One head has stopped working and the others are fine
Check this before anything else: a single failed head is often a repair, not a system replacement. That distinction is the whole decision on a multi zone system.
Mini Split Replacement in Poway, CA
We assess the ductless mini split you have, tell you whether a repair still makes sense, and put the replacement options in writing with the price. The question that decides most of these projects is whether the existing line set and the wall penetrations can stay, and we answer it before quoting. If the system has just stopped, start with Mini Split Repair.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Mini Split
Five things worth having checked.
The outdoor unit is struggling in both modes
Cooling and heating both weaker than they were points at the outdoor unit and the charge. The heads are rarely the cause when both modes drop together.
Repairs are coming one after another
Particularly control boards, which on mini split systems are a common repeat.
The system runs on an older refrigerant
Refrigerants are being phased down on a schedule, and that affects what servicing costs over the remaining life of the system.
Corrosion on the outdoor unit
Close to the coast, coil fins and electrical contacts go years earlier than they do inland.
Repair or Replace Your Mini Split?
We are on your side on this one, and on mini split systems that matters more than usual, because on these systems the cheaper path is often the right one, and it is easy to miss.
| What we look at | Repair usually wins | Replacement usually wins |
|---|---|---|
| How much of the system is affected | One head, one board, one sensor | The outdoor unit, or several heads at once |
| Parts and refrigerant | Parts available, refrigerant current | Discontinued parts or a phased down refrigerant |
| Age and condition | Under about ten years, outdoor unit sound | In its teens, or heavy coastal corrosion |
| What you want to change | Restore what you had | Add a zone, or improve a room that never quite worked |
On a multi zone system, replacing one head is frequently the right answer and we will say so. If a repair is the better call, that starts on our Mini Split Repair page.
What Can Stay, and What Has to Go
This is the part that decides the price, and it is the part that rarely gets explained before the quote arrives.
The line set
Sometimes it stays, sometimes it cannot. Older refrigerants leave residues that are not compatible with current equipment, and line sets can also be the wrong diameter for the new system. We check the size, the condition, and the compatibility, and where it can be flushed and reused we do that. Where it cannot, we say why before you have a price in your head.
The wall penetrations and the line set cover
Usually reusable, which saves both work and the cosmetic disruption of new holes. That is worth real money on a multi zone system.
The indoor heads
On a system where the outdoor unit has failed, the heads often still work. Whether they can pair with a new outdoor unit depends on the manufacturer and the refrigerant, and mixing generations rarely works as neatly as it sounds. We verify before quoting.
The electrical
The existing circuit is usually sufficient for a like for like replacement. Adding zones is what changes that, and we check the panel before recommending it.
Choosing and Sizing the Next System
A replacement is a new sizing exercise per zone. The room has often changed since the original installation: a garage became an office, a wall came down, or the use of the space changed entirely. We calculate each zone again, because the label on the old equipment describes a room that may no longer exist.
Replacement is also the cheapest moment to add a zone. The outdoor unit is being replaced anyway, so if there is a room that has never been served, this is when adding it costs the least it ever will. We will tell you what that adds, and we will also tell you when the answer is to leave it alone.
How Mini Split Replacement Works
- 1
Assessment of the system you have
We test the system, check each head, inspect the line set and its condition, and check the electrical. You get the condition of the system before we talk about replacing it.
- 2
Repair and replacement options
Where both paths are reasonable, you get both, priced. On multi zone systems that includes the option of replacing one head and leaving the rest.
- 3
Written proposal
Equipment, what stays and what goes, removal of the old equipment, the price, the schedule, and anything priced as an option.
- 4
Removal and installation
We recover the refrigerant, remove the old equipment, reuse the penetrations and line set where they can be reused, install the new system, and make the connections.
- 5
Commissioning and walkthrough
We pull a vacuum, charge and start the system, test it in cooling and heating on every zone, check the drainage from each head, and go through the controls with you.
What Does Mini Split Replacement Cost?
We quote after seeing the system, so the number on your proposal is the price of your project.
What affects the price
- How many zones, and whether the whole system or part of it is being replaced.
- Whether the line set can be reused. This is the single largest variable on these projects.
- Whether the wall penetrations and covers can be reused.
- The head type, and whether you are changing it.
- Any zones being added.
- Electrical work, and permits with the inspection.
Once we have seen the system, we put together a written proposal
- What stays
- What gets replaced
- The work included
- The schedule
Total price
Every line goes in writing, with options priced separately.
Request a Replacement Estimate
Why Homeowners Choose GVK for Mini Split Replacement
One head replaced, not the whole system
On a multi zone system this is often the right call. We establish whether it applies to yours before quoting anything larger.
We check the line set before quoting
Compatibility, diameter, and condition. Getting this wrong is how a replacement turns into an argument halfway through the day.
Sized per zone, for the room as it is now
The use of these spaces changes. So we calculate each zone again from scratch.
A written scope and price before work starts
What stays, what goes, what it costs, and what is optional, priced on its own.
A C-20 contractor since 2003
License #911659, bonded and insured. A 4.9 rating across 300+ reviews on Yelp and Google, and 600+ permitted projects on public record.
What Mini Split Replacement Looks Like
Mini Split Replacement Reviews
Dave M.Yelp review
“My impression of George is that he's a very honest person who takes a lot of pride in providing a high quality service.”
Read on YelpScott KanuhaGoogle review
“It was very clear that it was important to him that his service is high quality.”
Read on GoogleTom S.Yelp review
“We live in South Orange County and GVK Heating and Air were recommended to us — specifically Denys at GVK.”
Read on YelpOliver ChiongGoogle review
“They performed the first AC installation on my 30-year-old home.”
Read on GoogleGabe MagassyGoogle review
“He wants to meet your needs at a good price and he is a pleasure to work with.”
Read on GoogleServing All of San Diego County
We are based in Poway and work across all of San Diego County: repairs, replacements, maintenance, and tune-ups.
- Poway
- Rancho Bernardo
- 4S Ranch
- Carmel Mountain
- Sabre Springs
- Rancho Penasquitos
- Scripps Ranch
- Mira Mesa
- Escondido
- Ramona
- San Marcos
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar
- Solana Beach
- Encinitas
- Carlsbad
- Oceanside
- La Jolla
- Valley Center
- Santee
- Lakeside
- El Cajon
- La Mesa
- Chula Vista
Mini Split Replacement FAQ
One head has stopped. Do I need a whole new system?
Often not. On a multi zone system a single failed head is frequently a repair, and replacing one head is sometimes possible depending on the manufacturer and the refrigerant. We check that before quoting you for anything larger.
Can you reuse the existing line set?
Sometimes. It depends on the diameter, the condition, and whether the old refrigerant leaves residues that are incompatible with the new equipment. Where it can be flushed and reused, we do that, and it saves both money and disruption. Where it cannot, we explain why.
Can I keep my indoor heads and replace only the outdoor unit?
Occasionally. It depends on the manufacturer, the generation of the equipment, and the refrigerant. Mixing generations works less often than it sounds, and we verify compatibility before quoting.
Can I add a zone while you are replacing it?
This is the cheapest moment you will ever have to do it, because the outdoor unit is being replaced anyway. We will price it, and we will also tell you if the room does not need it.
How long does a replacement take?
A like for like single zone replacement that reuses the line set is usually a day. Multi zone systems, new line sets, or added zones take longer. Your proposal gives you the schedule.
What happens to the old equipment?
We recover the refrigerant, remove the equipment, and haul it away. That is in the written scope and in the price.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, mini split replacement in California needs a permit. We tell you which permits apply and who files them, and the inspection is scheduled with the work.
Related Home Comfort Services
Mini Split Repair
When the system has stopped and you need the cause before deciding anything.
Explore Mini Split Repair
Mini Split Installation
When a mini split is going into a space that does not have one.
Explore Mini Split Installation
Heat Pump Replacement
When the heat pump being replaced is a central system with ducts.
Explore Heat Pump Replacement
AC Replacement
When the central system is the one that needs replacing.
Explore AC ReplacementDiscuss Your Mini Split Replacement Options
Tell us what the system is doing and how many zones you have. We will test it, check whether the line set and penetrations can stay, and give you a written proposal with the price.
Call or text(619) 277-6279
Emailgvkhvac@yahoo.com
HoursMonday – Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Office13459 Olive Tree Ln., Poway, CA 92064