Advice for Mini Split Location

[djkoell]

Would greatly appreciate some advice on locating a MrCool DIY 18k mini split in my 3-car garage.

Couple photos to help understand the layout options. Here's a layout drawing with the two options:

Pano of the garage. Note the subpanel under the flag:

Photo of outside behind garage and bath/laundry:

Electrical disconnect for existing AC unit:

Option #1
Would go on the back wall of the 1-car garage portion

This is the view the air would take to circulate with the rest of the garage...

I think this option would be much easier given this is an external wall, but concerned how well the air would circulate throughout the rest of the garage...


Option #2
would go to the right of the Michigan flag.

I would have to run the refrigerant lines up into the attic (just left of the attic ladder) and the back to the outside wall:

Questions

• Which of the two locations would you choose?
• How would the air circulate from location #1 given I have the large fan installed in the garage as well?
• Can I get 220V electrical for the 18K unit from the outdoor electrical disconnect box on my existing AC unit or do I have to add another 220V breaker in my subpanel?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[dcg9381]

Questions

• Which of the two locations would you choose?
• How would the air circulate from location #1 given I have the large fan installed in the garage as well?
• Can I get 220V electrical for the 18K unit from the outdoor electrical disconnect box on my existing AC unit or do I have to add another 220V breaker in my subpanel?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

* If the goal is to cool (mainly) the garage portion, choose the more open location. IF you're concerned about the smaller rooms, choose the smaller location and I'd setup pull/push fans in the walls.

* Air would circulate, but your doors are poorly insulated (compared to walls) and cool air sinks. But no doubt, it would work... But you might get some temperature swing.

* Your existing breaker is going to be sized for that HVAC unit, you can't add another 10 amps or so on to it and expect it to continue to be sized right. What you *might* be able to do - depending on the wire that's back there - is setup an exterior sub panel, increase the breaker size on the existing line, and then breaker each HVAC appropriately. Again, depends on the existing breaker and size of the existing wire.

 

[Black Oak]

I might be wrong , but if you run the lineset up - then down again ,you'll need a condensate pump . Some say those things are troublesome . Other than that , I like option #2 .

 

[markietas]

I might be wrong , but if you run the lineset up - then down again ,you'll need a condensate pump . Some say those things are troublesome . Other than that , I like option #2 .

Condensate doesn't have anything to do with the lineset.

 

[Jackfre]

Option 1 is not good. To confined. Your Second is the best for air circulation. Keep in mind that you have a 4 way air sweep on an 18. You may as well get the best out of it. gravity flow of the condensate is always best...when possible. I find condensate pumps on nice quiet mini splits to be a drag. From 2 you may be able to run the condensate line over the header of the door into the laundry sink and yes you will have to open the sheet rock to do so, but it will be worth it. I think you will find that you will not need the bigger fan with an 18 in that space. To condition the adjoining rooms I'd cut thru registers high and low in opposite corners. Those rooms will likely be +/-3* off temp wise. Get the condensing unit off the ground. I use wall mounting brackets. It keeps them cleaner and you have better air circulation.

 

[StereoGuy]

How about option #3 Put it on the wall with the third car garage and you would get air going towards the main garage area and towards the back corner and the laundry area. You definitely need its power from the main panel or a subpanel.

 

[SALIV8]

None.

I’d look more at placing on the left or right sides in the middle.

 

[justinjoyal]

I would put it on the exterior wall on the side, just beside the measure that says 20’ 3 1/2.

Easier to install, shooting towards the main space and can direct some air towards the laundry also.

I see you are using Chief Architect, I love that thing.