How to choose the best location for your mini split AC units

Mini-split ACs are a great, energy-saving option to keep your home comfortable. But where you put both the indoor and outdoor units can make a big difference in how well they work. We’re here to help you figure out the best spots for your mini-split so you can enjoy consistent cooling and top-notch efficiency. Take a look at the tips in this guide when choosing the ideal location.

The info in this article might not fit your exact appliance model. We try our best to give helpful advice for DIY repairs, but different models can have varying troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Why mini split location matters

Where you put your mini-split AC can seriously impact how well it cools your place. If you mount the indoor unit too close to the ceiling or block its vents with furniture, the air won’t circulate like it should. The same goes for the outdoor unit—if it’s baking in direct sunlight all day or crammed next to obstacles, it’s not gonna be as efficient.

The aim is to have consistent airflow and less strain on the system. By paying attention to your room’s layout and making sure there’s enough space around the unit, you can keep energy costs down and make your mini-split last longer. Good placement helps avoid hot spots, balances humidity and makes sure every corner gets cooled air. Picking the right spot from the get-go sets you up for success. With just a few measurements and some thought, you can get the best performance out of this handy and efficient appliance.

Find the best spot for the indoor unit

The indoor part of your mini-split pulls in and circulates cool air throughout your home. Since it directly affects your comfort, you want to get its placement right the first time. Here are some general things to keep in mind:

• Wall height and clearance: Mount the indoor unit at least six feet up from the floor to get the best airflow. Don’t push it all the way up to the ceiling, though; otherwise, air can get trapped up high, leaving the lower areas less comfy.
• Avoid direct sunlight: If the indoor unit gets blasted by sunlight through a nearby window, its thermostat might not read the room temperature correctly. That can lead to it cycling on and off too often or uneven cooling. Just moving it a bit out of the sun’s direct path can help keep things consistent.
• No obstructions: Big pieces of furniture, curtains, or shelves in front of the unit can block the cool air flow. Try to place the unit where nothing’s in the way. It’s best to have a few feet of open space in front for good circulation.
• Easy access for maintenance: Make sure you can get to the indoor unit easily for cleaning or changing filters. This keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently.

Take a look around your room: check out the walls, note where the windows are, and see if anything might block airflow. Try to set things up to work with the natural airflow patterns and avoid heat sources like ovens or fireplaces. Stick to these basic tips, and your indoor unit will keep every part of your space cool and comfortable.

Pick the best spot for the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit—also known as the condenser—gets rid of heat from the refrigerant and releases it outside. Where you put it affects energy use and how well the system can move heat away from indoors. Here are some key things to think about:

• Avoid tight corners: Putting the condenser in a cramped spot, like behind thick bushes or right up against a wall, cuts down on airflow and makes the unit work harder to release heat. Try to keep at least a couple feet of space on all sides.
• Protection from direct sunlight: While you generally want open airflow, a bit of shade from the harsh afternoon sun can help the unit run more efficiently. If you’ve got a shady side of the house, that might be the better spot—as long as there’s good ventilation.
• Elevated or stable surface: Most condensers do better when they’re slightly elevated on a sturdy pad, keeping them safe from water buildup or debris on the ground. A level base helps prevent vibrations and can extend the unit’s lifespan.
• Minimal noise disturbance: The outdoor unit does make some noise, so try to place it away from bedroom windows or quiet outdoor areas. This way, you can maintain your peace and comfort.

Once you’ve found a spot that ticks these boxes, measure and make sure there’s room to run the refrigerant and drain lines back inside. Keep them as short as you can—shorter lines usually mean better efficiency. If you’re not sure how to route the lines, check the manufacturer’s instructions or hit us up for repair help.

Measure distance and maximize airflow

Mini-splits need precise refrigerant line lengths and proper airflow to do their job right. When picking spots for both the indoor and outdoor units, think about how many bends the piping will have—less is more here. Every extra turn or long stretch of pipe can put strain on the system and cut down on efficiency.

Check out your home’s layout. Try to place the indoor and outdoor units as close to each other as possible without skimping on clearance or shading needs. A straight line between them is simpler and helps your mini-split keep the refrigerant flowing optimally. Shortening the distance also reduces the chance of leaks or line damage over time.

When it comes to airflow, you want vents that aren’t blocked. Keep furniture and other stuff at a reasonable distance. Remember, the indoor unit pulls air in from the top or sides (depending on the model) and blows cool air out the front or bottom. Your outdoor unit needs lots of open space to get rid of heat. Keeping areas around both units clear ensures you get the most out of your system.

Avoid heat sources and moisture zones

Heat sources—inside or out—can mess with your mini-split’s performance. For example, a kitchen stove creates hot spots and can trick the AC’s sensor, making it run longer than it needs to. Putting the unit near a dryer vent or in a garage with a lot of radiant heat can also strain the system.

You should also keep the indoor unit away from bathrooms and other super-humid areas, if you can. Extra moisture in the air might affect the sensor or cause condensation around the unit. If your home’s humidity is generally high, think about using a dehumidifier or setting your mini-split to dehumidify mode if it has one.

When picking a spot, consider how your family uses each space. If you put the unit in a tight laundry room right next to a dryer that’s always running, you might be overworking your mini-split. Instead, choose a place that’s relatively free from extreme temperatures, steam, or direct heat so the system doesn’t have to work extra hard.

Closing remarks

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!