Are you looking to install a floor mount mini split?

You are not alone; many people are joining the bandwagon for ductless mini-split systems. This is primarily due to the money-saving benefits they offer.

One common type of ductless system is the floor-mounted unit.

In this article, we examine floor-mounted units in depth. By the end, we hope to have helped you determine whether floor-mounted indoor units are the best cooling solution for you.

We also offer AC repair in Santa Clarita, which will be helpful to you in case of breakdowns and malfunctions. 

Shall we get straight to business?

Floor Mounted Mini Split: Overview

What is HVAC floor mount unit?

They are a type of ductless HVAC system mounted at the bottom of the wall, close to the floor. They are positioned just like old-fashioned radiators.

And like all mini-split systems, this cooling system does not require ductwork either.

The indoor system is connected to an outdoor unit by cables and refrigerant lines through a three-inch hole in the wall.

Apart from being mounted close to the floor and not using ductwork, floor-mounted units function similarly to other traditional air conditioners.

Also read: Ductless mini split vs central air conditioner.

What are the Benefits of Floor Mount Mini Split System

A floor-mounted unit will enjoy all the benefits of mini-split systems. For instance, you will benefit from:

• Zoned temperature control,
• Quieter operation,
• Straightforward installation,
• Inverter technology advantage.

However, do floor-mounted units have advantages that you cannot find in other mini-split systems, such as ceiling- and wall-mounted units? 

These benefits are exclusive to floor-mounted units:

• It is closer to the people compared to wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted units. With this, you will feel the cooling effect faster than you would have if you had a system positioned multiple feet away. This is also one of the great ways to conserve energy.
• It is easier to maintain them. One reason you should leave the maintenance of ceiling units is their inaccessibility. Accessing them on your own is unsafe if they are in such inaccessible places. However, you do not need special tools to access a floor-mounted unit. You can easily clean the system and other components, such as the air filters. Additionally, because they are easily accessible, DIY installation, repair, and maintenance are much easier to accomplish.
• Additionally, because it is much closer to you, you can easily detect issues such as odors, noises, or a frozen coil. You can repair them quickly before they get out of hand.
• They are great for rooms with not enough wall or ceiling space. For instance, in many kitchens, the walls are covered with kitchen cabinets. This makes it challenging to install mini-split systems on the walls. The floor remains the last best option. The same applies to sunrooms, where it is not possible to install the system on glass walls.

Also check out: Mini split repair services.

Cons of Installing a Floor-Mounted Indoor Unit

First, they can easily get damaged in the house. Accidents can easily happen when they are on the floor, for example, when kids are playing. Keeping them high on the wall saves them from possible accidents.

Secondly, if you do not position them correctly, they can easily be affected by other heat sources, such as sunlight reflection and devices that generate heat, like TVs. You, therefore, have to ensure your HVAC technician helps you select the best position for your floor-mounted mini split.

Thirdly, since they are closer to the people, the noise output can be disruptive. This is why you should only get a floor-mounted system with a quieter noise output. You don’t want a loud mini-split emitting noise while you’re trying to sleep.

When to Choose a Floor-Mounted Unit

It is ideal to go for a floor-mounted unit if you:

• Want to cool a room with slanted ceilings, such as an attic bedroom,
• Wish to install a cooling system with no adequate wall space,
• Have low ceilings,
• Have high windows.

Also, you can go for wall-mounted floors for practical reasons. For instance, if you are looking to install a cooling system on the second story of your house, a floor-mounted unit would be more useful than a ceiling or wall-mounted unit.

This is because the line connecting a floor-mounted unit to the outdoor would be shorter than that connecting a ceiling or wall-mounted unit to the outdoor unit.

Additionally, HVAC contractors sometimes recommend installing a floor-mounted unit for improved support, especially if the walls of your house are not structurally strong.

Also check out: Ductless Heat Pump.

How to Position a Floor-Mounted Unit for Best Performance

Getting a floor-mounted unit is one thing. However, positioning it correctly to support its energy-efficient properties is another thing. Search for “ mini split AC service near me” to find professional help. 

When installing a floor-mounted unit, ensure nothing obstructs it, and get all the furniture out of the way. Having things directly in front of the system will lower energy efficiency.

Secondly, ensure that the unit is at least 6 inches from the floor(1). Yes, it is a floor-mounted unit, but it should not sit directly on the floor. You do not want it to pick up the cold temperatures of the floor instead. Also, having it above the floor protects it from things like water.

Thirdly, ensure the system is far from devices that emit electromagnetic waves. Keep it away from the TV or the microwave. The emitted waves may interfere with the link and communication between the indoor unit and the remote control.

Fourthly, go for a shaded location. If the system is directly under the sun, the system will pick up false signals instead of accurate outdoor temperatures.

Lastly, we recommend you select a central location for the even distribution of conditioned air throughout the entire room.

Let professionals do this work for you. However, if you are a strong DIY person, you could follow the steps on how to install ductless mini splits and successfully do it.

Floor Mount Mini Split Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mount a ductless mini split on the floor?

Yes, mini-split systems are explicitly designed to be mounted on the floor. However, they are not mounted directly on the floor. They are placed at least 6 inches above the floor.

How do you install a mini split floor mount?

An indoor unit will be mounted inside and later connected to an outdoor unit via the refrigerant lines, cables, and condensate drain. These cables and wires will pass through a three-inch hole in the wall from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

Do ductless mini-splits have to be mounted high?

On many occasions, people go for wall-mounted units. You can even go higher and get ceiling-mounted mini splits.

However, if you have no space to accommodate wall or ceiling mini splits, you can get floor-mounted indoor units. Therefore, mini-split systems do not require being mounted high on the wall.

If you are installing a ducted system, ensure that you have properly functioning ducts. Contact us today for air duct replacement services.

Can mini-splits be installed low on the wall?

Many HVAC systems have mini splits designed to be mounted low on the wall, just 6 inches above the floor.

However, only floor-mounted mini-splits require mounting that low. If a wall-mounted system is mounted low, it may not effectively distribute air throughout the room.

Do mini-splits have to go on outside walls?

The indoor air handler does not have to vent through the exterior wall. Therefore, a ductless mini split will sort you out nicely if you are looking for a cooling option for a room with no windows or exterior walls.

What are the benefits of a floor mount mini split system? 

First, you will enjoy all the benefits of a mini-split system, such as high energy efficiency, as there is no possibility of air leaks.

The other benefits include:

• Faster cooling or heating results as the system is closer to the floor and, therefore, closer to the people.
• Easier installation and easier maintenance as the system is easily accessible,
• They are a great way out for rooms with insufficient wall space.

Note: You will only enjoy these benefits if you install and maintain your HVAC system well. A simple “best HVAC company near me” could connect you with reliable HVAC technicians in your locality. 

Final Thoughts

Now you have an idea of floor-mounted air conditioners, their pros and cons, and how to have them installed correctly.

You also know when to go for them or the other option.

Our job with our floor mount mini split guide is done. As we part ways, we are here for you if you have questions about floor-mounted HVAC units. Feel free to call or message HVAC Santa Clarita for professional advice on installing, maintaining, and getting the best out of your HVAC system.

Sources

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner/