Life of a Mini-Split

[bear5759]

The below relates to my home (really close to my garage, and seem some knowledgeable folks here)

We had a Fujitju mini-split system installed about 10 years ago. Seems to still cool well but the past couple years it doesn't de-humidify very well. All seems to be working as expected, serviced yearly.

Now I'm seeing that maybe mini-splits are 10+/- year systems?

Are there things we should be checking (or having checked) or is the system just at end of life?

Thoughts welcomed.

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

I would have the refrigerant recovered and weighed, then leak test if found to be low.
Repair any leaks then recharge.
Although you first should confirm that both the indoor and outdoor coils are clean.

 

[justinjoyal]

I often see 15-20yo mini-splits.

There is no reason for your system to not work properly if it was properly installed, is well maintained and has the proper charge.

"Serviced yearly."

What exactly is done yearly on your system ?

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

If it works, leave it alone.

You should be able to tell with a thermometer if it is still creating the proper temperature delta. If it is, leave it alone, you don't need to weigh the refrigerant; creating the correct temperature delta is proof that the refrigerant is fine. If temperature delta is low it probably means you have a problem with the unit.

Also clean all the coils and filters to make sure air flow is sufficient on both sides.

 

[PoorUB]

The below relates to my home (really close to my garage, and seem some knowledgeable folks here)

We had a Fujitju mini-split system installed about 10 years ago. Seems to still cool well but the past couple years it doesn't de-humidify very well. All seems to be working as expected, serviced yearly.

Now I'm seeing that maybe mini-splits are 10+/- year systems?

Are there things we should be checking (or having checked) or is the system just at end of life?

Thoughts welcomed.

Clean the coils, the indoor fan can get terribly dirty and check the charge. If it runs, it should cool. My bet is it is low on refrigerant. Most service guys don't know how to check the chrge properly.

I often see 15-20yo mini-splits.

Your 15-20 year old mini split was a pretty simple unit. nothing like the units they manufacture today.

 

[Jackfre]

We just sold the house that has a 15 yr old and a 12 yr old mini-split. Your system is serviced annually? You sir, are a rare bird, but I want to ask what service has been provided. Lift the front cover, remove the face filter and inspect the face of the coil. Is it clean? Get a hand mirror and try to get a look from the top. About 40% of your coils surface rolls across the top/back of the unit. If that section of the coil has not been cleaned then air cannot move through the coil. Also, get a look at the condition of the fan blades. As the blades load up air flow drops. If you notice that the coils and fan are dirty it is time to invite the servicing contractor, the boss, out to inspect his work and rectify the situation. A properly installed and serviced mini-split will go well beyond 10 yrs.

 

[bear5759]

Had the service man in Monday. Ended up with refrigerant recovered and weighed. System was low, has been recharged.
It's been too cool to run since. When it warms up we'll see if the excess humidity problem has changed. Last summer it seemed like the system was pumping humidity into the house, not removing it. When we were running it last week (before service work) the humidity was climbing while it ran.

 

[racecougar]

Have you checked the drain/condensate line for obstruction?

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

System was low on refrigerant?
Did the service person say how it got out?
Did they fix any leaks?

 

[Highbeam]

System was low on refrigerant?
Did the service person say how it got out?
Did they fix any leaks?

Or a "gas and go"?

 

[bear5759]

Have you checked the drain/condensate line for obstruction?

Not yet, next in my plans.

 

[bear5759]

Or a "gas and go"?

Pretty much "gas and go". Really disappointed with the service tech (and his company). A few years ago the company was top notch for our area, appears they have dropped way down.

It's been too cool to run the system since the (so-called) service work. When it warms up we'll see what if any results we got for a substantial bill.

 

[fitter30]

Any system that that is critical charge and takes months to year to get a little low will be almost impossible to find without spending a lot of money unless I'll call it a mistake that it's found. Just because a electronic leak detector advertise 1/2-1 oz a year that's in a lab. Dye if the leak in a evap coil and in the tube sheet good possibility the condensate will dilute it where it will be hard to pick up.