Has your ductless mini-split lost its cooling prowess? You may be put off by odd noises or the sight of water around the indoor unit. And if the thermostat has not been touched yet your energy bill has inched up, you are probably asking yourself why.

For over 23 years we at Hughes Heating & Air Conditioning have been putting the comfort systems of homeowners in Northeast Philadelphia and all of Lower and Central Bucks County in good order. Should your mini-split misbehave, we can put it right; pick up the phone at (215) 445-4574.

There is a reason ductless mini-splits are so widely used: they are energy efficient, run with little sound and provide for flexible zoning. Yet they are equipment and will have their share of problems as time goes on. It is to your advantage to be on the lookout for trouble before it becomes something more expensive to remedy.

Weak or Uneven Cooling

We get told often enough that a mini-split is not heating or cooling as it ought to. There are any number of reasons for this and what one does about it is dictated by the cause.

Some typical sources of uneven temperatures or a lack of airflow are:

• An undersized unit for the room
• Filters clogged with dirt
• A slow leak or low refrigerant
• The condenser coils outside being obstructed
• Furniture or drapes in front of the indoor unit
• Settings on the remote or thermostat that are not right

You can take care of the filters yourself with some regular cleaning or a new set. For coil work or a refrigerant problem, however, you want a technician on the job.

Water Leaks From the Indoor Unit

Water running down the wall is enough to make anyone nervous. In the course of normal operation a mini-split will make condensation which should be channeled out through a small line. But a clog in that line or an overflowing pan will put water in unwanted places.

Leaks are generally the result of a blocked condensate drain, a pan that has cracked, or an installation where the line was not given proper slope. Thawing from frozen coils can also create more water than the system is meant to deal with. Put the unit off and have a pro come out if you see it leaking from the head; do not let it be and risk damage to your walls or mold.

Strange Noises

You should not be hearing much from a well functioning mini-split. Rattling, grinding, gurgling or buzzing means there is something amiss.

The noise will tell you what kind of problem you have:

• Loose panels or debris will rattle
• A fan motor on its way out will grind
• Gurgling is often a refrigerant matter
• Electrical issues present themselves as a buzz

Do not put off having it looked at. What is a minor rattle now could be a broken part in short order.

The System Won’t Turn On

A mini-split that will not power up can be a simple or a more complex matter. Check the easy things first, like whether the unit has power and the remote is equipped with new batteries.

Should those be in order, you are looking at a tripped breaker, a wiring fault or a bad control board. This is no place for guesswork when it comes to electrical matters.

Ice Buildup on the Coils

If you see ice on the coils, the unit needs some attention. Be it restricted airflow, a lack of refrigerant or operating in cold weather without the proper setup, frozen coils will not transfer heat and put undue stress on the compressor.

Preventing Problems

One could say most of the trouble with a mini-split is due to not giving it the routine care it requires. Maintenance of a regular sort will extend the life of the equipment and nip small things in the bud.

Hughes Heating & Air Conditioning has custom plans with priority service and repair discounts. We are a family firm and hold BBB accreditation. As a Carrier Authorized and Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer we are familiar with these systems in every respect, and our people have 40 plus years of experience between them.

Do not let a small thing fester. Give us a ring at (215) 445-4574. We are happy to provide a free estimate and will make an emergency call even after hours for our clients in Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia.