Senville "Leto" 24K btu mini-split installation

[quakerj]

This post goes hand in hand with my build thread at: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/30x50-mueller-build-ky-thread.495803/

Installed a Senville mini-split 24K btu unit, delivered from Amazon for $1100. Probably have $1400 in it by the time I add up everything-- wiring, concrete pad, etc. Child labor (my teenagers) was free.

This thing is awesome-- We have a long "shoulder" season-- spring and fall, where HVAC isn't really necessary in a shop. But having it just to remove moisture from the air this time of year is invaluable. And I'll thank myself a hundred times over when I need to work in the shop mid-July or August. I couldn't care less about heat (can always add layers), but if I can bring temps up 10-20 degrees in mid-winter, that's icing on the cake. Very happy with this unit so far.

 

[jjrbus]

I am in hot humid Florida and run the mini's in dry mode for months at a time. The cost of heating with them has spoiled me and I use them for heat waaaaay more than I did with the resistant heat! ie way more at most 3 weeks in winter. Good luck

 

[FL Guy]

I am in hot humid Florida and run the mini's in dry mode for months at a time. The cost of heating with them has spoiled me and I use them for heat waaaaay more than I did with the resistant heat! ie way more at most 3 weeks in winter. Good luck

What size is your building and what size is the mini split?
Im in Fl also.

 

[quakerj]

I spent a little bit of time fancying up the outside unit. Straightened the refrigerant lines and covered with dark foam insulation, enough that it doesn't look like a total eyesore. Still not picture perfect, but nobody views the building from that side. Dug a 2' deep pit and filled full of large rock for the condensate to drain into, then ran PVC underground to it so I no longer have a swamp at that end of the building when the A/C is running.

I really need another one for this size building (that's a project for this fall or next spring when more money becomes available), but it does a good job for what it is. It actually works better if you leave it on and let it hold a comfortable temperature in the mid to high 70's. It keeps it there just fine, but we're nowhere near the dog days of summer yet. I noticed if you leave it off for days till it gets in, say, the low 80s inside, it will take a few hours at least to get back down to around 75. There's a lot of space to cool in there, especially if you just brought hot cars in which are trying to fill the space with heat.

 

[jjrbus]

What size is your building and what size is the mini split?
Im in Fl also.

1350 sq foot house, 3 minis, 9k 9k and 12k

 

[racecougar]

I spent a little bit of time fancying up the outside unit. Straightened the refrigerant lines and covered with dark foam insulation, enough that it doesn't look like a total eyesore. Still not picture perfect, but nobody views the building from that side.

You could always stick a line set cover kit on it. If you do, spend a little extra and get a 4" kit rather than a 3". Nobody looks at the side of the building that my outdoor unit is on either, but I went with the line set cover kit for a little extra protection from the elements.

 

[quakerj]

You could always stick a line set cover kit on it. If you do, spend a little extra and get a 4" kit rather than a 3". Nobody looks at the side of the building that my outdoor unit is on either, but I went with the line set cover kit for a little extra protection from the elements.

I'll end up doing that, if/when the foam insulation I used breaks down. I had some leftovers from when I insulated the hot water PEX lines in my house, so it did the job in a pinch. The lineset covers are definitely the way to go and not terribly expensive.