Ductless air conditioners are known for their efficiency, but these complex systems can still run into trouble. Like any appliance in your home, your cooling system needs attention from time to time. Ductless systems such as ductless mini-splits are usually dependable because they provide quiet and comfortable air circulation. They often use multiple indoor units (air handlers) to manage airflow effectively, and they’re mounted on walls for better efficiency compared to traditional ducted systems. They’re so efficient they can sometimes cut your energy bill by up to 60%. However, even these efficient systems can have problems. Let’s look at some common issues you might encounter with your ductless AC.
Refrigerant Leaks
All cooling systems rely on refrigerant to cool down homes, and if the levels get too low from a leak, it affects how well the unit functions. Refrigerant leaks can occur due to damage to the coils or the refrigerant line.
You will know that you have a refrigerant leak because the system will not sufficiently cool your home. You may also see ice on the outside of your system or coils, and you may even hear a bubbling or hissing sound when the AC runs, especially if there is a crack or hole in your refrigerant line. Your energy bills will also be higher as the AC will need to work harder to get your home to your desired temperature, and it is likely that you will see puddles of liquid near your system.
Refrigerant leaks are not something that you can handle on your own. This is because refrigerant is highly flammable, and it can cause significant health problems if you inhale it into your lungs. You can become dizzy, nauseous, and develop heart complications. You can get frostbite if it touches your skin, and you can also experience organ failure. This is the reason you should always call an AC repair professional the minute that you notice that there is a refrigerant leak.
Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your cooling system turns off before the entire cooling cycle is complete. This means that something is causing the system to stop whether it is an automatic shut-off function or another reason for the unit to quit running prematurely.
There are several reasons why this could happen with your cooling system. One of the most common reasons is that the air filter is dirty. When the air filter is full of dust and debris, it inhibits proper airflow. Make sure to replace or clean your filters regularly to ensure the system runs as it should.
Another issue that can cause short cycling is that the air conditioner is not the appropriate size for your home. A system that is too small will struggle to keep up with your cooling needs. However, short cycling is also something that can occur when the cooling system is too powerful for the size of your living space. If you think that the size of your system is the reason for your short cycling, then contact Ultimate Homes & Cooling to have one of our technicians come out and take a look and discuss your options.
Blower Fan Malfunction
A blower fan is a piece of equipment that blows the cool air from the AC into your living space. If this stops functioning, bigger issues will occur. With a ductless system, there are more fans to deal with, and if any one of them is not working as it should, the air will not circulate efficiently, thus the system will not adequately cool your home.
The motor that powers the fan could go and cause electrical issues, or it could be something as simple as a blade coming loose. A technician can repair components with little effort, and in most situations, this is true of blower fan issues.
Condensate Leak
Condensate leaks are common with any AC system, even the ductless variety. Such leaks occur when the moisture that your system pulls from the air does not drain properly. The moisture is supposed to drain through a pipe called the condensate line, and problems can arise if there are clogs or a hole in the draining pan.
This can be problematic for your cooling system, so call a member of our team at Ultimate Homes & Cooling to have a technician come to your home to complete repairs. Without proper repairs, the leak could lead to a bigger issue if it damages your walls or the components inside your system. It can also create a breeding ground for mold, which will be expensive to remediate.
Improper Drainage
With a ductless air conditioning system, there is always a chance that the condensate does not drain properly because the line is not correctly placed. Any of the moisture that forms in the cooling system from removing heat from the air can drain in the wrong area. The system uses a PVC pipe that carries the water away from your home so that it does not pool near any of the essential components of the AC. When the drainage is not correctly directed, other issues with the system and potential property damage could arise.
Installation Issues
There are several signs that could indicate that there was an issue with the initial installation of the ductless air conditioning system. For example, if the refrigerant level keeps dropping, the system is using more than it should to keep your living space cool. If you hear a hissing noise, this could be an indication that the refrigerant level is too low. The unit could also be working extra to try to keep the space at a comfortable temperature for your family.
Also, if the airflow is not what you would expect it to be, then the location of the air handler could be wrong. There may be something blocking the airflow, so making sure the air handler is facing the center of the room and that the vents are open could be beneficial. Perhaps the sunlight is warming the air before it cools your home. In this situation, finding a location that is not in direct sunlight will help keep the air cool.
Incorrect electrical wiring can also damage your ductless air conditioner. If you do not address the electrical issues in a timely fashion, it could potentially cause a fire. If the power going to the unit is not what the manufacturer recommends, then call a professional to take a look at it and make the necessary corrections.
Call for a Reliable HVAC Company
When you feel that your ductless air conditioning system is not running as efficiently as it should, there is most likely a reason behind it. At Ultimate Homes & Cooling, we are proud to say that we commit our time to serving the Cape Coral community and have been doing so for more than two decades by providing top-quality HVAC and air quality services. We are a family-owned company that strives to provide you with satisfactory service on which you can depend. We are experts in comfort, and your comfort is important to us, especially on hot, humid days.
If your HVAC system is causing you issues, contact our cooling services pros at Ultimate Homes & Cooling today to schedule an inspection.
