Input requested from Pros on commercial mounting a mini split compressor

[theoldwizard1]

My nephew has purchased a commercial building in Detroit. Not the worst part but certainly not the best. One of his options is using a couple of mini split heat pumps.

To slow down scrappers, the obvious solution is mounting them to the side of the building about 20-30 off the ground. Some type of steel platform would be mounted to the building.

• Has anyone installed/serviced such an installation ?
• Do you charge a premium for servicing the system ?
• Does the customer have to provide scaffolding/ladders for service ?
• Does the platform need to be oversized so that the tech can stand/sit on the platform ?
• What tech comfort/safety things should be included ? (Separate clip in points for personal safety harnesses ?)

 

[bobbyjean]

you could mount them at that height outside the building...and you would need the lift or scaffold,a mounting bracket is made for that -the service guy is gonna hate it for sure.....any space inside the building available to install?
i have put these things in basements,and mechanical rooms many times...mechanical rooms work because they usually have some form of fresh air intake...the units i have work well in these area's with zero issue.
i have seen them mounted above a grid or suspended ceiling -not crazy about that though

 

[strutaeng]

Does the building have a flat roof?

All commercial buildings that I have seen have RTUs or split systems up there, accessible through a roof hatch.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There is a flat roof on part of the building (the rest is steeply pitched), but the building is big enough that it will require multiple air handlers. The run from the flat roof to the furthest air handler is a long way. Exterior wall mount would be an optimal location except for the tech.

 

[justinjoyal]

People hang mini-splits on walls all the time.

It makes servicing harder but a lot of people dont care... wall hung units are common over here.

 

[Brian_WK]

If mounting them 20ft (I wouldn't go any higher) make sure both sides are accessible from an extension ladder. The ground is flat below where the ladder would be sitting and free of obstructions; bushes, transformers, etc. For typical yearly service an extension ladder is fine. If they need any sort of major repair the HVAC contractor will most likely bring in a scissor lift. We do that even on equipment built on a wall mounted platform as we have no idea what the platform is rated to hold. Winter repairs are pretty much out of the question unless you find a service tech with massive kahunas.

Brian