Mini Split AC

Placement is everything when selecting where your ductless mini split should go. Many homeowners get preoccupied with the internal unit but should give just as much consideration to the external unit. 

Bearing that in mind, which side of the house should your ductless mini split system go? Let’s review.

Here’s the Best Side of the House for a Mini Split

Of the four sides you can select for your mini split system, the north side is the most beneficial.

Why is that? 

Mini splits operate best when shaded from direct sunlight. The indoor units can get screwy temperature readings from too much sunlight, as the internal thermostat reads the sunlight as excess heat.

This can cause you to think something is wrong with how well your mini split works, when indeed, there isn’t. 

The outdoor unit doesn’t function well in the sunlight, either. It can overheat from too much sun exposure, putting the unit at risk of failing.

So that brings us back to our recommendation for the north side. This side receives the least sunlight. The additional shade will keep the mini split functioning at its best throughout the seasons.

What do you do if the north side of your property is unavailable for mini split installation? In that case, you don’t need to concern yourself with sides so much as shadiness.

The shadier the area, the better it is for mini split installation. For example, perhaps you install the outdoor unit under an awning or an overhang.

However, not all shade is created equal. For example, you don’t want to position the mini split under a large tree. 

Sure, it provides shade, but at what cost? Branches and sticks will fall off the tree, getting into the external compressor. Leaves can pile up inside and outside the unit, reducing its functioning. 

Sap and bird droppings are also likelier to get into the mini split when it’s positioned below a tree. Plus, if the tree ever toppled over, it would be goodbye mini split. It’s too risky. 

What About the Indoor Units? What Is Their Best Side?

Since the indoor air-handling units are protected by four walls and a roof, there’s less concern about which the side of the house for installation.

However, that doesn’t mean their placement should go all willy-nilly. 

Select an exterior wall, if possible, to reduce the space between the indoor and outdoor parts of the ductless mini split system.

The indoor unit shouldn’t be adjacent to windows, as we already discussed how the direct sunlight will affect how well the mini split works. Likewise, keep the units three feet or more from any light sources or electronics.

That includes desktop computers, televisions, lamps, overhead lights, fireplaces, DVRs, and video game consoles. 

Find Your Mini Split at PowerSave AC

Now that you know which side of your home a ductless mini split system should go on, it’s time to get shopping. PowerSave AC has a wide selection of mini split models from your favorite brands. You can buy single-zone or multi-zone units to suit your home or commercial building.