Questions on Mini Split Air Conditioners

Power

• If the mini split system fails to turn on after a power outage, there are a couple of things you can check to rehabilitate the unit. First, you can unplug the power cord for 10 seconds and then plug it back in to reset the connection. If the unit fails to turn on, press the "Reset" button on the air conditioner power cord, if the unit has one. If that doesn't do the trick, the breaker might have been tripped when the power was restored after the power outage. The breaker that controls the mini split system is located within the home with other breakers inside the breaker box. If you see that the breaker switch is set to the middle or "Off" position, the breaker was tripped. After you move the breaker switch to the "On" position, power flow to the unit should be restored.

Airflow

• Proper airflow depends on many things, the first being a clean air filter. If the air filter is incredibly dirty, airflow is severely restricted, until it's clean. The mini split air filter is located behind the inside portion's front panel and can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Secondly, furniture, such as sofas, chairs or curtains, can prevent air from blowing out of the air vents. A clear path should be present from the front of the unit to the room.

Freezing

• It's possible for the mini split air conditioner to freeze up at least once during its lifetime. This can happen for a variety of reason, some as simple as the outside temperature being too cold and some as complex as the evaporator fan bearings requiring lube. When the unit freezes over, the unit fails to blow cold air and the cause of the freeze should be determined in order to decide if a technician should be called or not. As a rule, a non-functioning evaporator fan will freeze the unit every time, as the cooling element runs without the cold air being blown from the unit.

Cooling

• A unit can work overtime to cool a room and never achieve the desired thermostat setting, if there are leaks in the room. For maximum cooling effectiveness, all openings in the room should be sealed up. Inspect the room for leaks, such as open floor vents, open windows, open doors. Such problem spots should be sealed as best as possible to prevent air leakage.