A ductless mini-split is supposed to be fast, efficient and save you money. But when it runs constantly, you might feel like you’ve wasted thousands on an investment that only causes your energy bill to skyrocket. Not to mention the fact that your endlessly running unit may not even be properly heating or cooling your home. Here’s what might be the problem.
The Air Filter Is Clogged
Your ductless mini-split’s air filter is its first line of defense. When it becomes dirty, your system can’t move air as efficiently, which can cause it to run repeatedly for hours. When the filter gets too dirty, the evaporator coils can freeze, which triggers the system to shut off too early.
The easiest fix is to change the filter yourself, but it can also be helpful to call a professional technician to inspect your unit and make sure the filter really is the only issue. They can replace it for you during an inspection and recommend any necessary tune-ups as well.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant cools the air that comes into your home, and low levels mean your ductless unit can’t effectively do its job. Without enough refrigerant, your compressor can overheat and eventually cause the system to fail.
The Unit Is Undersized for Your Space
One of the most overlooked reasons a mini-split runs nonstop is that it’s simply not powerful enough for the space it’s in. If the unit was improperly sized during installation, it works at full capacity around the clock trying to reach your thermostat setting.
Sizing a mini-split isn’t just about square footage. Ceiling height, insulation quality, the number of windows and climate all play a role in determining the right capacity for your home. A unit that’s too small will run continuously and leave you uncomfortable, while quietly racking up energy costs. If you suspect this is the issue, an HVAC professional can perform a load calculation to determine whether your current system is the right fit.
Your Home Has Air Leaks or Poor Insulation
Even the most powerful mini-split will struggle to keep up if your home is losing cooled air as fast as the system can produce it. Gaps around your doors and windows, poorly sealed attics and inadequate wall insulation all force your unit to work harder than it should.
This is especially common in older homes that weren’t built with modern energy efficiency standards in mind. Keep in mind that correcting this goes beyond your HVAC system. You also need to seal air leaks with weatherstripping and add insulation where needed.
Solve your comfort problems today. If you’ve been wondering whether your ductless mini-split is the right size, call Sandium Heating & Air in San Jose, CA for a consultation.
