My mini split unit operates but will not cool. What can I do to fix this problem?

A. Check filters in the indoor unit. If filters are dirty clean or replace.
B. Check to make sure there is no blockage around the indoor or outdoor unit.
C. Check for proper suction pressure.

1. Suction pressure should range between 60 and 70 PSI
2. If pressures are too high, you will have to remove small amounts by evacuating lines until suction pressure is in range.
3. If pressure is too low. You will need to add refrigerant. If the mini split unit “RUN Load Amps” are more than two times the stated “RUN Load Amps” on the label of the outdoor unit label, replace capillary assembly.
4. The mini split unit will also not cool in low outdoor temperatures. There are low ambient kits to help run your air conditioner in temperatures below freezing.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Window Unit vs. Mini Split Efficiency

Written by:  Jackie S.

Problem:  Not a problem.  I have a Whirlpool 15,600 btu. window unit through the wall.  It cools to 70 degrees at a reasonable cost.  My question is can I expect an 18,000 btu. mini ductless to perform equally to my Whirlpool or better?  The sizing is right, I just don’t want to get too large or too small of a mini split air conditioner.

Solution: A mini split air conditioner will be a much more economical system than a window through the wall air conditioner.  Older window units are at or below 10 SEER.  Ductless mini split systems start at 13 SEER and at the 18,000 btu. size reach up to 16 SEER.  A 13 SEER unit will save over 30% on your utility bill versus a 10 SEER unit.  Also, mini split systems are much more quiet than a window unit.

My Mini Split Air Conditioner Won’t Start

Written by Terry M:

Problem:  My mini split air conditioner worked great last year when I purchased it and had it installed.  This year I turned on the inside unit and it only blows room temperature air.

Solution:  This is a pretty standard complaint for Springtime consumers.  There are two different strategies to try to find the problem.

1.  Check Electrical Wiring:  Make sure the outdoor condenser is operating while the power is “ON” for the indoor evaporator.  If the outdoor condenser is not operating check the outdoor electrical disconnect.  If it is a fused box make sure the fuses are still operational and the circuit breaker in the electrical box is “ON”.

Check that power is reaching the condenser, either 110 volts or 220 volts depending on the size of your condenser.  There are stickers on the outside condenser that will tell you the proper voltage.

You can then check that the contactor is receiving power between the terminals C and Y.  This should read 24 volts.

If both of these check out properly then it is probably a refrigerant problem.  If the evaporator is calling for power and the unit is low on refrigerant, the low pressure control will prevent it from operating.

2.  Refrigerant:  In most cases a loose fitting or crack in the refrigerant line set will leak the refrigerant that will have an oily feel.  You should call a HVAC professional to check the system.  Most systems will need to have the line sets vacuumed to remove any contamination that may have entered a crack and re-charged to manufacture settings.  This takes a special set of gauges for either R22 or R410A.

Compare Mini Splits and Central Air Conditioners

Many consumers are weighing the pros and cons between mini split air conditioners and central air conditioners. I will try to lay out the major differences between the two systems and try to help you make the right decision for your home or office.

Space Requirements: I am going to break this down into two sections: Square feet to be cooled and Ceiling Height.

If you need an air conditioner to cool multiple rooms in a large area, I would recommend a central air conditioner. Mini split systems are great to cool areas and additions. They generally max out at 1,200 square feet. The cool air expelled by a mini split air conditioner can only reach areas of your home that are not closed off. If you have multiple rooms with doors, it will be very difficult for them to be cooled by a mini split system. You can purchase mini split systems with dual or multiple indoor evaporators, but the cost is driven up considerably. Single rooms and additions better suit mini split applications.

Ceiling height is the other variable that you need to consider when choosing between the two styles of air conditioners. A central air conditioner requires ductwork to distribute the air to each desired area. Standard ductwork requires approximately 12” of height for installation. Many older homes and basements do not have enough ceiling height to comfortably fit the additional ductwork. In these cases a ductless mini split air conditioner would be ideal.

Efficiency: Both the central air and mini split air conditioners have high-efficiency standards. In fact they were placed in the same split system certification. Make sure to check SEER ratings when purchasing your air conditioner. The higher the SEER the more efficient the unit. Currently 13 SEER is the minimum for the United States.

Central air conditioners do efficiency by having long duct runs, leaks and extra registers. If you are trying to cool your sunroom to 72° F you may have to lower your thermostat for the whole house to 65° F. This is not a very efficient way to cool an area. In this case an additional mini split air conditioner would be an excellent solution.

Price: Of course price is usually the biggest concern for consumers when deciding between a central air conditioner and a ductless mini split. Central air conditioners and large mini split air conditioners are very similar in price for the equipment. A major difference is that consumers can shop online for a ductless air conditioner, but by law they have to buy a central air conditioner from a contractor. This gives the consumer the ability to shop and save on equipment online.

The addition of ductwork and the increased labor really adds to the central air conditioners final price. The more ductwork that needs to be run, the more money it will cost for installation. You save this money with the purchase of a ductless mini split air conditioner. Ductless air conditioners can be installed professionally between $300 and $900 (depending on how far the outdoor unit sits from the indoor unit), and if you are able to do some of the basic labor. Both units require the addition of electricity, so make sure to find an installer that can work with both HVAC and electricity.

For more information on ductless mini split air conditioners, please check out our other articles online.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Why is my indoor evaporator fan not working?

Fan in indoor unit: Start by using the remote to put the unit in fan mode. If the indoor fan starts operating this is the normal response.

If the fan does not operate at this time check these solutions:

A. Make sure the timer function on the remote is not on.  If timer function is on use remote to deactivate.
B. Fan motor could be defective.  Check for short windings or open windings.  Must replace fan motor if these symptoms are found.
C. Fan capacitor needs a capacitor checker for this one.
D. Faulty control board, need to replace control board.

Why is my remote not controlling my ductless air conditioner?

Remote:  When turning on the remote you should hear a beep from the indoor unit.  If you hear the beep the remote is in working condition.  The unit will not beep when turned on.

Things to check when this happens:

A. Faulty remote, replace batteries if this is not the cause replace remote.
B. Blown fuse on the indoor control board.  Remove control board from indoor unit and replace.
C. Indoor unit is not receiving power.  Check the line voltage between the terminals.
D. The indoor board could be faulty, replace indoor board.

Inverter Compressor Benefits in a Mini Split Air Conditioner

Shopping for a mini split air conditioner got a little more difficult in the past couple of years. With the new federal regulations on minimum SEER ratings in the United States, manufacturers have started using inverter compressors to obtain 13 SEER or higher. This has created exceptional efficiency in wall mounted air conditioners, but also has increased the consumer cost.

The compressor is the heart and soul of every mini split air conditioner. It is the most essential component in an air conditioner and the most expensive. When purchasing a mini split air conditioner make sure to find a system with a solid warranty approximately 5 years in length. Also, make sure to purchase your mini split from a company that has parts available in the United States. Some companies can take up to three weeks to ship parts if they have to order them overseas.

I have read many articles talking about inverter compressors versus standard rotary compressors, but I think this sums it up best. A standard rotary or scroll compressor operates like a light switch: either on or off and nothing in between. An inverter compressor operates like a water faucet: it only uses enough power to reach the desired setting.

An inverter compressor is programmed to run at optimum speed, which is regulated by the input frequency as it varies between heat load requirements. Example: Your mini split is set at 72° F. The room becomes hot and the compressor needs to cool it by a couple of degrees. A standard compressor will turn “On” with full power, while an inverter compressor only uses enough resources (RPM) to reduce the room’s temperature to the desired setting.

Over a full day of operation, a standard compressor will have to turn on and off a substantial number of times. An inverter compressor will turn on and reach the desired setting and then idle at that setting until needed further.

By using different rotation speed, the inverter compressor is saving energy and operating more quietly than the standard compressor. Not having to constantly turn on and off at maximum RPM increases the lifespan of the inverter compressor.

When a large temperature change is needed, the inverter compressor can operate at a much higher RPM speed than the standard compressor, reducing the amount of run time and reducing your energy costs. Some researchers show a reduced power consumption as much as 60% versus a fixed speed standard compressor.

Inverter compressors offer a more precise temperature control for your mini split air conditioner. I hope this helps you understand how an inverter compressor operates and will help you make a decision with your ductless air conditioner purchase.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Ductless Mini Split Preventative Maintenance

“If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate.”

Preventative maintenance is an important factor to increase the life span of your ductless air conditioner and reduce break downs. Every year there are a few little things that you can do to make a big difference.

Here are a few tips to increase the life of your air conditioner:

The outdoor condenser should always remain clear of sticks, garbage or other debris that can fit through the protective grille and damage the fan or compressor. Most condenser fan blades are made of plastic and can easily be broken by items fitting through the grille.

When mowing the lawn make a conscious effort to blow grass away from the condenser and cut back long weeds that grow around the unit.

Once a year you should spray out the condenser with a hose or a bucket of water and let dry without use for at least 24 hours. I like to remove the few bolts on top of the condenser and remove top cover. When the cover is removed I can easily see any damage or debris inside the condenser.

Check the copper piping inside the condenser and line set connections on the side of the condenser for any oily residue. Refrigerant leaks leave an oily residue and a quick check once a year can save you hundreds in repair costs. Manufacture warranties will not cover the air conditioners compressor if it is operated low on refrigerant.

The last preventative maintenance I do on the condenser is to make sure the unit is still level. Over time condensers can sink and become uneven. Non-level condensers are a quick death for the units compressor.

I also get questions from consumers about covering the condenser in the off-season in areas with snow fall or other unsightly weather. I do not agree with the idea that covering your condenser helps prevent rust. In fact, when condensers are covered moisture builds up inside the unit and fresh air doesn’t have a chance to dry the unit. If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate.

Moisture = Rust

We all rely on our air conditioners to come to life when the weather gets hot and unbearable, follow these few preventative maintenance tips and you will not be disappointed.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners

The popularity of wall mounted mini split air conditioners around the world is evidence that ductless equipment is here to stay. The United States has jumped on board and contractors and consumers keep finding new and ingenious ways of using ductless equipment.

Following is a list of benefits for using ductless air conditioning equipment:

Cost: A competitive United States ductless market has helped drive prices down and efficiency up. You can call your local contractor or go online and find excellent pricing on ductless equipment. You can find mini split units for less than $1,000.00 and many cities offer rebates for high-efficiency air conditioners.

Installation: Installation of ductless equipment is very clean and easy. Most ductless mini split air conditioners only require a 3” hole in the wall to run all the needed refrigerant line sets and electrical wiring. Most contractors can fully complete the job in less than 4 hours, if the outdoor condenser shares the same wall with the indoor evaporator.

Space Requirement: Many older homes, cabins and additions were not built with central air conditioning in mind and do not have adequate space for ductwork. Wall mounted mini split air conditioners negate the need for added ductwork. Refrigerant line sets and wiring can easily run through attics, walls and ceilings to connect with the outdoor condenser.

Efficiency: Ductless split systems have become increasingly more efficient since United States minimum requirements rose to 13 SEER. It is not uncommon to find ductless equipment exceeding 20 SEER. Many ductwork systems lose more than 15% of the conditioned air through leaks and cracks.

Zone Control: Many mini split owners already have an existing central air conditioner system in their home. Smaller central air conditioners and older equipment are expensive to replace and many consumers have purchased mini split air conditioners to cool areas that their existing systems can’t handle. Mini split air conditioners have the ability to cool any area or zone in a building. Why keep your central air conditioner at 65° F to cool your sunroom or upper level to 75°F? Installing a mini split unit in these areas is an efficient solution.

Heating Capabilities: Many ductless mini split systems offer either heat pump or electric heat functions. This is an excellent added feature for areas that require heat during the year and either do not have a furnace or the furnace isn’t capable of adequately warming the area.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Ductless Air Conditioners Noise Levels

“Split systems, or ductless mini splits as they have been know to be called, are very quiet air conditioners.”

How loud is a ductless air conditioner? Many consumers ask this question when shopping for an air conditioner for their home or office. Comfort while sleeping is very important in my life. A quiet dark room at a comfortable 70° F always does the trick for me. Most air conditioners on the market will get me to a comfortable temperature but what style will do the job with the least amount of noise?

Air conditioner manufacturers measure the amount of noise a unit makes in decibels (dB). A decibel is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity) relative to a specified or implied reference level. In lemans terms how loud something is.

For the purpose of comparing air conditioners let’s break them down into two categories: packaged air conditioners and split system air conditioner.

A packaged air conditioner would consist of any system that has both the evaporator and condenser in one cased unit such as a window unit or packaged air conditioner (PTAC). Packaged unit will always be louder than a split system air conditioner because the compressor and other loud working components are protruding into your living environment.

Not only are packaged air conditioners louder than split systems, window air conditioners usually have minimum insulation and sound proofing between the unit and the window casing. Outdoor noises in combination with a loud window air conditioner definitely will decrease sleep.

Most window unit air conditioners and PTACs have an average decibel level of 48 to 60 dB. If you can afford a little more money I would recommend a split system air conditioner in your bedroom.

Split system air conditioners get their name from having two separate main components: the outdoor condenser and the indoor evaporator. Split systems, or ductless mini splits as they have been know to be called, are very quiet air conditioners.

The compressor and other loud working components are stored in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is just used to expel the cool or hot air. If you would like to generate heat, as well as air conditioning, look to purchase a heat pump mini split. Mini split evaporators, on average, produce about 32 decibels. The condenser and evaporator are connected with a refrigerant line set that runs through a 3” hole in the wall.

Ductless mini split air conditioners are the ideal solution to older louder air conditioners.

Ductless air conditioners have come a long way in minimizing decibel noise over the past five years. If your existing air conditioner is more than 10 years old you will be surprised by the minimum amount of noise the new equipment creates.

Comments on this article or others can be made in our forum.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Next Page »