One of the most valuable features of a ductless mini-split is its ability to heat and cool. While it’s almost as easy as flipping a switch, there are a few things you’ll want to do first to get your system ready and start the heating season off on the right foot. Here’s how to swap your air conditioning to heating and where you can get qualified professional help for all your ductless AC needs.
Clean Your System
The first thing to do before switching your ductless unit from AC to heat is to clean it thoroughly. Start by removing the filters and washing them with warm, soapy water. Then, rinse them completely and allow them to dry. You can also wipe down the outside of your unit with a damp cloth and vacuum debris out of the interior.
To clean your outdoor condenser, start by removing weeds and sweeping away lawn clippings from around the unit. Then, spray the coils with a regular garden hose or use a special coil cleaner or soft brush to get rid of caked-on grime. This bit of extra prep before the heating season helps improve air quality and reduces the overall workload on your system.
Check Your Controls
It’s a good idea to check that your heating features work properly before it gets too cold out. You really don’t want to be stuck with an issue that keeps your heater from running during the first winter storm of the season.
You can do this by waiting for your AC to disengage normally and then switch to heat mode about 5 minutes after your system has had a chance to settle. This gives your equipment time to signal your unit’s reversing valve to redirect the flow of refrigerant.
When checking your controls, make sure that you can engage the heat setting on your thermostat and that the air coming out of your vents feels warm instead of cool. You should also pay attention to any strange noises or odors that your system may be creating and confirm that the unit distributes heat evenly throughout your desired space.
Call For Maintenance Early
Early fall is an excellent time to have your unit’s annual maintenance appointment. Scheduling it early helps you avoid the rush and gives you plenty of time to have any repairs done before your heating needs become critical. Routine maintenance is key for keeping your mini-split in good condition and making sure it operates at peak energy efficiency.
Addressing any issues that prevent your system from working properly as soon as possible helps prevent them from escalating and makes unexpected breakdowns less likely. It also prolongs the lifespan of your unit and gives you peace of mind that you’re prepared for whatever winter brings.
Set Your Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to upgrade. This device allows you to set your mini-split to automatically adjust the temperature of your space based on your schedule or personal preferences. You can “set it and forget it” and your thermostat will handle the rest.
For example, you can program your thermostat to dial down the temperature at night or while you’re away from home, helping you to sleep better and saving money when less heating is needed. Depending on the model you choose, you can create multiple heating schedules for different days of the week and make manual adjustments from any location using your smartphone.
Weatherize Your Home
According to the Department of Energy, heating your home takes more energy and money than operating any other system. Overall, heating makes up for about 29% of your winter utility bills. As summer winds down into fall, consider weatherizing your home to prevent heating leaks later on during the winter season.
Make a point to seal gaps in windows and door frames and add insulation to your attic to prevent heat from escaping. When you’re keeping more heat inside your home, your ductless unit won’t have to work as hard to maintain your desired temperature settings and keep you comfortable.
Upgrade Your Comfort With Ductless AC
One of the best benefits of owning a ductless system is being able to switch from cooling to heating and back whenever you need to. If you don’t have a ductless AC yet, contact Cape Cod Heat Pumps for a personalized quote by calling 508-833-4822 or filling out our short contact form here.
