People choose to have a mini split AC installation in Dundalk for many reasons. But it’s not deciding why to get the system that’s difficult – it’s deciding where to put it. Unlike a central heating and cooling system, your mini split won’t cool your entire home. You need to consider which area of your home will benefit the most from a mini split.

What You Should You About Mini Splits

Before you start to pick a place for your mini split, you should take some time to understand how the system works. A mini split AC is a ductless system. As such, the system has an air conditioner that’s similar to one in a traditional duct system. However, the air doesn’t push through vents.

Instead, an indoor air handler blows air from the exterior unit into the room. The air only goes so far, and it remains near the interior unit. With that said, homes with mini splits often have multiple air handlers. This provides targeted cooling and the ultimate control of your home’s zones.

You could install your air handlers anywhere and almost any way you want. For instance, you might only want to install one air handler to cool a new addition to your home. Or, you might opt for putting one unit in each of your living areas. The choice is yours, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. If you don’t pick the best location for your ductless AC, you put your comfort on the line.

The Best Locations for a Mini Split

In a mini split, there are two separate units to consider. First, there’s the indoor air handler. As previously mentioned, the placement of the handler dictates which rooms receive cooling. Secondly, there’s the outdoor condenser. People often overlook the placement of their condenser, however, this is just as important as the placement of the air handler.

Where the Air Handlers Should Go

Whatever type of mini split system you have, you can be certain the indoor unit needs to be on an exterior wall. The unit connects to the condenser with conduit through the wall. Because it’s not safe or aesthetically pleasing to have conduit on your floors, you need your air handler to have easy access to the condenser. 

You also need to leave at least two inches of space above the air handler. As you consider the location of your unit, keep both details in mind. Other than that, you have a great deal of flexibility with the placement of your units.

Before you decide where to put the handlers, think about what you want from your cooling. Are you hoping to cool your entire home, or just one room? If you need cooling for your garage or a new addition, one air handler in the room will work well. For whole-home cooling, you have to think about which rooms need air conditioning.

Where to Put the Outdoor Condenser

The exterior unit, or condenser, should go in a shady area of your yard. If you place the unit in direct sunlight, the UV rays will cause damage and the heat will make your system work harder than necessary.

Your condenser also should be on the side or back of your home. If there are any plants nearby, they could disrupt airflow and result in an inefficient cooling system. Consider the proximity of shrubs and trees to the unit and adjust the placement of necessary.

Depending on your unit, you may be able to mount it to the wall with brackets. This saves you yard space but does require extra planning. You need a minimum of five inches between the wall and the condenser and 20 inches of empty space above it. 

Making the Most of Your Mini Split AC Installation

To get everything you want from your mini split, you need to plan with care. The system may not be nearly as intricate as a central cooling system, but planning is still necessary.

Before you start the installation, take time to analyze your cooling needs. Why are you even considering a ductless system? Is it to save money on a new addition? You can’t connect additions to ductwork without incurring a high expense. One of the most common uses of a mini split is in an addition. In this case, the best placement for your indoor unit would be inside the addition.

That’s not to say there aren’t other great areas to use your mini split. If you have a large home with multiple bedrooms, you may find it difficult to appease everyone’s sleeping temperature preferences. By installing ductless ACs in the bedrooms, you allow everyone to control the temperature of their room.

Basements are also excellent places for ductless systems. At times, traditional heating and cooling systems leave the basement untouched. Using a ductless system allows you to control the temperature without a costly HVAC ductwork installation.

You’re Not Alone

 If you’re overwhelmed by the process of designing your mini split, you should know that you’re not alone. It takes an experienced professional to plan out the design of a ductless system. As long as they know what you want, an expert can figure out where to put your condenser, how many air handlers you need, and where the air handlers should go. 

Because your HVAC technician is the one to guide you through this process, you need to choose your installer with care. It’s essential to find a company that cares about you. If they don’t take the time to know what you’re looking for, they won’t do a proper installation. You could end up with inadequate cooling.

Here at Reliability Home Services, we have a long history of success with mini split systems and heat pump maintenance. We strive for customer satisfaction, so we take the time to listen to you and answer all of your questions. Let us pick the best place for your new cooling system in Dundalk.

Are you ready for mini split AC installation? If so, call us today, and let’s get started on planning your installation.