Maintaining Your Ductless System for Optimal Performance

Ductless heating and air conditioning are becoming more popular in the South Puget Sound region thanks to their energy efficiency. They work well with the area’s relatively mild but wet winters and sunny, warmer months, providing benefits like excellent heating and cooling to any home configuration, thanks to their flexible installation requirements.

Regular ductless system maintenance will keep your home heating and cooling system running at peak efficiency, minimizing breakdowns and saving you money. It also ensures your home remains comfortable, even on rare occasions when it snows.

At Kliemann Bros Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical, we offer professional HVAC cleaning and seasonal tune-up services, keeping Tacoma-area homes ready for whatever the weather has in store.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters for Ductless Systems

Your ductless system provides both heat and air conditioning, meaning it runs year-round. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running efficiently. Otherwise, you risk higher energy bills, poor temperature control, breakdowns, and costly repairs.

We recommend scheduling your ductless mini-split maintenance services twice per year. Perform maintenance once for the heating system, preferably in the fall, and once in the spring, to ensure the cooling system is ready to go.

How Ductless Mini-Split Systems Work

Your ductless mini-split works by transferring heat from inside the house to outside when you want air conditioning and reversing the process when you want to turn up the heat. When your ductless system cools:

• Heat is pulled into the heat pump and blown over the coil found inside the indoor units.
• Refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat and flows into the outdoor unit.
• The refrigerant enters the compressor and is heated further until it turns into a gas, and the heat is released into the outside air.

When heating your home, the hot air is pulled from outside and released into your home. Depending on its capacity, your mini split may be able to handle up to eight indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, making it a flexible option to heat and cool your home.

Common Issues with Neglected Ductless Systems

If you’ve never scheduled a professional ductless system tune-up, or if it’s been a while, you’ll probably start to notice these issues.

Clogged Filters

As air is pulled into your mini split, so are hair, dust, pollen, and other airborne debris. The air filter catches this detritus, but when it fills up, it reduces the system’s ability to properly regulate your home’s temperature. During a regular tune-up, our techs will clean your filters to allow maximum airflow and keep your air quality clean.

Poor Performance

Along with a dirty air filter, the indoor and outdoor coils can get dirty over time, blocking the airflow and disallowing proper heat transfer. You need a biannual professional ductless system tune-up to allow a technician to get inside your mini-split and make sure everything is clean, you have enough refrigerant, and everything is working as it should.

Frequent Breakdowns

When your ductless HVAC system is dirty or has loose connections and broken parts, it has to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and meet your needs. Over time, small issues will become big problems, causing the entire system to break down. Schedule a tune-up before heavy usage to prevent malfunctions, and enjoy high-quality heating and cooling.

When to Call a Professional for Ductless Maintenance

These are just a few signs your ductless system needs service.

Strange Sounds

Rattling usually indicates a loose part, buzzing may mean an electrical issue, hissing could indicate a refrigerant leak, and grinding or banging could mean mechanical problems. If you hear a strange sound from your ductless HVAC system, call an expert soon, before a maintenance call becomes a full replacement.

Water Leaks

If your mini split isn’t well-maintained, the condensate drain could become clogged with debris, the coils might ice up, or refrigerant could leak out and be mistaken for water. If there’s liquid pooling under your system, or you notice signs of a leak, call your local HVAC tech for assistance.

Poor Heating and Cooling Efficiency

High energy bills and a strained system are signs your ductless HVAC system needs a tune-up. You won’t save money by skipping your next HVAC service appointment. You’ll likely end up paying more for power use and repairs in the long term.

Let’s explore some DIY ductless HVAC maintenance tips and when to call Kliemann Bros for a professional tune-up. To be proactive, you can clean the air filter yourself and ensure furniture and curtains aren’t blocking airflow.

For a more in-depth tune-up, you’ll need an HVAC expert. Our technicians provide fast and thorough ductless heat and ductless AC troubleshooting, comprehensive repairs, and effective care for ductless heating and cooling systems. Not sure how to clean mini-split filters? Call Kliemann Bros.

Your manufacturer’s warranty may also require annual professional tune-ups to remain valid, making it essential to choose trusted local HVAC technicians over attempting the job yourself. Our HVAC experts are licensed and insured, and as locals, we understand the regulations and building permits surrounding HVAC installations, repairs, and maintenance. We’ll ensure your mini-split functions correctly, with safe, efficient operation.

Extend the Life of Your System with Seasonal Tune-Ups

Along with improving ductless system efficiency, one of the biggest benefits of ductless system maintenance is that it’ll extend your mini-split’s lifespan. Your heating and cooling system is a big investment. By keeping it running smoothly, you’ll reduce damage due to wear and tear and extend its life.

Trust Kliemann Bros for Expert Ductless Maintenance in Washington

If you’re in the Pierce County area and want to schedule ductless mini-split service, call Kliemann Bros at (253) 785-9542, or use our online contact form. We serve South Puget Sound, including Tacoma, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, Spanaway, Enumclaw, Edgewood, and Sumner, along with many other Washington communities.

Our team of professional HVAC technicians offers heating and cooling repairs, tune-ups, installations, replacements, and inspections. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your HVAC needs.