One reason you may have invested in a ductless system is for its efficiency. High energy consumption can drain your finances and tax the environment. If it sounds as though you’ve got a mini-split always running, it’s normal to be concerned about how much energy the unit is consuming. Before you worry that your system needs to be replaced, think about the following four possibilities.

1. NORMAL OPERATION

Ductless systems are intended to stay on and running as part of a normal operating schedule. Ductless heat pumps are designed to slowly ramp up and down, instead of turning on and off like a traditional HVAC system. Staying on and slowly ramping up and down is what makes ductless heat pumps so efficient. It takes minimal energy for a ductless system to operate.

If the unit constantly running is the only problem you’re having, then it’s not actually a problem at all. Your mini-split is simply doing its job as it was intended to.

2. LOW OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES

The winter season in the Pacific Northwest can be fairly mild, but other times it’s particularly brutal. These fluctuations may create the perception that your system is suddenly struggling. When it’s colder outside, the chill creeps indoors as well. This leads to your ductless unit having to compensate and keep your space perfectly conditioned.

When the system suddenly seems to be running for longer stretches of time, check the weather to see if the temperatures have dropped recently. The situation may improve once the air outside gets warmer.

3. NOT ENOUGH REFRIGERANT

The refrigerant is an important part of your system’s heating and cooling capabilities. When there’s an insufficient amount of refrigerant, it may become difficult for your mini-split to maintain the target temperature. When it fails to reach the level it needs to it continues to run indefinitely, but will not provide the heating or cooling required.

As a closed loop system, your heat pump should have come fully equipped to last its lifetime without refrigerant issues. If the unit is experiencing problems holding its temperature, there may be a refrigerant leak. It’s best to get it checked out to prevent any further damage and restore your system’s efficiency.

4. MIS-WIRING

If something has gone wrong with the wiring in your system, it may start to malfunction. This could result in intermittent breakdowns of your system. It may also lead to the system running all the time.

Faulty wiring can lead to unpredictable results, so it’s a good idea to have it checked if you’re concerned. If the unit is displaying error codes in addition to its inconsistent patterns, this may be the problem.

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

No matter what issue you think is happening with your system, it’s never a bad idea to have it inspected just in case there’s a severe defect. At The Heat Pump Store, we specialize in mini split heat pumps. When you contact us, our technician brings the expertise to properly diagnose a problem with your ductless unit.

We can also install a whole new system for you if the previous one can’t be saved. We also encourage do-it-yourself enthusiasts, so let us know how we can help you get the efficient system you require.