Mini-splits are air conditioning systems that can heat and cool individual rooms or zones as the user desires.
This air conditioning system consists of two units, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit. If your home requires a small air conditioning system, a mini-split is the ideal option for you.
Can you put a mini-split in attic?
Installing a mini-split in the attic is not recommended. The attic or loft is one of the warmest spaces in the entire house. Moreover, it is closed and not well ventilated. The air from the mini-split will not flow and cause the inside temperature of the attic to rise.
Mini-split air conditioning systems consist of two units, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is also known as the compressor or evaporator as it releases air into the room or space.
The outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, removes the heat from the refrigerant and releases it into the surrounding air outside.
Since mini splits are easy to install and are efficient in saving energy, most modern homes opt for mini splits instead of a central air conditioning system. Moreover, the cost of installing a mini-split is significantly cheaper than installing a central air conditioning system.
In the home, the attic is probably one of the hottest places. Since the attic is not well ventilated, airflow is restricted. As a result, most people do not recommend installing an air conditioning system in the attic.
Mini-split condenser:
The purpose of an air conditioner compressor is to take in hot air from the room and absorb the warmth from the air. It then lets out the cold air into the room. The absorbed heat is passed onto the refrigerant which is sent to the condenser to cool.
Installing a mini-split condenser in the attic will restrict the airflow of the condenser. The condenser will not be able to cool the refrigerant effectively. In this way, the air conditioner condenser will heat up and cause the attic to become hotter.
Mini-split compressor:
On the other hand, the job of a condenser is to cool the refrigerant. The condenser cools the refrigerant and releases the warmth into the surrounding air or environment. As a result, condensers are installed outside and are referred to as outdoor units.
However, installing a mini-split compressor in the attic is also not ideal. The restricted airflow in the attic will not allow the compressor to take in hot air and release cool air into the attic.
As a result, the ineffective air conditioner compressor will end up causing the internal temperature of the attic to rise.
Is it safe to put mini-split in the attic?
The safety of putting a mini-split in the attic depends on which unit you want to put there. If you hope to install the indoor or compressor unit in the attic, it will be safe. However, if you wish to install the outdoor or condenser unit in the attic, it will be unsafe to do so.
The indoor unit or air conditioner compressor replaces the hot air in the room or space with cool air. Therefore, if you wish to install the indoor unit in the attic, you can do it since it is safe. However, the compressor may not work effectively due to the high temperatures in the attic.
If you plan to install the outdoor unit, or the air conditioner condenser, in the attic, you should avoid doing that since that is unsafe. Since the attic has restricted airflow and is not ventilated well, the condenser will not discharge hot air outside the home.
Instead, it will release hot air into the attic and make the attic hotter.
3 reasons why mini-split is not recommended in the attic
There are several reasons which will discourage you from installing a mini-split in the attic. Some of the reasons are given below:
Restricted airflow:
Usually, most homes do not have a well-ventilated attic. As a result, the airflow in the attic is restricted. Installing an air conditioning system in a space with restricted airflow is not ideal. It will not allow the air conditioning system to work effectively.
So, most people prefer using fans to installing air conditioners in the attic.
Leakage:
Both ducted and ductless mini splits may leak the refrigerant. So, if you have installed a mini-split indoor unit in the attic, it may leak refrigerant in the attic. That will cause a mess in the attic.
Incompatibility:
Although min splits are available in the ductless option, these air conditioning systems are not specifically designed to be used in attics or similar environments.
Therefore, you can install a mini-split in the attic, but you cannot fully expect it to cool or warm the attic as effectively as it does in the rooms of the home.
These are reasons why installing a mini-split is not recommended in the attic. If you need to cool the attic, you can use fans or install small windows to allow proper airflow.
Can you put a mini-split anywhere?
Mini-splits are very easy to install. Moreover, they can be installed anywhere as they are ductless and do not require much space. For this reason, most people prefer installing a mini-split rather than installing a central air conditioner in their home.
Compared to the traditional air conditioning systems, mini splits are ductless. So, there is no need to install additional vents and ducts through the walls of the home or building. Moreover, this allows mini splits to be installed anywhere.
Furthermore, mini-splits do not take up space when installed. The indoor unit is compact and non-invasive. Also, you can choose to install the outdoor unit as far as up to 50 feet away from the indoor feet.
As mini splits do not need the installation of any vents, they can be installed in any room of the home. Also, they are compact and stylish and do not take up too much space on their own. So, you can install a mini-split in almost any room.
How to install ductless mini-split in the attic?
Installing a ductless mini-split in the attic is simple. You can follow the steps below to install a ductless mini-split.
Mounting bracket:
To install the mounting bracket, you will need to drill a few holes for the screws. Before proceeding, make sure that the area is free of wires or pipes. Moreover, ensure that the mounting bracket is secure after installation.
Drain:
After installing the mounting bracket, you will need to drill a hole for the drain pipe and the electrical conduit. The drain pipe will have to be sloped downwards, so the water drains outside. So, make sure to make a downward slope while drilling the hole for the drain pipe.
Then, you will need to run the drain pipe through the hole. You can take the help of someone outside to help you with this task.
Indoor unit or compressor:
On the secure mounting bracket, install the compressor. Make sure to screw the screws tightly to make it well secured.
Outdoor unit or condenser:
Go outside the home and install the mounting bracket for the condenser. Then, install the condenser the same way you installed the compressor in your home. Ensure that it is well secured.
Connections:
You will need to join the electrical wires to both the units to provide them with power. Additionally, connect the refrigerant lines from the compressor to the condenser.
Covering up:
Finally, cover the drain pipe and the electrical conduit with plastic or metallic covers. Also, seal the hole in the wall.
Final Thoughts
It is possible and safe to put a mini-split compressor in the attic. However, it is unsafe to put a mini-split condenser in the attic. Installing an air conditioner compressor in the loft is not recommended, as it may not work effectively since the restricted airflow may affect its performance.