Ductless mini-splits are becoming quite the popular home heating option for homeowners who are dissatisfied with other systems. They’re energy efficient, cost-effective, and flexible.
However, ductless mini-splits have some problems, just like any machine. Let’s take a look at some specific issues that affect ductless mini-splits during the heating season.
Dearth of Thermal Energy
Ductless mini-splits may look very different from other heating systems, but they actually have a lot in common with heat pumps. They use the same method of evaporating and condensing refrigerant to move heat from one place to another, rather than relying on combustion to create heat. Just like heat pumps, though, ductless mini-splits rely on the air around them to provide heat.
When the temperature outside drops, the air holds less thermal energy. If the air becomes too cold, this may cause a heating problem because your ductless mini-split may struggle to siphon heat from the air. This isn’t a problem unless the temperature drops quite low, but when that does happen the ductless mini-split system struggles to provide enough heat.
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Formation of Ice On Coils
As previously mentioned, the outside unit of the ductless mini-split collects heat by siphoning heat out of the air. It does this by evaporating the refrigerant flowing through a coil inside it. When the refrigerant evaporates, it draws heat out of the surrounding air and into the coil. If the air near the coil becomes too cold, condensation may begin to form on the casing of the coils. If your mini-split is not heating your house, this issue may be caused by frozen coils.
Malfunctioning Defrost Cycle
This isn’t normally a problem, as ductless mini-split systems are designed with a defrost cycle to melt any ice on the outside unit. If the defrost cycle is malfunctioning for any reason, however, the unit can become covered with ice and stop drawing heat from the air. To avoid this, pay attention to the outside of your system when it’s cold out. If there is ice on your ductless mini-split, immediately deactivate the system and call a licensed technician in your area to troubleshoot this mini-split problem.
Ductless Mini-Split Services
If you’re having problems with your ductless mini-split, give our trained technicians a call by phone at (484) 206-8594. WM Henderson provides ductless mini-split repair and other heating or cooling services for furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, and heat pumps throughout Broomall, PA. We will help you find an energy-efficient air conditioner or heating system for your home.
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