Relocating the interior unit of minisplit

[TheClaw]

I'm looking to install a mini split in the new shop. The wall is insulated and sheetrocked. I'm thinking that at some point I want to install some shiplap or brick vineer on the wall where it is planned to go. How hard is it to loosen the interior unit, let it hang for a while as the final wall covering is installed?

Can you flip the wall unit and install it on the ceiling?

I'm guessing somebody is going to say just wait until you finish the wall. That might be a while. I want to buy the unit now before the rebates expire.

 

[rlitman]

I've done it. During a flood remediation, I replace the sheetrock behind one.

You don't want to run the unit while it's off the wall bracket, but there should usually be plenty of slack in the lineset to allow it to be taken off the wall and put back. How much slack you have depends on what direction the lineset enters.

 

[Dig Doug]

Maybe add some spacers behind the wall mount plate ( like a 3/4 pice of plywood ) cut it a tad under size then you can tuck the ends of the ship lap back behind the AC unit.

make it look like the ship lap runs behind the AC unit

 

[The Metric System]

How hard is it to loosen the interior unit, let it hang for a while as the final wall covering is installed?

Not hard, they usually just unclip from the bottom and then come off a couple of hooks at the top. You won't have much slack in the lines, I recommend having your hanging apparatus ready before you take it off.

Can you flip the wall unit and install it on the ceiling?

No, they are designed to gravity drain condensate water in one direction only.

 

[aggie113]

They do make units for mounting on the ceiling. Just be careful moving it much as the copper will only flex so much, and the lineset will be as tight as you make it when installing.

 

[whateg01]

... You won't have much slack in the lines...

Depends on how is installed and whether the line set gets cut to length at install.

 

[TheClaw]

Maybe add some spacers behind the wall mount plate ( like a 3/4 pice of plywood ) cut it a tad under size then you can tuck the ends of the ship lap back behind the AC unit.

make it look like the ship lap runs behind the AC unit

That's what I was thinking too.

 

[ALinCarolina]

I would either drive a couple screw hooks into a ceiling joist or build a wooden bridge out of 2x4s and hang it. Or even just two step ladders with a board spanning them.

 

[micromind]

A wall-mount unit won't mount on the ceiling because the condensate won't drain properly.

 

[Phourromposs]

I'm looking to install a mini split in the new shop. The wall is insulated and sheetrocked. I'm thinking that at some point I want to install some shiplap or brick vineer on the wall where it is planned to go. How hard is it to loosen the interior unit, let it hang for a while as the final wall covering is installed?

Can you flip the wall unit and install it on the ceiling?

I'm guessing somebody is going to say just wait until you finish the wall. That might be a while. I want to buy the unit now before the rebates expire.


If you're planning to install shiplap or brick veneer, it may be easier to leave the unit in place and then install decorative coverings around it. For example, if you choose wallpaper, the fancy walls non pasted wallpaper collection might be a great solution, as it's easy to change and won't interfere with the system's installation.

Regarding your questions:

Removing the indoor unit is entirely possible, but you need to be careful. The unit can usually be removed by carefully disconnecting the pipes and cables. However, it's important that this doesn't affect the system's seal and connections. If you plan to install shiplap or brick cladding, it might be easier to leave the unit intact and then install the decorative coverings around it.

Ceiling installation is possible, but it requires proper placement of the unit to ensure free air circulation and efficient system operation. Typically, the indoor unit is installed on the ceiling using special brackets, but you need to consider how this will affect air distribution in the room.

Purchasing the unit in advance makes sense if the discounts are good, but it's certainly better to wait until the final finishing touches to minimize potential complications.

 

[PoorUB]

I'm looking to install a mini split in the new shop. The wall is insulated and sheetrocked. I'm thinking that at some point I want to install some shiplap or brick vineer on the wall where it is planned to go. How hard is it to loosen the interior unit, let it hang for a while as the final wall covering is installed?

Can you flip the wall unit and install it on the ceiling?

I'm guessing somebody is going to say just wait until you finish the wall. That might be a while. I want to buy the unit now before the rebates expire.

Figure out what you want to finish the wall with, and space out the mini split mount with 1x4 or 2x4 material. Then when you decide to finish the wall you can shove the wall sheeting under the mini split and not move it.

No, you can't screw it to the ceiling. You can use angle brackets, like a shelf bracket, screw that to the ceiling and mount the mini slit on the downward facing leg.