Lennox Mini Split Troubleshooting Guide
Sometimes the solution to a stubborn AC is a quick cleaning, but other times the cause is deep-rooted in your unit’s electrical system. In either case, it's a good idea to call an authorized HVAC technician at the first signs of trouble. While you’re waiting for him or her to arrive, you can try these Lennox mini split troubleshooting tricks to figure out why your system is not working.
Why is My Lennox Mini Split not Heating or Cooling?
Here are a few Lennox mini split troubleshooting tips to get you started:
- Replace the air filters – Dirty air filters come with a whole host of problems, one being that they can reduce airflow and its heating/cooling capacity. Other downsides are poor indoor air quality, an upcharge in your utility bills and a reduction in lifespan. To circumvent these issues, Lennox recommends cleaning them at least once or much or more if you have allergies or pets.
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils – When dirt, debris and other gunk build up on the coils, it makes it harder for your HVAC system to do its job, and that’s why you might notice a drop in your unit’s heating and cooling efficiency.
- Check the thermostat – Before you call the HVAC technician, double check there hasn’t been a recent retaliation in the thermostat war.
- Ensure it has power – You might think we’re stating the obvious, but sometimes circuit breakers trip without any clear cause or reason. Also, ensure the remote has enough energy to nibble on with a set of fresh batteries.
- The fan or fan motor is not working – The heating and cooling components might be working just fine, but you can’t rely on the powers of convection alone. Put your hand near your Lennox mini split. If it feels hot or cold, that means the condenser and compressor are still working. Now, listen for the telltale whirl of the fan. You might have to wait a few minutes if it's in between cycles. If you don’t hear it, call an HVAC technician to remedy the issue at once.
How do I Reset My Lennox Mini Split?
If all else fails, you might give the Lennox reset button the old college try. It’s located on the control panel and is hard to miss since it's typically labeled “reset.” Hold it for approximately 3 seconds until it's restored to factory settings.
If you, for some reason, cannot locate the reset button, you can still force a manual reset by flipping the breaker switch that controls power to your Lennox mini split. Wait a full minute before restoring power.
How do I Reset My Lennox Mini Split Remote?
Depending on what model you have, there should be a reset button located directly on your remote. Hold it down for a couple seconds, wait and then try using it again.
If, for the life of you, you cannot find the reset button, it might be that your model doesn’t have one. In that case, take out the batteries, and wait about a minute or so before popping them back in.
If resetting your remote doesn’t work, move on to the next section for more Lennox mini split troubleshooting tips.
Why is My Lennox Mini Split not Responding to Remote?
If you can’t get your Lennox mini split to turn on or off or unflinchingly obey any and all of your commands, you have to first isolate whether it's a problem with the receiver or the remote. Here are a few Lennox mini split troubleshooting tricks to keep up your sleeves:
- Remote – How long has it been since you last replaced its batteries? Try popping a few new ones in and see if that fixes the problem. If that doesn’t work, rack your brain. Has your remote recently experienced any trauma that might be causing it to act up? Say, your dog mistakenly mistook it as a chew toy? If your remote is sporting a few more battle scars than the last time you looked, it might be time for a new one.
- Signal Interference – Many electronic devices use a similar frequency to your remote. For that reason, remove any other remote-controlled devices from the vicinity before trying again. In other cases, something may be physically blocking the receiver and jamming its signals. It’s always a good idea to keep the area around your unit clear and free from obstruction because this can also affect its performance.
- Receiver – If your receiver is the disobedient one of the pair, it might be the case that the control board has finally fritzed out.
Why Does My Mini Split Smell Bad?
The problem with mini splits is when they do need a bath, they make sure everyone knows it by blowing their bad breath in their faces. But there’s a silver lining. Since mini splits aren’t supposed to smell, your nose can be another diagnostic tool during Lennox mini split troubleshooting.
There are several reasons why your Lennox mini split is emitting a foul order, all of which are usually self-diagnosable:
- Musty – If you walk into the room and are immediately reminded of your grandmother’s attic, maybe it’s time to do a little deep cleaning. Mildew, mold, bacteria and even algae can quickly multiply out of control in the damp, dark environment that is the inside of your mini split air conditioner. Per manufacturer recommendations, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, air filter and condensate pan and drain line to get rid of that old, stuffy smell. Or call an authorized HVAC technician who has cleaning and maintenance on their seasonal checklists.
- Burnt – As you might have already guessed, a burning smell indicates an electrical or mechanical problem. Faulty wiring, a dirty air filter or condensate drain, a malfunctioning motor or a failing compressor are just some of the reasons you’re being choked out of your room. Turn off your Lennox mini split and wait for the HVAC technician to arrive. That said, sometimes right after installation, the mini split will produce a burning smell, but this isn’t a sign of immediate concern. It should dissipate within a few hours.
- Sweet – If you notice a sweet fragrance emanating from your mini split, immediately turn it off, leave the room and call an HVAC technician, as this has all the markings of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is extremely harmful when inhaled or touched, so it’s important to leave cleanup and disposal to the professionals.