Getting to Know Your New or Existing Equipment:

Mini-Split Systems

A mini split, also called a ductless mini-split, is a heating and cooling system that uses a single outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units, allowing you to cool or heat specific rooms or zones in your home without the need for ductwork, making them ideal for additions, older homes, or situations where running ducts is impractical; they are known for their energy efficiency, flexibility in placement, and ability to provide zoned temperature control, but require professional installation due to refrigerant lines and electrical connections involved.

Common Mini-Split Issues

• Drainage issues:
  Clogged condensate drain lines are a frequent cause of water leaks. 

• Airflow problems:

  Dirty filters can significantly reduce airflow and impact cooling/heating performance. 

• Sensor malfunctions:

  Incorrect temperature readings from the sensor can lead to erratic system behavior. 

• Refrigerant leaks:

  Low refrigerant levels can cause poor cooling and may indicate a leak in the system. 

• Noise issues:

  Unusual sounds like buzzing, clicking, or rattling could signal mechanical problems. 

• Outdoor unit issues

  Ice buildup on the outdoor unit could be caused by low refrigerant or poor defrost cycles.

• Electrical concerns:

  Tripped breakers or power supply fluctuations can disrupt system operation. 

• Remote control problems:

  Dead batteries or signal interference can prevent control of the system

  Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Furnaces

A natural gas furnace system heats a home by using natural gas to create heat, which is then distributed throughout the home via duct work.

Fuel: Natural gas is piped into the furnace from outside. 

Ignition: An ignition source, like an electric spark, ignites the gas in the burner. 

Heat exchange: The heat from the burning fuel passes through a heat exchanger, warming it up.

Air distribution: A blower fan forces warm air through the ductwork into the home's rooms. 

Return: As warm air fills the rooms, colder air is drawn back into the furnace through return ducts. 

Exhaust: Exhaust gases are vented outside through a flue or side wall vent.

A natural gas furnace can be modified with a liquid propane kit to operate with that type of fuel.

Common issues for natural gas/ liquid propane furnace systems:

• Clogged air filter:

  This is the most frequent cause of furnace issues, restricting airflow and forcing the system to work harder. 

• Faulty thermostat:

  A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the furnace to not turn on when needed or to cycle on and off too frequently. 

• Flame sensor issues:

  The flame sensor monitors the flame, and if dirty or faulty, it can prevent the furnace from igniting properly. 

• Blower motor problems:

  A failing blower motor can lead to reduced airflow or complete lack of heating. 

• Dirty ductwork:

  Accumulated dust and debris in the ductwork can hinder air circulation. 

• Pilot light/ignition issues

  A discolored or weak pilot light can indicate problems with airflow or gas supply. 

• Tripped circuit breaker:

  If the furnace draws too much power, it might trip the circuit breaker, preventing operation. 

• Heat exchanger malfunction:

  A damaged heat exchanger can lead to potential safety concerns and reduced heating efficiency

• Exhaust Venting and Drainage:

  These are combustion systems so exhaust is a key component of the a fully functioning furnace. Blocked exhaust or condensate paths for proper drainage of liquids can lead to a system shut down.

  *It is recommended to have a carbon monoxide detector in any home with a combustion style furnace or water heater.

  Conventional Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps:

• An air conditioning/heat pump system primarily consists of a compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil, which work together to circulate a refrigerant, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outdoors, effectively cooling your space; key components include a thermostat to control the system, ductwork to distribute cooled air, and a fan to move air across the evaporator coil; the main principle is the conversion of the refrigerant between gas and liquid states to transfer heat. Standard AC/heat pump systems operate is unison with your furnace or air handler system and, in most cases, can be easily added to an existing system.

Common issues for Air conditioning and heat pump systems:

• Many of the issues most homeowners will find with these systems will echo the issues you may find with mini split system. Additional concerns relating to the duct work of ac systems are related to potential for moisture to accumulate inside of the duct. Other common issues that may arise are clogged air filters, frozen coils, poor airflow due to blocked vents, dirty coils, blocked outdoor unit with debris, leaking drain lines, refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, faulty thermostat settings, and wheel blower malfunctions.