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How Close To the Ceiling Can You Mount a Mini Split Air Handler? - Ask the Expert Episode 218

Today's question comes from Robert Ferguson. "Hey Dan, how close to the ceiling can can you mount a mini split air handler?" Of course we're going to assume that he is talking about the indoor air handler for a ductless mini split system. This is actually a question we get a lot. The right answer is to always check the installation manual. In the installation manual, they should have in there somewhere the measurements - so far from the sides, so far from the ground, and so far from the ceiling - in which you can mount a mini split air handler. For example, we get a lot of these questions for the MrCool DIY. There needs to be at least 5.9 inches from the top of the air handler to the ceiling. It is very important that you have that space because the air handler pulls in a lot of air from the top. Then it blows it out through the bottom. If you installed it flush with the ceiling, it's not going to be able to get any air and it's not going to work properly. If you have questions, please ask in the comments below!

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Matt

I plan on mounting a 12k 110v system in my great room. The height of ceiling is 15'. What suggested height do you recommend mounting the evaporator?

Michael Ong

Mitsubishi mini split wall mount says on the manual the minimum to install the plate is 2" 1/8 when installing the unit it's close to the ceiling.

Ron Holloway

On a 8 ft ceiling how far from ceiling is recommended to mount your mini split.

Mark Plummer

My ceiling height is 8' My air handler states to have 7.9" clearance above the unit and 8' below it. Which clearance can I compromise?

Jessica Lammon

How much clearance space should be underneath? Top and sides are great with space but I have a tall cabinet with about 3 inches underneath Fujitsu DC inverter? Thank you Just moved in.

kim ballard

What difference or issues would there be if I mount the Mr Cool DYI handler 4.9 instead of 5.9 inches from the ceiling ?Please be specific . Thanks

Joe

I am finishing a 50'x16' basement with 12' ceilings. Planning to install two 12k wall mount air handlers on the 50' exterior wall 14 foot on center (7' from center line of wall) to avoid obstacles & windows. - any concerns with this setup. Currently the air handlers are 8'6" from the base of the unit to the floor - could they be installed higher? - like 9 - 10 foot? If they could be installed at the 10-foot height I could place them further apart at 28 ft on Center. Minisplit brand is MrCool DIY

Steven

If it to close to the ceiling will it cause it to freeze and leak

Carl

I have a finished loft above garage that has an angled ceiling. If I install left corner of indoor unit tight to ceiling there is 8" clearance above center of unit and 12" clearance from right top corner. If I install top left corner of unit 6" from ceiling it lowers the unit 6" more. Neither position is as high as recommended, although I feel both would work. How critical is space above top left corner of unit considering ample clearance in center and right top. I'm thinking of installing the mounting plate at left top corner with clearance necessary to allow for hanging unit. It would give me the most height possible in my situation. Does this sound right to you?

Jesse

Hello. I am planning to install my Mr Cool DIY above a window at the end of our bonus room. There are two closets facing each other on either side of the window making the area I plan to install recessed from the rest of the room by maybe 3 feet or so. Is it best that I build out a box or soffit above the window to push the air handler out into the room and improve circulation through the whole room, or would it work just as well mounted directly above the window? Thank you.

Michael

Would there be any issues with mounting the air handler in a corner like a triangle like with one side next to one wall and the other side different wall

David W Morris

Can you mount the condenser on the rear bumper of a travel trailer and the wall unit on the ceiling inside if there's no wall space available? if not what's your best recommendation?

Peter Rudis

Where I need to mount the 12K inside unit, it's over a corner closet that juts out into the room and there's only 36" of wall space above. Can I center it for aesthetic reasons, or do I need to keep the side that's near another wall, the minimum side distance away? The wall is on the right side facing the unit.

Maurizio Facheris

can a air handler meant to be mounted on a wall (vertical) be mounted on the ceiling (horizontal)?

Forest

There are no intakes on the sides, so how important is side clearance? Mounting a 9k air handler above a hallway entrance, where there will only be 3 inches on each side (1 3/4 inches short of the recommended clearance).

James

I only have 94 inch height from floor to ceiling will a mini split still be ok for me

Pete

I have 10 foot ceilings in my gatage. I would like to mount bottom of mini split air handler at 100 inches from floor this will leave 7 inches from top of air handle to the ceiling. Manual say minimum top height is 5.9 inches from the ceiling. Manual say bottom of air handler suggested to be no higher than 90 inches from floor for ceilings over 9 feet. What is the rationale for no higher than 90. What will I lose by mounting unit at 100 inches.

Tim Moore

I have a limited space on the gable end of a wall, the clearances are there but it is above an exterior door. Can I still mount it above this door knowing I may loose some efficiency? Any other drawbacks?

Bob

My home has little exterior useable wall space since it’s a geodesic home. Can I install the interior air handler a few inches above the floor on a short wall?

chuck dart

How close can you install two mini split outside condensors assuming the long sides are parallel. ? I've purchased my first Diy 27k and want to plan for the second. The manual, page 23, shows 79" on air outlet side. No problem doing 79" for #1 facing a wall. But an additional 79" from #1 to #2 seems excessive. If that is indeed the case can you recommend a suitable layout. The connections side is facing a perpendicular wall where disconnect will be located.