Do Ductless Mini-Splits Need Maintenance?

7 Important Reasons Why Your Mini Split Heat Pump System Needs Regular Seasonal Maintenance

By James K Kim

It’s a common misconception among many ductless mini split heat pump system owners that regular seasonal maintenance (typically done before the air conditioning and heating seasons) is not needed. 

However, regular heat pump maintenance by a trained heating and air conditioning service technician is essential to ensure proper system operation, energy efficiency, and maximizing the lifespan of the equipment. 

That’s because heat pumps are capable of providing both heating as well as air conditioning, meaning they will likely be operational year-round. 

Unlike traditional central heating or air conditioning systems that are turned off during off seasons, heat pumps are nearly constantly operating. 

As a result, the increased heat pump operation also increases the importance of seasonal maintenance to prevent excessive wear and tear, decreased output, and unexpected equipment failure. 

The inevitable outcome from neglecting maintenance for your mini split heat pump system results in higher operating costs due to reduced efficiency and higher likelihood of preventable system breakdowns. 

On the other hand, ductless mini split heat pump systems that are regularly maintained will operate at their peak efficiency, and the mechanical components such as the heat pump compressor or reversing valve are less strained and less likely to lead to larger, more expensive service repairs. 

It’s also important to note that most major manufacturers will only honor warranties on ductless mini split heat pump equipment that has documented regular maintenance performed on it. 

Let’s go into further detail on the top 7 critical reasons why ductless mini split heat pump systems should be regularly maintained and serviced by a professional HVAC technician from Cottam. 

Maximize energy efficiency and utility cost savings

By their nature, heat pumps are designed for higher efficiency than conventional ducted or central heating and air conditioning systems. 

However, this efficiency is reliant on proper, unobstructed airflow as well as clean, smoothly functioning components. 

But over time, there can be a buildup of dirt and dust plus general wear and tear can lead to obstructions blocking air flow or normal functionality in the coils and/or air filters. 

As a result, the ductless mini split heat pump system is forced to work harder leading to poor energy efficiency and increased energy bills. 

Add to the fact that since ductless mini split heat pump systems provide both year-round heating and cooling, they are running longer and will accumulate more dirt and debris faster than other traditional split central systems. 

During a maintenance visit, an HVAC service technician will inspect and address all vital components of the ductless heat pump system, including filters, refrigerant levels and piping, plus both the indoor and outdoor coils.  

When these components are maintained for normal operation and maximum energy efficiency, homeowners can see up to 15% or more savings in energy costs over neglected systems that have not been regularly maintained. 

Extend the lifespan of the heat pump equipment

The longer operational hours of ductless mini split heat pump systems producing heating and cooling means vital components such as compressors, valves, and motors are also under constant, extended stress. 

During a routine seasonal maintenance visit, any early signs of wear and tear will be detected by the technician. 

Additionally, the technician is equipped with the proper tools and devices that can measure refrigerant levels as well determine potential issues in internal components like coils and belts. 

Small, minor, and preventable issues detected and addressed during the maintenance visit can prevent a future costly major system repair. 

Prevent an expensive emergency heat pump repair

Another important reason to have regular seasonal maintenance on your ductless mini split heat pump system is to help prevent an unexpected breakdown. 

During the maintenance visit, early signs of wear and tear on mechanical components such as refrigerant leakage, failing capacitors, or power issues can be detected and solved before they become a more expensive repair or a full system replacement. 

For cold climate areas, heat pumps can work especially hard in the winter heating seasons. Few things could be more inconvenient or even dangerous for a homeowner than losing their home’s primary heating source in the middle of a sub-zero freezing winter. 

Having routine maintenance on your ductless mini split heat pump system can prevent this unpleasant scenario while giving homeowners valuable peace of mind knowing their home’s ductless HVAC is prepared to handle the demands of both heating and air conditioning seasons. 

Improve indoor air quality 

Since ductless mini split heat pump systems provide heating and cooling year-round, they are also circulating air throughout the indoor space year-round as well. 

As one can imagine, this can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. 

Forgoing maintenance, filter and coil cleanings can spread around dust, spores, and other airborne contaminants. 

Airborne pollutants like this negatively affect indoor air quality while also reducing efficiency, clogging up the filters and coils. 

Maintenance with regular cleanings, filter washing, and other preventative measures protect the ductless mini split system from having to work harder than normal. 

A clean, maintained system is less likely to harbor any organic grown or airborne contaminants. 

Lessen harmful impacts on the environment

In addition to their convenience, performance, and customization, many ductless mini split system owners invest in these systems to better align with their sustainability goals while reducing their carbon footprint. 

Unfortunately these good intentions can all be for naught if the heat pump is not maintained. Neglecting maintenance for a ductless mini split heat pump system can result in a dramatic drop in efficiency, requiring more electrical consumption and contributing to overall higher carbon emissions. 

Another benefit of regular seasonal maintenance on heat pumps is ensuring the proper refrigerant amount is present in the system. 

An HVAC technician can detect and address any leaks that would allow for environmentally harmful refrigerant gas to escape into the atmosphere. 

Protect the Manufacturer Warranty

As previously mentioned, most ductless mini split heat pump equipment manufacturers will require proof that regular seasonal maintenance has been performed on the system to honor that extended warranty coverage. 

Without this proof of maintenance then warranty claims for covered parts such as the compressor, valves, or coil can be denied. 

As a result, the homeowner will be holding a pricy repair bill that could’ve been covered had they done regular seasonal maintenance on the system.

We can all agree that a whole home ductless mini split system with multiple units is not a small investment. It just makes more financial and practical sense to ensure peace of mind and protection of this investment for the homeowner when regular seasonal maintenance is done on their ductless mini split heat pump system.

Ensure year-round comfort

A major beneficial advantage of heat pumps is the fact they can provide both heating and air conditioning from one system. 

Add to this the fact that heat pumps typically run at a higher energy efficiency than traditional central systems with whisper-quiet operation, some even feature specialized internal components that allow for automatically ramping up and down output to better maintain consistent temperature.

Without regular seasonal maintenance to keep the system working as it should, homeowners may feel a drop in performance as the equipment struggles to maintain or even reach a set temperature. The unfortunate outcome is imbalanced heating and cooling in certain rooms and overall decreased comfort. 

Prevent this from happening by getting your ductless mini split heat pump system maintained during every heating and air conditioning season. 

The technology in these systems should be inspected and tested regularly by a professional HVAC technician who can fine tune the performance specifically to the home and for the season, giving owners reliable indoor climate control year-round. 

Professional Ductless Mini-Split Maintenance

Clearly, it makes more sense to have regular seasonal maintenance on your ductless mini split heat pump system than to ignore it. 

You’ve already made a significant investment in your home’s HVAC and have a sophisticated mechanical system that promises optimal performance, utility cost savings, improved air quality, zoned comfort control, and reliability for the long-term…but only if properly maintained. 

Trust the heat pump experts at Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning who have been installing, servicing, and maintaining heat pumps and other types of HVAC systems for over 40+ years in Westchester County, New York. 

Click or call us today to schedule your heat pump maintenance.