, nor does it always happen on a day when the pollen count is high. 

However, epidemic thunderstorm asthma made headlines a few years ago in Australia, which is home to our parent company, HydroKleen Global. Ten people died as a result, and the event sent thousands of people to the emergency room. 

How To Prevent It

Since thunderstorm asthma isn’t common, you don’t need to worry every time the weather calls for showers. But, if there’s a heavy storm on the way in spring and summer, or when there’s a high pollen count, take some extra precaution. 

Treat the event like any day with a high pollen count: 

Make sure you have your inhaler

  • Use preventer medication if you have it
  • Try not to go outside and keep your windows closed
  • Remove your shoes when you get home
  • Make sure the air filters in your HVAC system are clean

Related: Breathe Smarter Thanks To New Asthma Treatment Technology

Pollen And Other Allergens

Most people think about pollen as a problem for people with allergies. But, asthma and seasonal allergies are a common combination. Airborne allergens trigger asthma attacks, too.

When you have a pollen allergy, your body reacts to this harmless substance as if it’s an invader like a virus or something else that can make you sick.

Your immune system pumps out chemicals to fight the invasion. That results in itchy eyes, runny noses, and congestion.

The problem is that reaction also affects the lungs and airways, triggering an asthma attack.

How To Prevent It

We already mentioned some strategies for high pollen count days. There are also some basic precautions:

Check the pollen account and air quality forecasts every day. Pay close attention in the spring and summer.

Use a particle mask when gardening. You’re likely to encounter pollen near plants, so take extra care.

Have your rescue medication ready. Make sure your inhaler or albuterol is nearby on high pollen count days. If you’re having severe reactions, your doctor can recommend stronger treatments. 

Stick to a regular cleaning regimen at home. Wash your sheets weekly, vacuum rugs, and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth.

Mold, Mildew, Fungus, And Bacteria

Mold, mildew, fungus, and bacteria all irritate your lungs and airways. They cause inflammation the same way pollen does. Too much exposure makes anyone feel sick, plus it’s an asthma trigger.

Related: Symptoms And Warning Signs Mold Toxicity Or Poisoning

How To Prevent It

Once again, a regular cleaning regimen helps keep many of these natural irritants at bay. In particular, you also want to eliminate conditions in your home that make it easy for mold and fungus to thrive.

That means looking for — and clearing out — any space that’s warm, moist, and dark.

Check the corners of your basement and behind your washing machine, dryer, and refrigerator. And, if you have a mini split, we have more information for you.

Mini Split Cleaning Remove Asthma Triggers In Homes With Ductless HVAC

The insides of mini split air handlers are excellent breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other microbial contaminants. And, it’s a bigger problem than many people here in the U.S. realize yet.

The insides of these units are warm, moist, and dark. They’re also nearly impossible to clean.

When you clean the filter, as you should, you’re only addressing that component. Even professional maintenance only scratches the surface.

It would take your HVAC tech hours to disassemble the entire unit to reach everywhere. And to clean the grooves between every fin on the coil — that’s where we find large buildups of mold, mildew, fungus, and more.

Here’s a typical photo of an air handler we cleaned. Partway through, we took a picture showing how dirty it gets — and how much of a difference a deep clean makes.

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

We’re able to do this thanks to our customized equipment and cleaning agents. Our sprayers can reach in and around every part of the air handler. So, we can clean the entire thing (plus your heat pump outside) without taking it apart.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

Meanwhile, our cleaning agents eradicate microbial contaminants. But, they’re 100-percent non-toxic and safe for the environment.

So, we’re not pumping your home full of chemicals that will make you sick. And, you don’t need to worry about your town’s water when we flush everything out.

Related: HydroKleen’s Process And Cleaning Agents Are Non-Toxic And 100-Percent Environmentally-Safe

We mentioned our parent company, HydroKleen Global, earlier. They’ve spent more than a decade in research and development. Now, HydroKleen208 brings that expertise to Valley County and Boise Metro.

Mini Split And Heat Pump Cleaning In And Around Cascade, ID

HydroKleen208 provides the world’s most effective mini split and heat pump cleaning for homes and businesses in Cascade, ID and anywhere in the Treasure Valley. If you’re not satisfied, it’s free. Click below for an appointment or call (208) 779-5596 to learn more.

Schedule A Ductless Mini Split Cleaning

Guide: Why Is My Mini-Split Not Heating or Blowing Hot Air?

by | Feb 7, 2022 | blog

Why Is My Mini Split Not Heating My Home Or Not Blowing Hot Air?

Guide: Why Is My Mini-Split Not Heating or Blowing Hot Air?There are many possible reasons why your mini split isn’t blowing hot air or warming your home. Most of them boil down to buildup inside the air handlers that prevent airflow or heat transfer. Now, there’s an easy fix for that.

This article walks you through the four most common reasons a mini spit won’t work correctly. You can handle a few of these on your own. For others, you’ll need a professional.

But, the good news is that in many cases, that professional isn’t an HVAC contractor. Instead, you can schedule a mini split cleaning that usually solves the problem — and offers a few other benefits as well.

Of course, we need to warn you not to start taking apart your air handler or heat pump. These units have some tiny, delicate parts in there. It’s easier than you may think to make the problem much worse.

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

Instead, run through our quick DIY troubleshooting. Then, give HydroKleen208 a call if you’re in Valley County or Boise Metro here in Idaho. We’ll answer your questions over the phone and help you decide if cleaning is the right move. You can reach us at (208) 779-5596.

Four Common Reasons Your Mini Split Is Not Blowing Hot Air

The four common things to check for when your mini split is not heating your home or blowing any hot air are:

  1. Wrong Thermostat Settings
  2. Dirty Or Clogged Filter
  3. Frozen Coil
  4. Clogged Coil

You can fix the first two yourself, and we’ll go through all four in-depth.

Wrong Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the problem is simply the thermostat setting on your air handler.

For instance, if you don’t switch from “Cool” to “Heat,” your heat pump waits for the house to get warmer than the setting. In the winter, you want the opposite: Heat coming on when it goes below that call.

Or, there’s “Fan Only,” which only circulates air without moving heat around. This is more common on forced-air systems, but it’s an option here as well. In the winter, it would only move around the air in the room — which is cold when there’s no heat.

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

What To Do

Check the thermostat on each air handler. Make sure they’re set to “Heat” and not “Fan Only.” Then, set them to the temperature you want.

Dirty Or Clogged Filter

The filter in your mini split traps all sorts of dust and debris. When that stuff floats through the air and into the air handler, the filter prevents it from going further into the unit and then blowing back out.

But that filter gets clogged eventually. When that happens, it blocks airflow. Now, your air handler is trying to move heat into the room. But, there’s no circulation, so you don’t get any hot air.

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

What To Do

Open the panel on your air handler and check the filter. Does it look like this?
A Dirty Ductless Filter

If so, clean it right away. Then, see if that solves the problem. If it does, make sure to clean it once a month from now on — that’s the usual manufacturer recommendation.

Frozen Coil

A mini split heat pump can “ice up” or “ice over.” It’s when water on the coil freezes. Then, it can’t draw in heat and circulate it inside your home. The result is a system running in the winter but delivering cold air instead of warmth.

The two main culprits here are a dirty coil or a refrigerant leak. We’ll talk about the coil in our next section.

A refrigerant leak produces freezing-cold air in the heat pump and on the coil. It’s so cold that all the moisture on it or in the air freezes up. It ices over and prevents heat transfer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do

Listen for hissing sounds or chemical smells near the heat pump. Those are signs of a refrigerant leak. IF you notice them, call your HVAC contractor right away.

If not, disconnect the power to your heat pump. Once the ice melts, power it back on. If it happens again, call a professional.
Meanwhile, visually inspect the coil if you can see it. Take off the filter in your air handler as well. If they are visibly dirty, you need a cleaning. That may solve the problem.

Clogged Coil

A clogged coil causes heating problems even if you don’t notice ice on the system. In fact, the ice problem is rare. A far more common symptom is air handlers not working as well as they used to is a far more common symptom.

Once again, the problem is a clogged coil: All sorts of gunk, from dust to even mold, builds up in between the tiny fins and prevents proper heat transfer and circulation.

It happens on the heat pump outside and inside your air handlers. And, it results in hot and cold spots in the house or getting cold air when you want heat.

What To Do

Start with a deep cleaning. It’s a more detailed, involved process than what you’d get with routine maintenance from your regular HVAC provider. And that’s no slight on them. It’s just that this is a specialized process.

What you want is a service that gets behind and inside every component of your air handler and mini split to flush out contaminants and eradicate any microbial organic pollutants.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

What Do You Get With A Mini Split Cleaning?

HydroKleen208 uses equipment and cleaning agents designed to quickly and completely flush and sanitize your entire mini split system. You’d be amazed (and probably grossed-out) by what lurks inside your air handlers and heat pump.

Here’s an example from a recent job. As always, we pause halfway through to show the homeowner the difference we’ve made. So far, we’ve cleaned the left side. Check out the horror show on the right:

And, we’re sorry to say, this isn’t an unusual case. If you’ve never had your system cleaned out before, your units probably look like this as well.

Fortunately, we can make a huge difference with one quick visit.

Related: What To Expect With A HydroKleen Visit

Mini Split Cleaning In Donnelly, ID

HydroKleen208 specializes in mini split deep cleaning for homes and businesses in Donnelly, ID, Valley County, and Boise Metro. We guarantee our tools and cleaning agents will get your mini split working like new. If they don’t, our visit is free. Click below or call us at (208) 779-5596.

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