Your mini-split air conditioner is an important part of your house and you would want your mini-split to work without any issues when the sun outside is at its peak. But unexpected complications can easily result in frustration, leaving you with no other option but to call a professional. A mini-split unit that is not cooling requires some simple troubleshooting tips to determine the problem or to get the unit running back to normal. Let’s know what it takes to have your mini-split AC cooling again. Some of these troubleshooting tips require AC repair services.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
Before delving into complicated troubleshooting tips, let us begin with the basics. If your mini-split air conditioner is not cooling, you should check the temperature settings. It might be that someone has accidentally changed the settings without even noticing.
It could also be that someone has changed the settings because they were feeling too cold. This happens when there are elderly people living in the house. So, before you curse the unit, check the temperature settings to ensure there is no problem from your end.
Dirty Air Filters
You might think that air filters do not have a direct effect on the performance of the mini-split air conditioner. The fact is that dirty air filters can significantly lower the cooling ability of the unit. Air filters are designed to trap contaminants and dust particles in the air.
This means that, with time, the air filters tend to become dirty and clogged. This makes the unit work harder than usual to due to the quicker loss of cooling. As a result, the components inside the mini-split unit have to work harder as well and heat up.
Instead of the unit cooling the area, it begins to overheat and utilize more electricity than usual. This is why it is imperative to regularly inspect and clean the filters. If your air conditioner is old, you might need to replace the air filters.
Dirty and clogged air filters won’t be able to trap additional contaminants. This will also cause contaminated air to be circulated inside the house, causing respiratory issues.
Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant leaks are relatively easy to notice and determine. AC units have refrigerant filled to a certain level for proper functioning. The refrigerant is in the compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the lines connecting the coils. With time and due to several other reasons, the refrigerant could leak, lowering the cooling ability of the air conditioner.
The performance of the compressor is directly linked to the refrigerant level. If the refrigerant level is low, the compressor will consistently trip and heat up as well. If the issue is ignored, the compressor will shut down and may become permanently damaged.
That said, if you notice your mini-split unit tripping continuously, you will need to get the refrigerant gas checked. Consult a professional for an AC inspection, as some leakages are very minor and not noticeable in the beginning.
No Condenser And Evaporator Coil Maintenance
The condenser and evaporator coils are located in the outdoor unit and are equally important components as the compressor. The purpose of these coils is to dissipate hot air that is produced as a byproduct of the cooling process. If these coils are covered with layers of dirt and dust, they will not be able to dissipate heat, which will affect the cooling of the unit.
This is why it is imperative to ensure the air conditioner is properly maintained. Fortunately, cleaning the coils is not that difficult. All you need to do is access the coils and use a wet, soft cloth to wipe away all the layers. But you should also hire a ductless air conditioner Ronkonkoma expert for thorough maintenance.
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are not that common in new units, but that does not mean it’s impossible for them to occur. Such issues can damage the crucial components inside the air conditioner and result in expensive replacements. Electrical issues in mini-split units most commonly arise due to inexperienced individuals performing maintenance and repairs or replacement tasks.
If you observe the circuit breaker tripping on a usual basis, you will need to get the mini-split unit checked. It might be that the unit was not properly packed after performing maintenance. It could also be a loosened wire causing the issue. You should get help from an expert immediately to rectify the issue before it damages the unit.
Insufficient Insulation
Your mini-split air conditioner is supposed to cool and maintain the temperature. If your house is not properly insulated, cool air will escape even before it is circulated inside the house, making it appear as if the unit is working at its optimal level.
If your house is old, you should check the doors and windows for cracks, rust, and damage. These areas are the most common leakage sources and won’t allow the unit to sustain the temperature. Plus, opting for a bigger unit won’t be of any benefit if the air is leaking.
This is why experts suggest fixing your insulation before installing an air conditioning unit. It not only helps the unit maintain the temperature but also utilizes less energy.
Incorrect Sizing
One of the most common problems customers tend to make while purchasing a mini-split air conditioning unit is choosing the incorrect size. Opting for a smaller or a bigger unit will yield more or less the same results. A smaller unit will have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. This will increase the monthly energy bills as the area is bigger than the unit can handle.
On the other hand, a unit bigger than required will frequently trip as it will reach the desired temperature relatively quicker. The constant tripping will ultimately consume more electricity, causing a hike in energy bills.
That said, you should always measure the dimensions of the area before buying the perfect size. This will give you and the expert a clear idea of your needs and preferences.
Lack Of Maintenance
Sometimes, the problem with the performance of the mini-split units lies with the negligence and ignorance of the homeowners. Mini-split air conditioners, like other household electronic appliances, require regular maintenance. This maintenance should be performed by an expert based on the usage frequency. As a general rule of thumb, the unit should be professionally maintained at least twice a year.
This helps the professionals identify any potential issues and fix them before they affect the performance of the unit. Plus, it also helps keep unexpected complications at bay. This is undoubtedly the best investment you can make to keep your mini-split running without any problems.
Conclusion
Your mini-split air conditioner might not be cooling due to a variety of reasons. But it is more about having an idea about the issues rather than the issue itself. The above-mentioned tips will help you get straight down to the problem and keep your unit running trouble-free as well. Make sure you pick the right air conditioner repair service Smithtown to look after the unit as well.
