Troubleshooting Your Ductless Air Conditioning System

Written on: April 22, 2024

Get your mini-splits ready for the summer swelter.

Ductless air conditioning is a fantastic cooling option for western Connecticut homes that don’t have ductwork. You receive efficient, long-term home cooling without dealing with loud, ineffective window units or going through the disruptive process of adding ductwork to your home.

As with any home cooling system, it’s a good idea to test your ductless mini-splits before summer arrives to ensure they are working correctly. This gives you time to troubleshoot any issues and, if necessary, contact Seymour Energy Services for a cooling system repair visit.

How Ductless Mini-Splits Work

A ductless mini-split system comprises two main components: an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor. A thin line links these two components, running through the exterior walls. Refrigerant passes between these units, transferring heat with it. Several indoor units can connect to one outdoor compressor.

During warm months, your indoor air handler draws in air from your home and then transfers heat to your outdoor unit, which expels it outside. Cool air then returns to your rooms.

Troubleshooting Reduced Mini-Split Performance

If your ductless A/C equipment doesn’t turn on, try these “do-it-yourself” fixes:

1. Check all the power switches. Make sure they are switched on and that the air handler’s temperature is set below the current room temperature.
2. Look at your home’s fuse box or breaker box. Make sure no breakers have tripped and no fuses have blown.
3. Inspect all electrical connections and look for signs of damage.
4. If none of these steps work (you’ve found damage in your equipment), reach out to our team for a repair visit.

If your ductless A/C is working, but there is weak or warm airflow, try these DIY fixes:

1. Check your indoor unit’s air filter. (It’s a good idea to do this once a month.) If the filter is dirty, clean it and then return it to the unit.
2. Check your outdoor compressor. If it’s clogged with plant life, trash or other debris, clear that away since it might be obstructing your airflow.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t get your ductless mini-splits cooling your home, then there could be a refrigerant issue.

Warning Signs of Low Refrigerant

Low refrigerant is an issue that can severely impact the performance of your ductless A/C system. It’s a problem that requires a professionally trained and certified HVAC technician to resolve. Here are the warning signs that your equipment is running low on refrigerant:

• Your system can’t adequately cool your home, or it takes longer than normal to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures.
• Ice is accumulating on your outdoor compressor’s evaporator coil.
• There is a hissing or bubbling sound coming from the indoor air handler.

Seymour Energy Services is here for your home cooling needs.

In Fairfield County and throughout our service region, the Seymour Energy Services team installs, maintains and repairs ductless mini-split systems. We can ensure that your A/C is working efficiently and ready to keep you and your family cool all summer long. We also have comprehensive service plans that include free annual maintenance.

Reach out to us today to arrange service for your home’s cooling systems. We’re standing by to help!