How Long Do Mini Splits Last? LG, Mitsubishi, Boreal, and More!

A home heating, cooling, and ventilation system can cost thousands of dollars, making it a significant investment, so you want your HVAC system to last as long as possible. If you invest in ductless mini split systems like those produced by LG, Mitsubishi, Boreal, and GREE, you can expect your air conditioning to run upward of 20 years. 

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The average family lives in a house for 8 to 18 years before moving. Purchasing a mini split HVAC system may be the only investment you need to control your home’s heating and cooling. Learn why mini splits outlast central heating and how to maintain your mini split to keep it running smoothly for decades. 

Why Do Mini Splits Last So Long?

Mini split systems last significantly longer than central heating systems that rely on ducts to transport cool or warm air around the home. This is primarily because mini split technology does not share the issues that central heating systems have, like high static pressure, hard starts, and dirty evaporator coils. 

Mini splits avoid high static pressure.

High static pressure occurs when a duct system is too large, improperly installed, or shifts due to environmental factors. Static pressure is the system’s resistance to airflow. When it is high, the system is inefficient. Inefficient HVAC systems have to work harder to heat and cool rooms, reducing their lifespan. Mini splits avoid high static pressure because they do not rely on ducts to deliver air. 

Mini splits do not hard start.

A hard start is when an air conditioning unit’s compressor struggles to turn on and stay on. This could be because of poor voltage from capacitors or a lack of lubrication in the compressor. A hard start is not only a symptom of failing AC components, but it can also cause further damage to the compressor. When a compressor fails, the HVAC system needs replacing.

Mini splits like a GREE 12,000 BTU mini split avoid hard starts with inverter technology that produces soft starts. The motor and compressor slowly ramp up to full power during a soft start rather than flip straight from off to full power like traditional HVAC systems. This less energy-intense start keeps the compressor running longer. 

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Mini splits avoid dirty evaporator coils.

Central heating and cooling systems are prone to duct leakage that sucks dirt and debris into the HVAC system. Dirt and debris eventually find their way into the evaporator coils, which work with the compensator to complete the temperature transfer process. When they get dirty, the compensator must work harder to heat and cool a home effectively, reducing its lifespan.

Ductless mini splits like a 30,000 BTU air conditioner that heats and cools up to 1,650 ft² do not have ducts, so they do not get dirty evaporator coils.   

Proper Mini Split Maintenance

To get the most out of your LG, Mitsubishi, Boreal, or GREE ductless mini split, it is essential to perform preventative maintenance. There are two main preventative care procedures to ensure your system’s compressor does not work harder than necessary: cleaning or replacing the air filters and removing debris from around the outdoor unit. 

Remove debris from the outdoor unit.

Each mini split model relies on an outdoor unit to exchange air. If the unit is blocked, it will struggle to make the air exchange, making the system less efficient. Like with central air systems, when a mini split is less efficient, it needs to work harder, which is bad for the system’s longevity. Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear to avoid this.

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Replace or clean air filters.

Mitsubishi, GREE, LG, and Boreal all have cleanable filters. LG recommends cleaning theirs every two weeks while the other three brands recommend it every three months. LG also has a 3M filter that captures small particles that should be cleaned every two weeks and replaced every six months. Keeping a mini-split filter clean not only keeps your home fresh but also keeps the mini split system running efficiently. 

Invest in Longevity with Mini Split Technology

If you are looking for a long-lasting HVAC solution for your home, then a mini split system is for you. With proper maintenance, a mini split system will avoid all the downfalls of a central heating system and last up to 20 years. 

Contact ComfortUp at 855-337-0001 for more information about GREE, Boreal, LG, and Mitsubishi mini splits. You can also fill out our online contact form with requests about our services and products. Our Service Consultant team will get back to you within one business day.