Ductless mini split systems have become increasingly popular in homes throughout the country in recent years, and rightfully so. Instead of operating through a network of ductwork conned to an indoor air handler and evaporator unit, ductless systems use a small outdoor unit connected by refrigerant and conduit lines to multiple small wall-mounted air handlers throughout the home.
We’ve touted the benefits of such a system in previous posts—they are high efficiency, they typically take up a lot less space than central units, they eliminate the indoor air quality problems that ducted systems present—but just like any other climate control system, they may run into a problem at some time or another. The good news is that when you do need ductless air conditioning repairs in Navarre Beach, FL, we are here to help. In the meantime, we’d like to let you know what you can expect by way of ductless system repairs that may differ from more conventional HVAC systems.
Air Handler Water Leaks
There are a series of connections routed through a hole behind each of the air handlers of your ductless system. This includes a power line, refrigerant line, and condensate line. The condensate line is what removes moisture from the cooling process so it doesn’t instead enter your home.
However, these lines can leak. If that occurs, then water will begin developing between the back of your air handler and the wall—which can not only encourage mold growth but can also weaken the integrity of your wall, eventually causing the air handler to become separated from it. This is of course detrimental to your property, but will also leave you with a broken air handler! If you notice any signs of water damage near your air handler, it’s time to call a pro in to have a look.
Broken Air Handler
In the grand scheme of air conditioning repairs, having a broken air handler is slightly more convenient than having a malfunctioning component inside a conventional central unit—namely because it’s typically cheaper to repair. But also, if a single air handler breaks down due to a failed motor or some other issue, the remaining air handlers will still continue running.
The only area of your home that loses cooling—or heating, if it’s in the winter—will be the spot with the broken air handler. When one of these units stops working, you’ll of course want to call for repairs right away—but in the meantime you can go hang out in another room to get that cooling comfort from an alternate air handler.
Leaking Refrigerant
Whether it’s a ductless system or some other type of cooling system, it’s important to be aware that the loss of refrigerant is not normal. In fact, the refrigerant supplied with your AC system upon installation should last its entire life. So if you are losing refrigerant “charge,” it means that you have a leak.
Keep a close eye out for signs that this has occurred. A refrigerant leak can lead to a drop in cooling power, or can cause your coils to ice over in the air handlers. This leak must be professionally repaired right away, since it threatens your entire system.
We want to ensure that you get the most out of your ductless system—be sure to schedule regular maintenance and stay on top of any repair needs! And for quality air conditioning services,