Heating your Pittsboro, North Carolina, home this winter can be made much more efficient when you install a ductless mini-split system. Getting the most out of your system, however, requires that you take appropriate steps to maintain it and ensure that it works as efficiently as possible. Learn about your ductless mini-split system, how it works, and the things you can do yourself to get the most out of it in winter.
Have a Backup Heat Source
Mini-split systems are ideal for areas like North Carolina that don’t get brutal winters. While ductless mini-split systems are a great way to heat your home in cool weather, it’s always a good idea to have a backup heat source. This can reduce the strain on your mini-split system and help it work at its most efficient level.
Protect the Unit
North Carolina doesn’t see a great deal of ice and snow, but when it does, make sure your compressor unit is protected from the elements. Put a roof over it and mount it a minimum of two feet above the ground. This will not only protect it from the weather but also enable it to effectively take in air from the surrounding area that it uses to heat and cool your home.
Know How to Set Your Temperature
The thermostat sensors on a mini-split system aren’t located where a traditional thermostat is. They’re located near the ceiling where the air is warmer. Because of this, you’ll need to experiment with your temperature settings. With sensors positioned near the ceiling, you’ll find the room cool if you like it at 70 degrees and you set it at 70 degrees. Therefore, you should set your thermostat higher if you want to achieve the comfort that you desire. You might do better to set it at 71 or 72 degrees.
Once Properly Set, Leave It Alone
It’s best not to fiddle constantly with your temperature. Once you have it set where you want it to be, put it on auto and leave your thermostat alone. Your ductless mini-split system will adjust as needed, and the temperatures in your home will remain stable. A mini-split system should always be set to a consistent temperature for the most efficient operation.
Keep the Air Filter Clean
Taking care of your filters is essential. You should make sure that you keep your air filter clean. The filters in a ductless system are much smaller than those in a traditional unit, which means that they get filled with dust, dirt, and debris more quickly. The good news is that you won’t need to buy a new filter every time; ductless mini-split systems use filters that you can remove, clean, and put back in your system.
The only time you’ll need to purchase a new filter is when your existing one is hard to clean. How often you’ll need to clean it depends on several factors. If your house is cluttered or you have several pets, then you will probably need to clean your filter more often.
Clean the Coil
When you replace your air filter, it’s a good idea also to clean the coil. Make sure your coil is cooled to room temperature before touching it — it can get very hot when your system is on. Cleaning the coil is as simple as wiping it down to remove any debris, dust, or other contaminants. The coil is an essential part of your system, so you need to keep it clean to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
Keeping your ductless mini-split system working at peak efficiency means knowing how to conduct basic maintenance. If you’d like more information on properly maintaining your system, getting professional maintenance for advanced tasks, or installing a mini-split system in your home, contact Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating, & Electrical Company, Inc. today to schedule an appointment. One of our technicians will answer all of your questions.
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