Category: Maintenance

How To Clean A Mini Split

Oct 18, 2023

How To Clean A Mini Split

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Maintenance
Learn how to clean a mini split for efficient cooling and heating with MillTown. Expert tips for mini split maintenance.

Mini splits have become increasingly popular for their efficient cooling and heating capabilities in homes and offices. These compact HVAC systems offer great comfort, but they require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of mini splits, why cleaning them is crucial, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean a mini split. At Milltown, we provide expert mini split services, contact us today to learn more. 

Understanding Your Mini Split

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand how a mini split works. These systems consist of two main components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser unit. Refrigerant lines connect these two parts, allowing for the transfer of heat or cold air. Mini splits are renowned for their energy efficiency, quiet operation, and flexibility in zoning your indoor spaces.

Why is it Important to Clean Your Mini Split?

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your mini split are vital for several reasons:

  • Efficiency: A dirty mini split with clogged filters can’t perform at its best. Cleaning mini split filters ensures optimal airflow and energy efficiency.
  • Air Quality: A neglected mini split can accumulate dust, dirt, and even mold, leading to poor indoor air quality and potential health issues.
  • Longevity: Cleaning your mini split extends its lifespan, saving you money on premature replacements or repairs.

How to Clean a Mini Split

Mini split cleaning can be divided into two categories, exterior cleaning and interior cleaning. Both categories can be completed by homeowners. It’s recommended to have a professional come to your home for the best results. Regardless, here’s a step-by-step guide for exterior and interior cleaning:

Exterior Cleaning

  1. Turn Off the Power: Always start by turning off the power supply to your mini split. This ensures your safety during the cleaning process.
  2. Clean the Exterior: Use a gentle, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the indoor air handler. Avoid using abrasive materials to prevent damage.
  3. Inspect for Mold: Check for any signs of mold or mildew on the unit’s surface. If you spot any, refer to the section on professional cleaning.

Step 2: Interior Cleaning

  1. Remove the Filters: Access the indoor air handler and carefully remove the filters. These are usually located behind a cover panel. Be gentle to avoid damage.
  2. Vacuum the Filters: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the filters. For stubborn dirt, you can wash the filters with mild detergent and water, then allow them to dry completely before reinserting.
  3. Clean the Interior Surfaces: Gently clean the interior of the air handler with a damp cloth. Ensure there is no visible dirt or mold.

How Often Should a Mini Split Be Cleaned Professionally?

While exterior cleaning and filter maintenance can be done by homeowners, it’s highly recommended to have a professional clean the interior of your mini split at least once a year. Professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to address mold, mildew, and other issues that can be challenging to tackle on your own. The frequency of mini split maintenance depends on factors like usage and local environmental conditions. As a general rule, aim to clean or replace your filters every 1-3 months. Schedule professional mini split cleaning annually to ensure thorough maintenance.

Schedule Professional Mini Split Services with MillTown

At MilTown, we specialize in mini split maintenance and services. Our team of experts will ensure your mini split operates at its best, providing you with comfort and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your professional mini split services. Our professional services can ensure: 

  • Thorough Cleaning: Professionals have the expertise and tools to clean all components of your mini split, including hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning.
  • Mold and Mildew Removal: They can effectively identify and eliminate mold or mildew growth within the system, improving indoor air quality and preventing health issues.
  • Optimal Efficiency: Professional cleaning maximizes the efficiency of your mini split, helping it operate at peak performance and reducing energy consumption.
  • Extended Lifespan: Regular professional maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your mini split system, saving you money on premature replacements.
  • Prevention of Damage: Experts can identify and address issues early on, preventing potential damage or costly repairs.

Incorporate Regular Cleaning 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your mini split are essential to keep it running efficiently, maintain indoor air quality, and extend its lifespan. Don’t wait until your unit becomes a dirty mini split. Follow our step-by-step guide for exterior and interior cleaning and consider professional maintenance with MilTown for a worry-free experience. Enjoy the benefits of a clean and well-maintained mini split system in your home or office. Contact us today for information.

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By brenna@admachines.com

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Massachusetts

Jul 30, 2020

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Massachusetts

  • Air Conditioning
  • Maintenance
AC Tune-Up in Massachusetts by MillTown

There are still two full months of summer left! Your AC may be on, but is it ready to tackle the summer heat August and September bring?  The people at MillTown suggest that you get an AC tune-up in Massachusetts to make sure it runs well. Here are six reasons you should give it some maintenance now before it’s too late!

Benefits of an AC tune-up in Massachusetts

  1. Lower electricity bills. Summers are hot- there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By tuning up your AC now, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.
  2. More comfort. What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. Because of this, if you want to keep it running at a constant cool, you’ll want our professionals at Milltown to make sure your AC is running at top performance.
  3. Fewer breakdowns. If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our tune-ups come with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.
  4. Cheaper repair bills. In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.
  5. Extended AC lifespan. If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.
  6. Better air quality. During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. When you call Milltown to give your AC a tune-up, we’ll clean it out, ensuring that your home’s air stays fresh.

Why is MillTown the best choice for getting an AC tune-up in Massachusetts?

Since 1979, MillTown has provided for homeowners in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. We’re committed to providing our customers 100% satisfaction as we perform high-quality, same day service. Our certified experts and devotion to high-quality performance are the reasons we’re a trusted name in the areas we cover. Make sure you’ll be feeling cool this summer and call MillTown for an AC tune-up today!

By Milltown Plumbing

Get an AC Tune-Up Before the Hot Weather Arrives!

May 15, 2020

Get an AC Tune-Up Before the Hot Weather Arrives!

  • Air Conditioning
  • Maintenance
AC Maintenance done in Chelmsford, MA by MillTown

Do you need an AC Tune-up in Your Chelmsford Home?

Other than the obvious (it’s getting hot in here!) signs, there are multiple ways to determine that your system either needs maintenance or replacement. However, if you’re not as experienced with home maintenance and air conditioners, you may wonder if the problem is in your head or if it truly exists. Since air conditioners are used most heavily during the summer months, it’s important to get a tune-up before the heat of summer really kicks in. Qualified and licensed professionals perform a full system inspection to catch some standard problems that can occur. A check up generally includes:

  • Performance test of the full system
  • Visual review of all air conditioner components
  • Tests to determine the state of the refrigerant charge and overall system control testing
  • The use of an approved leak detector to perform a leak test
  • If slow leaks are suspected, your professional may perform a dye detection test

Signs You Need an AC Tune-up in Chelmsford, MA

  • Air is not flowing as easily as it should be. If you’re seeing poor air flow through your vents, it’s probably time to call a professional.
  • Zone issues — where part of your home is comfortable and another part is too hot or cool — are a good sign that there may be something wrong with your thermostat.
  • Excess moisture where it doesn’t belong can also be an indicator that it’s time to call a professional.
  • Foul odors coming from your air conditioning unit are never a good sign. Mold can grow in wet, dark spaces and an air conditioning unit certainly fits those parameters.
  • Squeaking or squealing sounds coming from your air conditioning unit may indicate that a belt has slipped. This generally requires professional assistance to resolve.
  • Of course, if you find that your home is heating up unexpectedly, or the air conditioner is cycling (turning on and off quickly), you should have your unit checked out.

Your system should receive maintenance at least once a year. It’s best in the spring before it’s heavily used in the summer heat. This ensures that you’re catching any small problems before they have a large impact on your system. The cost of not performing regular maintenance could be decreased system efficiency or even having a system that freezes up or sustains serious damage from broken items such as motor bearings.

How MillTown Can Help You

Get your air conditioner serviced once a year at the beginning of the warm-weather season. MillTown will clean and inspect the wiring and mechanical parts, check for wear and tear and make recommendations for repair. Getting a tune-up can help improve the efficiency of the system and prevent break downs in the future. This will make sure your air conditioner will be operating at optimal levels throughout the cooling season.

To schedule your Spring AC tune-up, call MillTown today!

By Milltown Plumbing