Where to place my mini split condenser unit

[mcclellandj]

Hi!

I have a 30x50 shop that has closed cell insulation. I’m adding 15’ gable extension to the left and then a 8’ lean to in the back with full vertical sheeting. That means my openings will be just that, open. I’m looking for ideas on where to put my mini split condenser unit. I was thinking about putting it where the X is on the image. Thoughts?

 

[mike93lx]

You will have a mimimum line set length so make sure you don't have it so close that it's a problem.

I'd keep it off the ground, on a good quality wall mount

 

[pcmeiners]

Which way is you predominant wind? Is the a chance of have a strong wind affecting the stability of the unit which should be mounted off the ground, higher than any major snow depth or leaf buildup. I have exactly the same overhang at the back of the garage 15 ft extended. X is a good spot if wind is not an issue, place at least 1 ft away from the wall if mounting parallel to the back wall. On my house mounted units(3) the wind get fairly high were they are mounted, I mounted the units perpendicular to the wind. We get gust to 80 mph during the winter months so mounting perpendicular is fare less force on the units, and the wind has less affect on the outside units' fans.

 

[The Metric System]

I would not put the condensing unit in your gable or lean-to structures. There is no real benefit to doing this, and it will take up covered floor space that you could use more productively. It will also add noise and undesirable hot/cold airflow to this semi-enclosed area.

Personally I would not want the indoor unit above the bar or in the "living" space side of the structure. They're quiet but they're not silent.

I would instead put it centered on the opposite wall over the gym. The noise and direct airflow would be less intrusive there and that's where I'd want the best cooling performance anyway.

I would also put the condenser on a ground-mount pad or frame depending on your climate. No reason to put the compressor vibrations into your wall if you don't have to.

 

[mcclellandj]

Thanks for all the input so far. I could have put more details to help you answer me. I live in Helotes (San Antonio), Texas. No snow, winds are fair. I wanted to place it on the x more so to keep it close to the air handler. Also, the extension is more of an open overhang to work under and keep things dry. I was looking at other suitable places but have to consider drain line, and then the actual ac lines to the condenser from the head unit. It’s all concrete and to add, my electrical is near the mandoor between the main shop and gable extension. Hope this help.

 

[The Metric System]

By "air handler" do you mean the internal unit of the minisplit?

If so, is there any reason it has to be where indicated on the drawing?

 

[mcclellandj]

Air handler the head unit.

No reason other than it would be an easy electrical run and in a place that’s not in the way.

My land outside the shop slopes so instead of making another pad, I figured it would be better to anchor into the concrete with runner pads.