Mini-Split Mount Options

If you’re thinking about installing a ductless mini-split air conditioner but aren’t sure what mount option to choose, we can help. Below, we take a look at the most common types of ductless HVAC mounts, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how an experienced contractor can help you decide.

Wall-Mounted Ductless Units

A wall mount is usually the most popular option for indoor mini-split units because it’s the easiest to install and allows homeowners the most control over their home comfort systems. These units are attached to the wall about 8 inches from the ceiling, or just above the bottom two-thirds of the wall and provide many advantages, like saving space and being easy to reach for cleaning and maintenance.

However, there are a few disadvantages to the wall mount option. Some people may not like the look of a wall-mount mini-split, and it may be difficult to find a place to put the indoor unit where it won’t be in the way or look out of place. Another potentially minor issue is that the indoor unit will need to be mounted on an exterior wall; otherwise, you may have difficulty getting the refrigerant lines connected to the outdoor condenser.

Floor Mounted Mini-Splits

A floor-mount mini-split is a great choice if you are looking for an easy-to-install and more discreet or concealed option. Floor-mounted mini-splits may also be less expensive than ceiling-recessed or concealed duct models, making it the cheapest low-profile installation. These units are installed a few inches above the floor and are similar in size and shape to old-style radiators. Custom registers may also be available to match your wall color or other interior design features to make them even less visible.

A few potential caveats to be aware of are that floor-mount mini-splits are sometimes more difficult to clean and maintain than wall-mount units due to their location. They’re also more obvious than central HVAC or recessed ceiling and concealed duct mini-splits and can be difficult to move if you want to change their location later on.

Concealed Duct Mini-Splits

Concealed duct mini splits have an air handler that is mounted inside the attic or crawl space where it cannot be seen. Small, flexible ducts are then connected from the air handler to the areas needing to be heated or cooled. This is one of the most discreet options for ductless HVAC and looks nearly identical to a central system from inside the home.

Unfortunately, this type of ductless installation has a few more potential issues to know about before making a decision. The positioning of the system in this kind of setup makes it difficult to access for cleaning or repairs, and a small amount of energy may be lost through the ducts depending on how long they are.

That said, many homeowners love having the look of a central system in their home with just a few air registers that are flush with the ceiling or wall without the cumbersome cost and maintenance required for central HVAC.

Recessed Ceiling Mounts

Recessed ceiling ductless units are less visible than wall and floor-mounted units, but they’re more conspicuous than concealed duct mounts. This type of installation allows you to save space and have a sleek, modern look. The cassette looks similar to a floor-mounted unit, but it’s placed inside the ceiling, with the face of the unit sitting flush with the ceiling surface. This type of setup delivers warm or cool air directly downwards instead of upwards or outwards, which many homeowners enjoy.

The main disadvantage of the recessed ceiling mount is that it can be more expensive than other types of mounts. Additionally, if you have high ceilings, this mount may not be a very good option for you. Like concealed duct mini-splits, recessed ceiling-mounted units are difficult to reach, which makes cleaning and repairing problems harder, even for professional HVAC contractors.

Call To Learn More About Ductless Mini-Splits

Jones Services can help you upgrade to a ductless HVAC system and will guide you through the process of selecting the right type of mini-split mount for your home. We can help you estimate how much switching to ductless would cost with any applicable rebates and tax credits, and our team will come out to your home to determine how large your system needs to be and how many units of power it’s expected to use.6

Contact our team of heating and cooling professionals today to learn even more about the benefits of ductless mini-splits or to schedule your free home assessment and a quote for mini-split installation by calling our office at (845) 299-2074. Serving Goshen, New York and surrounding metropolitan areas.