Living with a ductless mini-split system is usually a dream. Many people love how temperatures can be set differently in various rooms throughout the home to meet the comfort preferences of multiple household members. They are also less expensive to run due to being highly energy efficient. However, when wintry conditions really get under way, these systems face unique challenges that standard furnaces do not. If you want to keep your toes toasty while the wind howls outside, it is critical that you treat your system like an ally in your fight against the cold.
Using the Right Temperature Settings
One of the biggest mistakes so many homeowners make is constantly fiddling with the thermostat as though they are playing a video game. Ductless systems are most efficient when they remain at a steady temperature. So, you should resist the urge to turn the heat way down when you leave for work or when you will be away from home for an extended period. It takes much more energy for a system to increase the temperature by 5 degrees than it does to stay at a constant 68 degrees for the entire day. If you crank the heat up quickly after a long day, the system might enter a high-stress mode. That wears out the compressor much faster. Encourage household members to find a temperature that is comfortable to keep in their respective rooms and leave it there.
Let the System Go Through the Defrost Cycle
You might notice your indoor unit stops blowing warm air for a few minutes when temperatures dip really low. In some cases, you may even see a small amount of steam rising from the outdoor unit. The good news is that this is no cause for worry. This is called the defrost cycle. It happens when the system temporarily reverses itself to melt ice off the outdoor coils. While snowfall is minimal in this area, a small buildup of frost and ice may still occur when the temperatures drop low enough. You will see a “DF” code on your remote or a blinking light on the wall unit when the system enters this mode. Let the system complete the cycle so that it can get back to full functionality.
Cleaning Filters for Better Airflow
Since you are spending more time indoors during the winter, your system is likely filtering out more dust, pet hair, and lint than usual. A clogged filter forces the fan to work twice as hard to push warm air where it needs to go. When systems work harder, they waste electricity and fail to adequately maintain comfort in the home. Give the mesh filters a quick rinse in the sink every few weeks. Once you dry them thoroughly and snap them back into place, you will notice that the equipment runs much better.
If you have not had your system inspected yet this year, have a professional give it a thorough check to spot and fix problems before they become severe. For maintenance on your ductless mini-split, contact Trinity Air Heating & Air Conditioning in Peachtree City, GA now.