A ductless mini-split system offers many benefits for you and your home. It allows you to heat and cool without waste, which conserves energy and saves your household a great deal of money. As a matter of fact, ductless heating uses an estimated 60 percent less energy than traditional systems. In addition, ductless cooling uses 30 percent less energy. The benefits are easy to see, but it is important to remember that your heating and cooling system may experience some distress at some point in time. This guide will help you learn the signs that your ductless mini-split system requires repair or a replacement.

Unresponsive to Changes

Your mini-split system consists of different indoor units, which are mounted to the walls or ceiling inside your home. Each indoor unit has its own temperature controls and settings that can be used to adjust temperatures to heat and cool when needed.

If you are adjusting the settings on the unit and there is no change in the room temperature, there may be an electrical issue preventing it from responding to the new change in settings.

Without responding, the system will struggle to heat and cool as directed, making you run the other units longer and harder to meet and maintain a specific temperature. This wastes both energy and money.

Increasing Energy Bills

When first installed, you most likely saw a great decrease in your monthly energy bills because you are heating and cooling your home in a more efficient manner. Unless you are running your system more to heat and cool your home more dramatically, you should not see your energy bills increase.

An unexplained increase in your monthly energy bills is a sure sign there is a problem with your mini-split system. Thankfully, this increase of energy usage may stem from a minor issue.

Consider checking your filters to determine if they are clogged with dirt and debris. Each indoor unit has its own filter that traps dirt, dust, debris, and other allergens, stopping them from flowing into your home. If the filters are clogged, air will not move into your home fully. This affects your system's ability to heat/cool your home to the desired temperature, causing your system to use more energy to run harder.

You should also have your system evaluated by an HVAC contractor who has familiarity with ductless systems. In some instances, the energy increase may stem from an electrical issue in the indoor units or a failing compressor in the outdoor unit.

Chronic Noises

Any type of appliance will make some noise while it is operating, but if you are hearing loud noises continuously, your system needs to be checked. One of the most common noises you may hear from your mini-split is loud grinding. Grinding noises usually stem from worn bearings or bearings that are lacking lubrication. Your HVAC technician can inspect the interior of your indoor and outdoor units to determine if the bearings need to be replaced or lubricated to stop the annoying grinding noise.

Reaching or Past Its Average Lifespan

Proper use and regular maintenance are essential if you want your system, whether it is a traditional system or a ductless mini-split system, to work efficiently for many years to come. However, you must understand that nothing is meant to last forever, even if you use and maintain it better than recommended.

While surprising for some people to learn, a ductless mini-split system has an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. Even if your system seems to be working fine, if it is reaching or past this average lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement.

If you have a ductless mini-split, understanding the signs it is distress is smart. This guide will help you know when air conditioning repair or a replacement is necessary.