If you’re in the home inspection business — or you’ve had mini splits installed in your home — you probably already know the dirty little secret: mini splits and mold often go hand-in-hand.
I’ve inspected plenty of mini splits, and it’s nearly guaranteed that I’ll find mold buildup inside the indoor unit, especially around the fan and other plastic components. I’ve even sent samples for lab testing before (though I can’t recall the exact species of toxic mold found), but the pattern is consistent — it’s usually there.
The Rise of Mini Splits in New Orleans
Mini splits are technically heat pumps, and while there’s a newer version that can integrate with existing ductwork (still classified as a heat pump), I’ve only come across a few of those during inspections around New Orleans over the past few years. That’s the system I plan to install in my next home, whether I stay in New Orleans or relocate to Cleveland, Ohio.
Why? Because despite the mold issue, mini splits are incredibly energy efficient. They’ve been global leaders in low-energy air conditioning for decades. Just look closely in blockbuster movies — you’ll spot them on homes and buildings all over the world. The U.S. is playing catch-up, but I’ve definitely seen a rise in installations here in New Orleans and Metairie through my home inspection work.
When I installed mini splits in my in-law suite, I knew what I was getting into. Yes, they’re cheap to run — and that’s hard to argue against — but mold management is part of the package. And mold removal? That’s a cost you’ll want to factor in.
If you’re dealing with mold in your mini splits and need professional testing, Sunshine Home Inspection is here to help. As a former adjunct professor of meteorology, I understand air, moisture, and how to keep your indoor air quality healthy and safe.
Why Mini Splits Grow Mold
The science behind mold in mini splits is pretty straightforward. The indoor unit pulls in warm, moist indoor air and cools it rapidly. As the cold air passes through and around the fan, it hits warmer air inside the room, and condensation forms (called depositional moisture from the air hitting dew point) — moisture collects on plastic components inside the unit. Wherever you have moisture and plastic, mold is bound to show up.
That’s exactly what happened with the mini splits in my Uptown New Orleans home. Over time, the fan compartment built up toxic mold. Eventually, the units needed professional cleaning.
Watching the Cleaning Process Firsthand
When I called the HVAC company, they told me the fan needed to be removed for cleaning — something I had tried once and realized was nearly impossible due to all the tiny parts and complex components. I was skeptical, and it turns out I was right. As I sat there watching the technician work, he never removed the fan. But he didn’t need to.
Instead, here’s what you really need:
- A quality fungicide
- A hand-pump sprayer
- A large plastic collection bag to wrap the unit and catch runoff with a bucket at the bottom
The technician did a great job — each unit took about an hour to clean — and I left a glowing Google review. But the total cost? $600. Not exactly cheap.
DIY Next Time
Next time, I’ll do it myself. Now that I’ve observed the process, I feel confident I can handle it with the right tools. It was a valuable learning experience and one I plan to apply when I expand my home inspection business to Cleveland, Ohio.
If you’re using mini splits, be aware: they’re efficient but not maintenance-free. Mold buildup is real, and if left unchecked, it can impact both your air quality and your wallet. So whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, or beyond — stay ahead of the mold, and don’t hesitate to call in an expert when needed.
