The coils on a mini split system are located on the exterior of the ductless mini split system, specifically on the condenser. The condenser is the component that contains the coils, which are bathed by refrigerant, also known as coolant. The refrigerant is a liquid used in commercial and residential heat pumps and air conditioning systems.
Understanding the Coil Placement and Function
When refrigerant passes along the outside coil of the mini split system, it sends heat to the area, and condensation brings down the temperature. The refrigerant then moves to the indoor mini split coil, which is a lot cooler by now. The refrigerant evaporates when it passes through the indoor air, which is usually warmer. After several cycles of this, the air that exits the indoor air-handling unit is nice and cool, and the cycle can continue to produce consistent cooling throughout the zones in your home according to the preferred temperature that you selected.
Coil Placement on the Condenser
The coils on a mini split system are located on the exterior of the ductless mini split system, specifically on the condenser. The condenser is the component that contains the coils, which are bathed by refrigerant, also known as coolant. The condenser is responsible for dissipating the heat absorbed by the refrigerant, allowing it to condense back into a liquid state.
Coil Function in the Cooling Cycle
The refrigerant passes through the outdoor coil, where it releases the heat it has absorbed from the indoor air. This heat transfer causes the refrigerant to condense, turning it from a gas back into a liquid. The now-cooled refrigerant then flows to the indoor coil, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate back into a gas. This cycle of evaporation and condensation is what allows the mini split system to provide cooling to the indoor space.
Maintaining the Mini Split Coils
Due to the external positioning of the mini split coils near the condenser, you’re required to do occasional maintenance to keep the coils in optimal condition. Debris and dirt can accumulate with time, so you should go out periodically to clean the coils. You can also remove contaminants and possibly mold. Although a bit of mold or debris might not look like it’s stopping your ductless mini split coils from working their best, that’s actually exactly what can happen. If your mini split system is impeded in any way, this affects the efficiency of the entire system.
Cleaning the Mini Split Coils
To clean the mini split coils, you can turn on your gardening hose and spray away dirt and other contaminants. If you’ve noticed stubborn grease, mold, or grime, then use a coil cleaner, which you can find at most home improvement stores as well as online. Be sure to read the instructions for the coil cleaner before applying to avoid further degrading the quality of the coils.
Step-by-Step Coil Cleaning Process
- Turn off the power to the mini split system.
- Locate the outdoor condenser unit and remove any debris or vegetation around it.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove any visible dirt or debris from the coils.
- Attach a garden hose to the outdoor faucet and use a gentle spray to rinse the coils, starting from the top and working your way down.
- If there are any stubborn stains or buildup, use a coil cleaning solution approved for mini split systems. Apply the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it sit for the recommended time before rinsing.
- Dry the coils thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth or allow them to air dry completely before turning the system back on.
- Inspect the coils for any damage or signs of corrosion and address any issues before restarting the system.
Conclusion
In summary, the coils on a mini split system are located on the exterior of the ductless mini split system, specifically on the condenser. To maintain optimal performance, it’s essential to clean the coils periodically to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants that can affect the system’s efficiency. By following the proper cleaning procedures and maintaining the coils, you can ensure your mini split system continues to operate at its best, providing reliable and efficient cooling for your home.
References:
– YouTube Video: Where Are the Coils on a Mini Split?
– Reddit Discussion: Corroded Condenser Coil on Mini Split
– HVAC-Talk Forum: Cleaning Mini Splits
– PowerSave AC Blog: Where Are the Coils on a Mini Split?
– YouTube Video: How to Clean Mini Split Condenser Coils