Where to Install a Mini-Split Heat Pump

Where to Install a Mini-Split Heat Pump
You know ductless air comfort and energy efficiency sounds great. What you don't know is where to install a mini-split heat pump in your home. While these units can provide pinpoint air comfort at a fraction of the cost of a larger system, the best spot for maximum performance might not be 100% obvious. Don't worry, we can help with that.

First

Let's start with essential location requirements. First, you are going to want to choose a location on an exterior wall. The inside air handler must be connected to the outside condenser via refrigerant lines. If you don't have to run the lines through an attic or crawlspace, installation is much, much easier. You'll also need a way to drain the condensate. This is much harder to accommodate on an interior wall. Second, a typical HVAC manufacturer would recommend you install a ductless unit approximately 90 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the ceiling with at least 5 inches of clearance on the sides. This will ensure there is sufficient air flow around the air handler for proper operation. Similarly to the air handler, make sure the condenser has approximately 80 inches of front clearance, 12 inches on the back, 24 inches on the right, 12 inches on the left, and 24 inches above. Which is all well and good, but it still doesn't tell you where to install a mini-split heat pump. Should you put it in the family room? An entryway? At the end of a hall?

The Garage

Many people use their garage for more than storing the car. Likewise, most are never connected to the central heating and air system. A ductless mini-split can let you use your garage to its full potential all summer long. Plus, installation will cost much less than expanding your existing ductwork.

The Basement

Many homes are built with unfinished basement or attic spaces that are later furbished for regular use. As with a garage, it can sometimes be inconvenient or too costly to expand the central heating and air system to these locations. Fortunately, a ductless mini-split can go just about anywhere and provide great air comfort in even tough to reach spaces.

The Kitchen

Chances are your central heating and air system already blows conditioned air into your kitchen. Unfortunately, that might not prevent uncomfortable warmth when you have the oven and the stove going. In the holidays, a poorly serviced kitchen can get really hot indeed. Putting in a ductless mini-split is a cost-effective way to keep your kitchen cool without being forced to drop the temperature everywhere else too.

The Wherever You Want

Ductless tech is both powerful and efficient. However, it's best job is versatility, so don't stress about where to install a mini-split heat pump. If you have a tough heating and cooling job, a mini-split heat pump can do it and at a fraction of the price of a full-sized HVAC unit. Where might you use one? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
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Edna Fortner
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We are building a house with a vaulted ceiling in the great room. I’d like to use a two or three zone concealed or ceiling vent units. I don’t think I can used ceiling in vaulted (scissor trusses), and I don’t want the units on the view end or front of house, which means it would need to go in regular attic space over the closets and master bath. The third could go in the Master suite and separate doubles in the guest areas? If not using Central A/C in house, how do we share air to smaller rooms, like baths or laundry? Is there a thru wall vent with fan assist? We are in N AL at 2k ft elevation, so cooler.
Kyle
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It sounds like you have a good plan for you what you want. In terms of interior air flow, through-wall fans are a good idea. There are plenty of fans like that, so you should be able to reasonably accommodate your aesthetic. In terms of whether to go with 2 or 3 units, that should depend on square footage and how many BTUs you need. I would recommend you call us at 800-360-1569, and one of our folks can help you narrow down things even further.
Alan FitzGerald
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I have an 1150 sqft, two level town home condo, (living area over garage, bedrooms above) with a 3rd level rooftop deck. The compressor is on the high rooftop,(exposed to the waterfront ) over the air handler unit which is in a small utility room. below it. The return/intake ducts for the whole condo are on the wall right behind the air handler (above bedroom level) and on the ceiling below. in the living area). In replacing my entire system, I am trying to get the compressor off the high roof and onto the deck area.below next to the utility room. If I placed a large enough inside unit above the large wall return of the utility room, would utilizing the existing air handler to circulate the cooled/heated air through the ducts, be sufficient?
Kyle
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It sounds like you are asking if you could use an existing air handling unit to circulate air from a ductless air conditioner. This might work, but there are a lot of variables. I suspect you would have a tough time regulating temperature in other areas of the home, since ductless units are not built to work this way. Does that answer help?
Randall
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I’d like to cool a 1200 square foot open floor work shop, I was looking at the 36k mr cool units.the building is 30 x 40 Quonset hut with curved walls on 2 sides(40’) and flat walls front and back(30’). The front wall gets full sun most of the day. If the unit was mounted off set to one side would it be able to cool the space evenly? The building has spray foam insulation on all walls and ceiling with an insulated garage door.
Rebekah Muller
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While it may work to cool the space evenly, there is still a lot of space near the ceiling that must be cooled, so it may take a little while for the entire space to be cooled. While a 36k could work, you may want to consider two smaller unit with a higher BTU count overall, especially if you live in an area with more extreme temperatures.
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