After the tedious summer-long job, your split system air conditioner deserves a resting period. But sitting idle for too long can impact your split system. It may not be able to perform to its max when you turn it on after months of gap.
If a split system isn’t used for a long time, it suffers from many problems besides compromising on performance- it may lose its energy efficiency or decrease longevity. You may also have to pay high repair costs to use it again.
We understand that changing a split system isn’t easy, and you won’t want to pay for costly repairs. Therefore, knowing how sitting idle can impact your split system and what precautions you should take to prevent the impacts is important.
This article will discuss why you shouldn’t leave your split system idle for too long.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Leave Split System Idle For Too Long
Here are some of the problems that arise when a split system is not in use.
Reason # 1: Component Deterioration
Wear, tear, and component deterioration are not only associated with excessive working. A split system can wear out and experience component deterioration when it isn’t used for a long period.
The movement of internal components produces heat, which keeps the lubricant liquified. When the split system is not in use, the lubricant dries out and causes problems when restarting. Seals and gaskets also dry during prolonged inactivity, negatively affecting the system’s performance and efficiency.
Reason # 2: Refrigerant Leakage
Maintaining optimum refrigerant levels is important to maximize the split system’s functionality. When the split system isn’t in use, the seals and gaskets dry out, causing shrinkage and brittleness in the compressor and providing space for refrigerant to escape. The lower refrigerant levels are mostly responsible for overheating and system breakdown when you use it after too long.
Reason # 3: Dust And Debris Accumulation
Dust and debris accumulation is a common problem that arises due to prolonged inactivity of the split system. The accumulated dust and debris have many detrimental effects on all the components of the system, including:
- Air filter blockage.
- Obstruction of ducts and vents.
- Growth of mold.
When you try to run the system with blockages, it can not circulate the air properly, causing inconsistent temperature maintenance and consuming more energy.
Reason # 4: Electrical And Mechanical Issues
The split system’s electrical and mechanical components are responsible for its functional efficiency. Due to prolonged inactivity, the electrical components suffer from loose connections, corrosion, and degradation, resulting in system failure.
Similarly, mechanical components struggle to start or seize up due to inactivity. The system may produce rattling noises and fail to start when mechanical components are out of order.
Reason # 5: Shortened Lifespan
Overall, the split system’s inactivity results in excessive wear and tear, dust accumulation, loss of lubrication, and electrical and mechanical problems. These problems affect the system’s performance and efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Reason # 6: Bacterial And Fungal Growth
Bacterial and fungal growth are common in the split system. The moist environment, along with dust and debris, provides a favourable environment for them to grow. The inactivity of the system also supports the growth.
Although bacterial and fungal growth doesn’t directly affect the functionality or performance of the split system, it contributes to poor indoor air quality and is hazardous for health.
Reason # 7: Increased Costs
Whenever the split system encounters problems due to inactivity or excessive work, repairs are required. The total cost varies according to the degree of problem within the system. Services and maintenance to clean the filters or ducts are less expensive as compared to technical issues like fixing electrical or mechanical components. If problems are beyond repair, you may also need to bear the expense of changing the split system. The operational costs also increase when the split system isn’t in good shape and consumes more energy.
Must-To-Take Precautions When Using An Idle Split System
You should never simply get up one day and decide to run your split system out of the blue. If it’s not in use for too long, you must take precautions before turning it on. These simple precautions will save your split system from breaking down and your home from emergencies.
Inspect The Split System For Visual Damage
Before turning on the split system after it’s been idle for too long, make it compulsory to check the split system for visible signs of damage.
Inspect the outdoor and indoor units for any signs of physical wear and tear, corrosion, and damage. Remove the debris, such as leaves, plastic wrappers, etc from around the outdoor unit and clear away the dust. Also, clean the indoor unit and inspect it to check if there are any signs of damage.
Inspect The Electrical Wiring
Damages in the electrical wiring are hazardous. They impact the performance of the split system, but above all, they potentially damage the system, cause energy surges, and pose the risk of electrical shocks.
Before using the split system, always check that the electrical connections are in place and that there are no signs of damage or corrosion. Always cover the wirings and get them fixed by professionals to mitigate the involved risks.
Clean The System From Dust And Debris
The visible dust and debris cause many problems for the split system, and cleaning them has a positive effect on the system’s health and performance. Dust and debris are easy to clean, require minimum effort, and improve the system’s efficiency manifold. Deep cleaning of the system involves cleaning the filters, ducts, vents, and coils. You can clean them yourself or schedule professional services to clean the system thoroughly.
Check The Refrigerant Levels
The split system struggles to perform its functions when refrigerant levels are low. Before running the system, after it has been idle for too long, always check the refrigerant levels. You can do it yourself by using refrigerant pressure gauges and checking the pressure levels against the manufacturer’s provided specifications. You can also check the refrigerant levels by comparing them against previous readings.
Run The System In Fan Mode
Never make the mistake of directly running your split system when it was not in use for a long period. It stresses the system and causes problems for the occupants. Running the split system in fan mode clears away the accumulated dust from inside the system, making the system cleaner and improving the indoor air quality.
Test The Electrical Components
A split system depends on electricity for its operations. Damaged electrical components compromise the system’s performance, put a load on its components, and risk the safety of the place and its occupants.
Check the capacitors and relays, visually inspect electrical connections, insulate the damaged wire, and replace the tripped capacitors.
Lubricate The Moving Parts
Lubrication of the moving parts within the split system is necessary to keep the system running without generating excessive heat. Lubricate the fan motors and compressor so the split system can run smoothly without facing wear and tear.
Check The Systems For Pests And Rodents
Pests like insects and rodents hide inside the outdoor units when they are not in use. They damage the components inside the outdoor unit. When you are about to use a split system after a long period, check the system for infestation and remove their nests.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Services
Professional maintenance services include a complete inspection of the split system by trained professionals. The trained split system technicians clean the system, check electrical components and refrigerant levels, and perform all the services required to bring the split system back in use.
Scheduling professional maintenance services ensures there are no issues and the system is safe to use. These services also have a positive influence on the overall health of the split system.
Call Surrey Air Today!
If you are planning to reuse your idle split system in Melbourne, contact Surrey Air to schedule professional maintenance services. With their vast experience, they can spot any problems that arise and fix them right away. Our trained split system professionals perform thorough maintenance services and make your system ready for work. Click here to schedule maintenance services.
Final Words:
Leaving the split system idle for some period creates many problems for the split system and affects its performance and efficiency. The system suffers from component deterioration, dust and debris accumulation, loss of refrigerant, bacterial and fungal growth, electrical and mechanical issues, and shortened lifespan. Preventive measures can greatly remove these risks and improve the system’s longevity. Professional maintenance services are helpful in this regard as professionally trained technicians take care of the split system and ensure it is in good shape.
