Many homeowners choose a ductless HVAC system today because of their ability to provide comfortable temperatures throughout a home, and the fact there is no duct work to worry about when it comes to air leaks, cleaning, etc. If you have this type of comfort system installed in your home, you may be curious as to how to clean a ductless heat pump. The experts at Rainbow Restoration® have a few tips that will make the task easier!
How to Clean a Mini Split System
This is something you can usually take care of yourself, without spending a dime! Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems with ducts that may need cleaning by professionals to remove build-up of dirt and debris, a mini split system is simpler to maintain. If you're a do-it-yourself kind of person you'll love this! Here's what you need to do:
- First, gather all of your cleaning materials including a shop vacuum, water hose with sprayer, water, cleaners, fin comb, cloths or rags and other items. Before you begin, be sure to disconnect your mini split system from any power supply.
- Clear away any debris such as grass, twigs, pine needles and leaves from the outdoor unit and surrounding area. Using a damp cloth with soap and water you can then clean the outdoor cabinet, then rinse and dry.
- Using your water hose and spray nozzle along with a scrub brush, remove as much dirt as possible from the grill or fan cage. If the grill is removable, take it off and clean fan blades using a damp cloth with soap. Rinse and wipe dry.
- If any mold is visible in the condensate pan clean it away using bleach solutions or soap; rinse to finish.
- Water must be able to flow freely, so check the drain hose for any objects that may be blocking the flow.
Now for the Indoor Cleaning of Your Ductless HVAC System
- The air handler can be cleaned using a damp cloth; dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
- After consulting your owner's manual, remove and clean air filters of dirt and dust according to directions. It's also important to know how often you should clean the air filters.
- Clean the evaporator coil. You can easily access the evaporator coil by removing the cabinet from your unit, however beware it's a messy job! You may want to considering buying a cleaning kit manufactured specifically for ductless systems that contains all of the chemicals and materials you need, including a disposable cleaning bag to protect your indoor space while collecting water. If this isn't a good solution for you, use plastic or towels to protect the area while rinsing the evaporator unit. Once the coils are clean and dry, the use of a fungicide will protect against the growth of mold.
Cleaning a ductless mini split system isn't all that difficult, however if you don't have the time or prefer not to do it yourself count on the HVAC professionals at Rainbow Restoration. We know how to clean a ductless heat pump so you can enjoy a system that's not only more efficient, but will extend the life of your equipment helping you save money on replacement costs!
