Is this an acceptable location for a mini split condenser?

[Razorsedge]

I'm considering the Mr Cool DIY 24k btu mini split system and I'm considering the possible locations to mount the outside unit. One side of my garage faces the alley, and I'm not sure if it's acceptable or allowed to locate the condenser in an alley or not. If not then I'm left with the back side of the garage, which means the condenser could go on my patio at ground level, which I'm not fond of and I know the wife won't go for or it can be mounted on the garage wall above the covered patio.

Above the covered patio is where I'd like to put it, but I'm not sure if it's an acceptable location? From the top of the patio cover to the soffit on the garage is 38" and the MrCool dimensions say the unit is 27.5" tall. After accounting for the bracket legs I'm guessing it would have 7-8" of clearance between the soffit and the top of the condenser.

Here's a pic of the location:

 

[miketyler]

That may be a little close on top but probably acceptable. Also probably adds some protection from the elements. I think more critical is intake side and service end. Does mfr call out minimum clearances? Personally I like open access on the top when I can get it.

 

[sands35]

Do you get tree debris or leaf build up in the fall?
Do you get snow?
Can you walk on that roof? (well, you did take a picture up there)
What about maintenance on the unit?

It might be better to mount it to the wall on the left in the 1st photo. Simpler to get to when on a ladder.

In either place, you will want to take a close look at it at least twice a year for damage, leaf build up, etc.

 

[Jo Diesel]

I bet it gets less **** in it up there than the ones people blow full of grass clippings.
Would it be in the shade? Seems like they work better in the shade.

 

[Jinks]

Why would you not be allowed to mount it on the alley side? Either place will work, but I'd put it in the easiest place to work on it & that roof doesn't look like it makes it easier.

 

[Razorsedge]

That may be a little close on top but probably acceptable. Also probably adds some protection from the elements. I think more critical is intake side and service end. Does mfr call out minimum clearances? Personally I like open access on the top when I can get it.

Yes it calls for 24" of clearance above which it definitely would not have under the soffit. It would meet all other requirements though.

Do you get tree debris or leaf build up in the fall?
Do you get snow?
Can you walk on that roof? (well, you did take a picture up there)
What about maintenance on the unit?

It might be better to mount it to the wall on the left in the 1st photo. Simpler to get to when on a ladder.

In either place, you will want to take a close look at it at least twice a year for damage, leaf build up, etc.

No leaf buildup. I am in southeast NM so very little snow, maybe 6" a season. The brick wall you see on the left side of the photo is the chimney so not sure if that's a good idea or not?

I bet it gets less **** in it up there than the ones people blow full of grass clippings.
Would it be in the shade? Seems like they work better in the shade.

The wall faces North so it would be shaded most of the time.

Why would you not be allowed to mount it on the alley side? Either place will work, but I'd put it in the easiest place to work on it & that roof doesn't look like it makes it easier.

I'm not sure, I didn't know if placing it in an alley would be against any codes or ordinance. I know I can't get an answer to that here, but that was my concern with putting it in the alley.

 

[larry_g]

I know nothing about location, but I would question whether the metal roof would be a sound amplifier if the unit was mounted to it? It might be a nuisance if using the patio under it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Razorsedge]

Yes I thought same which is why I'd like to use a wall bracket instead.

 

[sands35]

On the chimney shouldn't be a problem as far as structural strength is concerned. It's up to you if aesthetics is a problem.

If you mount it under the soffit, I'd suggest keeping it away from the roofed area on the left. Maybe put it all the way to the right so you can look at it on a ladder a couple times a year.

I'd worry about hot air going up the soffit and the overall efficiency of the unit. No doubt the install clearances are conservative in the manual though. Worst case is that you need to move it later. So you are out a ~$100 line set and the cost of a new evac andcharge.

 

[roscoe2000]

I would stay away from the alley. Knowing human nature that would make it too easy for vandalism or some one in need for a quick buck.

 

[Razorsedge]

On the chimney shouldn't be a problem as far as structural strength is concerned. It's up to you if aesthetics is a problem.

If you mount it under the soffit, I'd suggest keeping it away from the roofed area on the left. Maybe put it all the way to the right so you can look at it on a ladder a couple times a year.

I'd worry about hot air going up the soffit and the overall efficiency of the unit. No doubt the install clearances are conservative in the manual though. Worst case is that you need to move it later. So you are out a ~$100 line set and the cost of a new evac andcharge.

I think worse case it may have to be loosened from the mount and tilted slightly to allow the top to be accessed. With 12" clearance from the back of the unit to the wall it shouldn't take much to get out from under the soffit. It sounds good to me but I'm not an hvac tech so who knows lol.

The responses thus far have been fairly positive so I suppose it's a generally ok location. I figured if it was a terrible spot there would have been a gaggle of members with their torches out.

I would stay away from the alley. Knowing human nature that would make it too easy for vandalism or some one in need for a quick buck.

Thanks, this is something that has crossed my mind. I think there are just too many negatives for me to put it in the alley. With my luck the garbage truck would smash it or something.

 

[Jo Diesel]

I bet if your lines run down the wall a little before the condenser it would give you enough flex that you could pivot it out for service.
Set it on a foam pad. That would isolate the vibration from the roof and be able to slide.