Ductless mini-split systems are a common option for cooling or heating a home in a certain room or area — and for good reason. They’re incredibly efficient, and these units don’t require ductwork to run. However, that’s not to say it isn’t frustrating when your system won’t turn on. Let’s go over the most common reasons your mini-split won’t start and how you can attempt to remedy the problem.

Power Play: Making Sure the Electricity Works

The first and most simple aspect of addressing why your mini-split won’t turn on is its electrical supply. It may seem elementary, but the best ideas are the ones that are staring us in the face. Make sure the unit is truly plugged into an active electrical receptacle. If it is, then unplug it and plug it back in to ensure a good connection. Also, find your home electrical panel and look to see if the circuit breaker that serves the mini-split has blown. It could be that the breaker has tripped, particularly if there was a recent power surge or if the system has been running on overdrive during a heatwave.

Remote Control Review: Batteries and Settings

Another reason your mini-split won’t turn on is that there may be some trouble related to the remote control. One obvious issue is that the batteries in your remote control can die. Also, make sure the settings on your remote are correct. Ensure that the unit is in the appropriate mode. It may seem simplistic, but the remote can sometimes get jostled and settings are inadvertently adjusted.

Filter Focus: The Obstruction Check

A dirty air filter is typically a problem that impacts the operation of a mini-split. This usually won’t shut off the system completely. But if it’s dirty enough, this can cause a major obstruction that will activate safety features that prevent the unit from starting.

Hold your filter up to the light. If you can’t see any light coming through the mesh, then you need to change it. Perform this check every 30 to 90 days.

If you’ve already completed all of these steps and your mini-split still refuses to start, that’s indicative of a more serious issue. You’ll need to contact a professional to troubleshoot the system and make the necessary repairs. A faulty capacitor, a defective fan motor, or a refrigerant leak, for example, will require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. Never try to perform any DIY repairs when these problems are present, as you can cause more harm to the equipment or severely injure yourself. Hiring a skilled technician ensures that the issue is diagnosed and repaired correctly. For ductless mini-split repairs in Tampa Bay, FL, contact the team at Cornerstone Pros. We’ll do our utmost to safely restore your system and your comfort level.