Ductless mini-split systems are incredibly efficient, and both use more energy and work more effectively than most central HVAC systems. That’s part of why they’ve become so popular in recent years, especially when building a new home or putting an addition onto a house. Mini-split technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few decades to where the indoor components of most systems aren’t nearly as big, bulky, and ugly as they were back in the 1980s when mini-splits were first introduced.

Nonetheless, one of the main issues that many people have with mini-splits is that they are still quite visible, whereas most parts of a central HVAC are hidden away. The good news is that some options can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a ductless mini-split without distracting visitors from your home décor.

Understanding the Parts of a Mini-Split System

All ductless mini-split systems have either an AC condenser or a heat pump outside the house. This unit is then connected to one or more indoor units known as heads or air handlers via two copper refrigerant lines. The outdoor unit in a mini-split typically looks the same as a central AC unit or heat pump, except it’s often a bit smaller and slimmer.

The indoor unit or units are normally mounted directly on a wall and usually measure 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide, 1 foot tall, and 6 to 10 inches deep. The fact that a mini-split air handler is relatively large means it can stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t come up with a way to hide it or at least make sure it isn’t the first thing people’s eyes are drawn to when they enter a room.

Options for Recessing and Hiding a Mini-Split Air Handler

The best option for hiding a mini-split air handler is to find a way to recess it into a wall or potentially into the ceiling. Choosing to place the unit within a wall is generally the better option when possible since it will allow the air handler to heat and cool more effectively. A ceiling-mounted air handler will typically be able to cool just as effectively, but it may not heat as well since it will have issues pumping the hot air it produces into the lower parts of the room.

In some cases, you could also place the unit underneath a floor, but this almost always requires much more work and can prevent it from providing adequate cooling. No matter what option you choose, recessing a mini-split air handler will always make the installation more difficult and take more time. Nonetheless, it can be well worth it since you won’t see the air handler and will instead just have a rectangular vent on the wall, ceiling, or floor.

When recessing a mini-split air handler, all you need to do is come up with a way to create ample space for the unit to fit easily. If you have a single-story home with an attic, recessing the unit into the ceiling is reasonably straightforward. All you need to do is mount the unit in the attic and then cut a hole in the ceiling for the vent. The walls in a standard home are typically never thick enough to accommodate an air handler without making some adjustments.

One option is to build a box around the front of the unit that you can then cover with sheetrock and paint. A better choice is often to install the unit so that the front side of it is just behind the wall and then build a box on the opposite side of the wall in the adjoining room to support the back side of the unit. You can then use the top of the box as a shelf or hang a picture on the box. The best option is generally to build a false wall on either the front or back side of the air handler, but this will take up more space and require much more work.

Other Ways To Blend a Mini-Split Into Your Décor

If recessing a mini-split air handler isn’t practical or possible, you have a few other ways to help prevent it from being an eyesore or distraction. One thing you could consider is using taller plants to create a shield that hides the unit. However, you want to make sure that the plants aren’t too close to the unit so that they don’t block the airflow, or else the unit won’t perform nearly as well as it should.

You can also just place the unit in the corner of the room so it’s not immediately visible. If you have paintings or other features and décor in the rest of the room, you can use them to create a focal point that distracts from the air handler. The only issue with tucking the air handler away in the corner of a room is that it can make it more difficult for the unit to circulate air throughout the entire space. This usually isn’t a problem in a smaller space like a bedroom, but it can be an issue in a much larger or more open space.

Important Factors To Consider When Installing a Mini-Split Air Handler

The location of a mini-split air handler can make a major difference in how effectively and how quickly it heats and cools the surrounding area. Location also matters in terms of how easy the unit is to install and, thus, the installation cost. It’s always best to place the unit directly on an exterior wall whenever possible. That’s because you need a way for the condensation that collects in the unit when it’s cooling to drain directly outside. If an air handler is on an interior wall, you’ll usually need a condensate pump to move the water outside.

For larger spaces, it’s always best to have the air handler as close to the middle of the room as possible to ensure it can effectively circulate air throughout the entire space. No matter your location, the most important thing if the unit is on the wall or floor is to ensure at least 6 inches of clearance above it, or else you’ll block off the airflow coming into the unit. Even if the unit is recessed into the wall, it will still have significant issues if you have a shelf or almost anything else directly above it. Even hanging a painting above it or putting pictures on top of the unit, if mounted directly on the wall, can lead to poor performance.

If you want to install a ductless mini-split in your home, the team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions can help you choose the right system and work with you to figure out the best way and place to install it. We’ve been serving Roseville, Benicia, and the nearby areas in Northern California since 2010 and are ready to handle all your ductless or central HVAC installation, maintenance, indoor air quality, and repair needs. Contact us today to learn more about your options for ductless climate control and if a mini-split system is right for your home.

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