Mini-Split Cleaning Process & Prices

If you're considering having your ductless system professionally cleaned, you probably want to know what a mini-split cleaning actually includes, how we clean the indoor head, how long it takes and what it costs.

At SDG Duct Cleaning, we offer two levels of mini-split cleaning in Cornwall, SDG and surrounding areas: our Standard Mini-Split Cleaning starting at $170 and our Deep Mini-Split Cleaning starting at $250.

The biggest difference between the two is the amount of disassembly required to properly clean the indoor head and blower wheel.

A regularly maintained mini-split can often be cleaned with the blower wheel left in place. A heavily contaminated unit may require considerably more disassembly and, when necessary, removal of the blower wheel.

Here's how our process works.

Package 1 — Standard Mini-Split Cleaning

Starting at $170 | Approximately 1–1½ Hours

Our standard cleaning is intended for mini-splits that have been regularly maintained and don't require extensive disassembly.

The primary focus of this package is the indoor head unit.

Our standard cleaning includes:

  • Initial inspection of the indoor head
  • Removal and cleaning of washable filters
  • Removal of necessary covers and louvers
  • Protection of the wall and surrounding work area
  • Cleaning the indoor evaporator coil
  • Cleaning the blower wheel while it remains installed
  • Cleaning accessible internal areas of the head
  • Cleaning the drain pan as required
  • Checking accessible condensate drainage
  • Cleaning and reinstalling removed components
  • Reassembling the indoor head
  • Testing the mini-split after cleaning
  • Basic visual inspection of the outdoor unit

This package does not include extensive disassembly or removal of the blower wheel.

Package 2 — Deep Mini-Split Cleaning

Starting at $250 | Approximately 2–2½ Hours

Our deep cleaning is for mini-splits with heavier internal buildup that cannot be properly addressed with our standard cleaning process.

The biggest difference is the amount of disassembly we're prepared to perform.

Depending on the manufacturer, model and condition of the equipment, our deep cleaning can include:

  • Everything included in our Standard Mini-Split Cleaning
  • Additional disassembly of the indoor head
  • Removal of additional covers and louvers
  • More detailed cleaning of the evaporator coil
  • Detailed cleaning of the blower assembly
  • Removal of the blower wheel when required
  • Separate cleaning of the removed blower wheel
  • Detailed cleaning of accessible internal areas
  • Thorough cleaning of the drain pan
  • Checking and cleaning accessible condensate drainage
  • Cleaning removed components before reassembly
  • Complete reassembly
  • Operational testing

Not every mini-split requires the blower wheel to be removed.

If we can properly clean the system without removing it, there's no reason to unnecessarily take the unit apart.

Our Mini-Split Cleaning Process

Step 1 — Inspect the Indoor Head

Before taking anything apart, we inspect the condition of the mini-split.

We look at the filters, evaporator coil, blower wheel, drain pan and accessible internal areas to determine how much buildup is present.

This is also where we determine whether the Standard or Deep Cleaning is appropriate.

Step 2 — Shut Down the Mini-Split & Protect the Area

Before wet cleaning begins, the mini-split is shut down.

We then protect the wall, floor and surrounding area.

When appropriate, we install a mini-split cleaning bib/washing cover around the indoor head. This catches the dirty water and debris removed during cleaning and directs it into a collection container.

This is an important part of professionally washing a wall-mounted mini-split inside someone's home.

Step 3 — Remove Filters, Covers & Louvers

We remove the washable filters and clean them separately.

The necessary covers and louvers are then removed to give us proper access to the internal components.

How much needs to come apart depends on the particular mini-split.

With our Deep Cleaning package, additional disassembly may be required to access and remove the blower wheel.

Step 4 — Clean the Evaporator Coil

The indoor evaporator coil is cleaned using appropriate cleaning products and controlled low-pressure washing equipment.

The goal is to remove accumulated dirt from the coil while protecting the delicate fins and electrical components inside the head.

The dirty water is collected by our protective washing setup rather than being allowed to run down the wall.

Step 5 — Clean the Blower Wheel

This is where the biggest difference between our two packages occurs.

Standard Cleaning

With our standard service, the blower wheel remains installed.

We rotate and clean the wheel while it's inside the unit, working across the individual blades to remove accumulated buildup.

For a mini-split that has received regular maintenance, this can provide an effective cleaning without unnecessarily dismantling the blower assembly.

Deep Cleaning

If the blower wheel is heavily contaminated, cleaning it while installed may not be enough.

Depending on the design of the mini-split, we can perform additional disassembly and remove the blower wheel from the indoor head.

Once removed, the wheel can be cleaned separately, giving us direct access to the blades and areas that are difficult to reach while it's installed.

This additional disassembly, cleaning and reassembly is the main reason the Deep Cleaning costs more and takes longer.

Step 6 — Clean the Drain Pan & Check the Condensate Drain

We clean accessible areas of the drain pan and check the condensate drainage.

If buildup is present, it is cleaned as part of the appropriate service.

We also want to make sure condensation has a clear path out of the indoor unit before everything is put back together.

Step 7 — Clean & Reinstall Components

The filters, louvers, covers and other removed components are cleaned as required.

Everything is then reinstalled.

A deep cleaning naturally takes longer at this stage because considerably more of the indoor head may have been disassembled.

Step 8 — Test the Mini-Split

Once the indoor head has been completely reassembled, we operate the mini-split.

We check that the unit has been properly reassembled and is operating following the cleaning.

We also perform a basic visual inspection of the outdoor unit as part of the service.

How Do I Know Which Package I Need?

You don't have to determine this yourself.

Generally:

Regularly maintained + moderate buildup = Standard Cleaning

Heavy buildup + extensive disassembly required = Deep Cleaning

If your blower wheel can be properly cleaned while installed, we're not going to remove it simply so we can charge you for a deep cleaning.

Likewise, if we don't believe we can properly clean a heavily contaminated blower wheel while it's installed, we'll explain why a deeper cleaning is recommended.

Mini-Split Cleaning Prices

Standard Mini-Split Cleaning
Starting at $170
Approximately 1–1½ hours
Blower wheel cleaned while installed.

Deep Mini-Split Cleaning
Starting at $250
Approximately 2–2½ hours
Additional disassembly with blower-wheel removal when required.

Prices primarily cover the indoor mini-split head and include a basic visual inspection of the outdoor unit. Additional repairs, extensive outdoor-unit cleaning or other HVAC work are separate from the cleaning packages.

Book Mini-Split Cleaning in Cornwall & SDG

SDG Duct Cleaning provides mini-split cleaning in Cornwall, SDG and surrounding Eastern Ontario communities.

If you're unsure which cleaning your system needs, contact us. We can look at the condition of your mini-split and determine whether a Standard or Deep Cleaning is appropriate.

SDG Duct Cleaning — HVAC technicians, not just cleaners.