Ductless HVAC systems, often called heat pumps, are typically easy to maintain. Although they do require a yearly service call by a professional to ensure peak performance, there are a number of things you can do to keep your unit performing at its best. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can rest assured that you are doing your part to keep your unit running as it should.

Clean the Unit

Keeping your unit clean and free of dust and pet hair will improve its efficiency. Make a habit of wiping the unit down with a damp cloth and mild detergent when necessary. A once a week cleaning should keep it in order, but that varies according to the number of occupants and activity level in your household. Wipe it down more often if your home is prone to dust or you own several pets. 

Clean the Filters

Ductless units come equipped with a filter in the front of the unit. This filter prevents dust and other particles in the air from entering the unit. With regular use, the filter can get clogged and restrict the airflow to the unit, causing it to work harder and decreasing its efficiency. Remove the filter and clean it frequently. How often you need to clean the filter depends on your household. Use the manufacturer's recommendations as your guide to determine a suitable schedule for cleaning the filter. Again, homes with several pets or that are prone to dust make it necessary to clean the filter more often than recommended. Frequent cleaning of the filter also cuts down on allergens in the air. If someone in your home suffers from allergies, frequent cleanings may be in order.

Clean the Outside Unit

It is easy to overlook cleaning the condenser on the outside of your home, but it gets dirty too. Remove any debris, like fallen leaves or twigs, regularly. Shut down the unit and use a garden hose to wash dirt or other debris off the coils. Use caution here, as a forceful spray can bend the fins. If you accidentally bend a fin, use an alignment comb or condenser fin straightener to gently bend them back in shape. You can purchase these tools at a hardware store.

Clear the Area Around the Unit

Your ductless unit depends on good airflow to get the job done. That means you need to keep the area around both the inside and outside of the unit clear.

Inside Units

• Keep curtains away from the unit. Observe the unit when it is in operation to make sure curtains do not interfere with the airflow.  
• Keep furniture, like bookshelves, away from the unit. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for clearance around the heat pump. 

Outside Units

• Check that weeds and other plant materials are at least 3 feet from the outside condenser.
• Remove any trash or debris from the area.
• Do not store things near the condenser. 

Keeping your ductless HVAC system clean and ensuring good airflow will help it perform at its best, but don't forget to get a yearly check-up. Let a professional check out the refrigerant line, electrical connections, and drainage lines to make sure everything is in working order. To make an appointment, or speak to a professional, contact Action Heating and Air, Inc. today.