Mounting a Ductless Minisplit Condenser
I finally did what everyone on here has been telling me to do for over a year – I purchased a MRCOOL DIY 27k Multi Zone Ductless Mini Split! However, in getting the condenser set up, I have run into an issue that needs guidance: how do I handle the snow in front of my condenser under the following conditions:
1. The condenser will be mounted on these: https://www.ductlessairconditionerstore.com/anti-vibration-shock-absorbing-rubber-mounting-bracket-for-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner-condensers/
2. …which will be mounted on this: https://www.diversitech.com/en-US/item/id/15533
…for a total “lift” of 5-1/4″ (all of this on the cement pavers of my patio). Here in CT, that is pretty low. However, I have a tight space that will fit the condenser perfectly, with only a bit of room to spare, making the 18″H Quick-Sling I purchased too large.
In favor of the location I have chosen:
1. The condenser will face North on the East corner of the house, as recommended, protected from just about everything including the wind, as we have a huge hedge of Hemlock trees about 25-30′ to the East.
2. It will sit in front of a 3’H stone wall and to the right of the house, the roof of which dumps snow away from it (in other words, the condenser is on the gable end).
3. The land in front of the condenser slopes away a good bit (please do not ask me to do the math!), so that we never have much snow build up in that location. We do plan to stay on top of it and shovel while it’s snowing, though.
4. We will use this, too (I’ll have to rig it since I am not using the stand): https://www.h-mac.com/quick-sling-qsrb1000.html?msclkid=d94792d6530d1486524fcd3b8370f509
Will this work? Any tips?
Thanks and happy new year to all!
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Replies
I'm in CT as well and I mounted my mini splits on a 24" metal stand. I didn't want to have to worry about clearing snow. Your setup will probably be fine. The most important thing is to make sure the bottom basepan of the outdoor unit is never in snow or ice. In defrost mode the ice on the coils melts into the basepan. Some units have an electric heater as well in the basepan to keep it ice free. There are holes in the bottom for the water to drain out. If those get plugged the bottom of the pan will collect water and freeze and you risk damaging the outdoor coil and having a refrigerant leak. Just keep an eye on it to be safe during snowstorms, especially onea with blowing snow. I personally switch to my oil furnace during intense snowstorms Just look at the bottom of the basepan and you will see the drain holes. Keep those clear.
I was going to comment on this as well. I vastly underestimated the amount of ice that would accumulate under my outdoor unit from defrost cycles. Be prepared to deal with the several inches of ice that will accumulate below unless proper slope or drainage exists:
Thank you both for the comments on ice the basepan. I thought about it this weekend and wonder if it would be acceptable, since I'll have about 3" between the mounting block and the condenser unit, to place 3" Rockwool ComfortBoard under the unit (I have some left over from another project)? My condenser has a drain to which a sort of "faucet" and drain line will be attached, so I could fit the Rockwool around this and make certain it is perfectly fitted underneath the unit, flush on all sides, as if it were sitting on the ground. Wouldn't this help alleviate most concerns about freezing in the basepan?
And I will plan to not use the mini splits during snowstorms; can I cover the condenser with a condenser cover to further protect it when it is off at these times?
Are the feet welded to the quicksling bracket or are they on stubs for height adjustment? If they are not welded, I would cut the stand to fit into the height you need and mount it directly on the patio pavers. This would give you even more space under the unit.
It does sound like the unit is well protected from snow buildup, so it should work either way, just more space is always better.