Siting an Outdoor Condenser Unit
Hi
I’m installing a mini split & struggling with where to put the outdoor unit.
The outside wall mount I had intended to place the unit will not work due to encroachment on my condo neighbors space. I am concerned about wall vibration if I mount it on the exterior wall. The other side is my bedroom. Therefore I am looking at where to put a floor mount and am worried about airflow. I know they need a lot of air. I’m in west San Diego so this unit will be for cooling. Highs are regularly in the 100+ range.
I have a 4’x7′ shed backed up to the exterior wall of my condo. It is located in a private 11’x17′ space
Can I place the exterior part of the mini split **in the shed**?
I would cut a hole in the exterior sheeting of the shed the size of the unit and direct the output out that hole. The intake would be drawn from the interior of the shed. I can enlarge the intake vents on the other side of the shed and/or open the doors when I turn the AC on.
I’m installing a pioneer 12K split.
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Replies
It could be in the shed provided you replace two of the walls with commercial size louver system.
Unless your walls are masonry, your best option is to ground mount in the back yard. If you don't want to loose floor space, you can use taller post type setup to raise it into the air, the structure could be made to look like a nice trellis.
Check if you party wall to your neighbor is masonry, you might be able to use it for support.
I mounted mine in a pole barn. On days of 90+ degrees F. I sometimes need to access a loft and I am required to climb in front of the unit. Sometimes the heat coming out is like an oven. Why not mount on the side of your shed instead of inside of it?
Thank you Akos and Drew. Both suggestions are excellent data points. Every place I can put the unit has drawbacks.
Back to the drawing board.
Make sure you know and understand your condos rules most are very picky about outdoor equipment.
Most are not going to allow you to changer the equipment’s location. Some condo will not allow you to select your own equipment they have an approved list you may select from. Their goal is to homogenize the look of the complex. Everything is the same color in the same location so they don’t have to deal with complaints about the noisy ugly equipment that is now closer to a window.
If some how you are allowed to relocate your equipment understand you will be making someone unhappy. It will be a double-edged tool and your neighbors could follow your lead and move their equipment some place you may not like.
Make sure to read your units installation instructions it will have specific instructions about how close it can be to other objects. It seems unlikely you can fully comply with the manufacture’s instructions inside your shed. It may work if the shed had lots of large vent holes but every time the unit has an issue your unusual location will be the number one suspect.
Walta
Thanks for the thoughts Walta
My condo is very lax regarding out door units.
My first placement would not have worked due to blowing hot air into my neighbors back yard. I may be able to turn the unit around and hang it off of a balcony with the install recommended distancing. At least that's the next 'working plan' ;)
Seems to me the smart move is to install the new unit in the same spot the where the equipment was originally installed.
It is easy for the condo board to be lax when no one is complaining but as soon as someone complains out come the rule books and you are in violation of 27 rules now you paying daily fines until you move the equipment at your expense.
Walta