Ductless mini split heating and cooling systems utilize air handling units installed directly within the interior spaces they serve. For optimal comfort, it's important to know the best places to put a mini split system. Our NATE-certified HVAC installers discuss the factors we consider when planning a ductless mini split installation so you know the thought behind where your HVAC components are placed.
What Spaces Are Best for Ductless Mini Split Installation?
Ductless mini split heating and cooling systems offer extremely versatile installation due to their lack of ducts. While they can be installed most anywhere, many homeowners choose locations based on where other types of HVAC systems cannot easily go.
- Bedrooms: A large household often means varying comfort preferences, especially when it comes to sleep and personal space. Adding ductless mini splits to bedrooms allows for auxiliary heating and cooling that complements the home's main HVAC system, or standalone comfort. Everyone is able to achieve their ideal temperature without disrupting others.
- Basements: Many homeowners find it difficult to achieve comfort in the basement after finishing this space. One of the best places to put a mini split system is in the basement to extend comfort control into your newly finished living area.
- Room additions: Adding a room onto your home is no small project. With the addition of space, your home's existing HVAC system may not be suitable to fulfill the needs of the new room, and running ductwork is expensive. When you add a ductless mini split to your room addition, you are able to keep this area comfortable without expensive enhancements to your home's main HVAC system.
Where Are the Best Places to Put a Mini Split System?
Once we pinpoint where to put the system, we start working on where to install the equipment. Where the indoor air handlers and outdoor unit are located impact performance and comfort.
Indoor Air Handlers
Indoor air handlers offer flexible installation with configurations for floor mount, wall or ceiling installation. When determining where to put the system within a room, we must factor in:
- Accessibility: Air handlers require regular maintenance and filter cleaning, so you have to be able to access them safely and easily to ensure this job gets done.
- Air distribution: The air handlers must be centrally located within a room so air reaches all areas of the zone. For wall-mounted units in rooms with standard ceiling heights, positioning the unit within 2 feet of the ceiling is ideal, or 8 feet from the floor if ceilings are high.
Outdoor Air Conditioners or Heat Pumps
The best places to put a mini split system air conditioner or heat pump offer protection and efficiency:
- Distance: While outdoor units are able to be placed 100 or more feet from air handlers, the further away they are, the longer refrigerant must travel, which reduces energy efficiency. The closer to the home, the more efficient the system.
- Space: We want the outdoor unit to be in an area open enough to facilitate free air movement, but also protected. A concrete pad may be poured to get the unit off the ground to lessen the risk of buildup blocking airflow. Under an awning provides protection for the unit as well as shade which helps the unit perform efficiently.
Turn to Estes For Effective Ductless Mini Split Installation
When you choose a ductless mini split to heat and cool your home, you need an HVAC company who knows where to place mini split systems. When you choose Estes Services, we put our experience and expertise to work for you and design a well-laid out system that optimizes comfort and efficiency.
Let's start planning your ductless mini split installation project today - contact us for a free estimate for ductless mini split installation.
