If you’re a homeowner in Halifax, NS, you’ve most likely heard of ductless mini-split heat pumps. Ductless heating and cooling systems have become extremely popular in Nova Scotia because they are energy efficient and enable you to stay comfortable all year, even during our unpredictable coastal climate. Like any other appliance in your home, mini-splits need regular maintenance to be able to perform at peak levels and regular cleaning is a crucial component of maintenance. In this blog we are going to explain what a ductless mini-split heat pump is, why cleaning a ductless mini-split is very important and what kind of information you can expect when you call for a professional ductless mini-split cleaning service in Halifax.
What is a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump?
A ductless mini-split heat pump consists of two major parts: an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. It’s a small heating and cooling system that’s very energy efficient. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use ductwork to distribute heated and cooled air, the mini-split is capable of delivering heated or cooled air directly into various zones or rooms in your home. Therefore, ductless mini-splits are good solutions for older homes without duct systems (e.g. Halifax region homes), as well as newer homes or homes without existing ductwork seeking efficient temperature control by zones.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems offer many benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Mini-splits are designed to use less energy than traditional systems.
- Zoned Comfort: Mini-splits allow you to heat or cool specific areas of your house independently.
- Compact Size: They are wall-mounted and indoor units are smaller and easier to position than conventional systems. Less clutter for you.
- Quiet Operation: The systems operate much quieter than conventional systems.
- Comfort: Mini-splits are a great solution for the varying Nova Scotia seasons, heating and air conditioning.
However, despite the number of benefits of mini-split systems, like any HVAC system, mini-splits require regular cleaning to ensure they are not only operating efficiently but also to avoid costly repairs due to breakdowns.
Why is Professional Cleaning Important?
Halifax’s oceanfront climate provides more than breathtaking scenery. The salty sea air, humidity and particles from wind, pets and indoor activities can easily accumulate in your mini-split, which can cause the following issues over time:
- Loss of efficiency
- Increased electricity costs
- Bad smells
- Reduced Indoor air quality
- Breakdowns
Even if you regularly clean or replace the filters yourself, as you should, a full deep clean is best left to an expert. Deep cleaning reaches deep into the unit, specifically the blower wheel, evaporator coil and drain lines, where the debris hides.
What to Expect During a Professional Mini-Split Cleaning in Halifax
Now that you understand the importance of cleaning, here’s what you can expect from your professional ductless mini-split cleaning service in Halifax:
1. Initial Inspection and System Assessment
The technician will arrive and start by visually inspecting the indoor unit and outdoor unit. During this inspection, the technician will look at the following:
- Signs of mold, mildew or bio-growth and other growth
- Dust accumulation on every internal component
- Condition and cleanliness of the air filters
- Condition and cleanliness of the fan blades
- Proper drainage and presence of any leaks
- Airflow and noise levels
This inspection will allow them to assess how much cleaning is needed, if cleaning is possible and if there might be any mechanical repairs needed.
2. Power Shut-Off for Safety
The technician will turn off the power supply to the existing system for safety. Once disassembled, there are no electrical hazards and safe cleaning can occur if all the power supply issues have been disconnected.
3. Protective Setup and Area Prep
A professional cleaner is trained to protect your walls, floors and furniture. Professionals used a special cleaning bib/ tarp usually put on around the indoor unit to catch water and debris. The team uses additional tarps and towels to protect the space around the indoor unit.
4. Deep Cleaning of the Indoor Unit
This is where the magic happens. The technician will carefully detach the front cover, filters and plungers to have more direct access to the inside of the system. They will:
- Spray a non-toxic eco-friendly cleaning solution on the evaporator coil,
- Use a pressure washer or coil cleaning tool to rinse off the grime,
- Clean the blower wheel and fan blades, which are prime locations for mold growth,
- Flush the condensate drain line to remove clogs and prevent future clogs/leaks,
- Then, sanitize all the interior surfaces to remove bacteria and odor.
This service will improve air quality and airflow in a way that may make your system showroom new-looking and functioning.
5. Cleaning or Replacing Filters
If the filters are washable, they will be rinsed to get clean and aired out to dry before being reinstalled. If the filters are disposable, they will check and if they are damaged or exceptionally dirty, the technician may recommend replacement.
6. Inspection and Cleaning of the Outdoor Unit
Don’t forget about the outdoor condenser! The technician will also ensure that they:
- Remove leaves, dirt etc from the fins and grille,
- Clean the coils and fan blades,
- Check the drainage works, inspect the refrigerant line, etc.
It is important to keep the outdoor unit free from debris to facilitate heat exchange and energy efficiency, especially with the humid summers and icy winters in Halifax.
7. System Testing and Final Checks
In addition to cleaning, drying and reassembly, the technician will start the unit and bring it up to operating conditions. The technician will evaluate:
- Adequate airflow
- Noise
- Temperature readings
- Error codes or malfunctions
The technician will review filter maintenance and make recommendations for your next scheduled cleaning.
How Dirty Can a Mini-Split Get Without Regular Cleaning?
Homeowners in Halifax may be surprised at how dirty a mini-split system can get when they haven’t been regularly maintained. Even in a tidy home, the indoor unit may have collected the following:
- Pet dander and dust that clogs filters and covers the evaporator coil
- Mold and mildew, especially in the humid coastal climate we live in
- Grease and smoked particles from cooking
- Pollen and allergens that reduce indoor air quality
These contaminants don’t just lower efficiency, they create a breeding ground for bacteria, generate bad smells and release polluted air back into your space. Eventually, buildup of dirt, dust, grease and even mold on the blower wheel and coil may reduce airflow by up to 30% and force your system to work harder and fail sooner.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
While some homeowners in Halifax attempt to clean their ductless mini-splits themselves, there’s a significant difference between a light DIY filter rinse and a professional deep clean. Here’s how they compare:
| Task | DIY Cleaning | Professional Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Exterior Dusting | Yes | Yes |
| Coil Cleaning | No | Deep cleaning with coil-safe solutions |
| Blower Wheel Access | No | Fully dismantled and cleaned |
| Drain Line Flushing | No | Prevents blockages and leaks |
| Mold/Bacteria Removal | Limited | Antibacterial sanitizing treatment |
Unless you’re trained and have the right tools, trying to dismantle and clean internal components could damage the unit or void your warranty. That’s why hiring a certified HVAC technician is the best route to ensure a thorough and safe job.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mini-Split?
In Halifax, it is suggested to have your ductless mini-split serviced at least once per year and prior to the main cooling and heating seasons, however, if you have household pets, smokers or high humidity levels, you may want to schedule service every six months.
Final Thoughts
A ductless mini-split system that is professionally cleaned does better, lasts longer, is less expensive to run and produces cleaner air for your loved ones. Regular maintenance is especially important in Halifax’s damp, salty climate, with regards to mold growth and keeping the unit working in the most efficient condition. Whether you live in Bedford, Clayton Park, Dartmouth or downtown Halifax, the money you will spend having mini-split cleaned once per year will also save you hundreds of dollars down the road and allow you to ensure your home will be comfortable and healthy throughout the year. Book your professional mini-split cleaning with Breath Assured today and experience the difference. Serving Halifax and surrounding areas with expert care and reliable service.
