Mini-split air conditioners have become quite popular over the years. This is because they are reliable, efficient, and effective. Homeowners, working on a budget tend to opt for mini-split units for their great benefits. When the summer season hits, they want their entire property to have a cool and comfortable environment. But one of the areas that mostly goes ignored is the shed. If you can afford it, you should consider installing a ductless air conditioner in the shed. Follow below to know how you can do that.
How To Choose A Mini-Split AC For Your Shed?
When finding the right min-split for your shed, you need to consider some important factors that will play a crucial role in the performance and comfort of both the unit and the space. Installing a mini-split air conditioner in a shed is not something many people do regularly.
Plus, if it’s your first time as well, you will need to make smart and wise decisions from the start. To begin with, you will need to consider the size and cooling capacity of the unit. It should match the size of the shed. A common mistake people tend to make when purchasing and installing a mini-split system is choosing a unit based on their appearance or playing guessing games.
Opting for a unit that is bigger than the shed will not be as efficient or effective as you think. It will frequently trip as it will be able to achieve the desired temperature in a short period. On the other hand, if the unit happens to be smaller than the shed itself, it will work harder than usual to achieve the desired temperature. So, either way, you will not be able to save any electricity but utilize a lot more than expected.
Considering Square Footage And Ceiling Height
When it comes to choosing the perfect mini-split system for your shed, it is equally important to consider square footage and ceiling height. This is necessary to achieve efficient cooling. It’s common knowledge that bigger space will need higher cooling capacities.
For instance, a 12,000 BTU unit is fine for smaller sheds. However, if the space is bigger, choose an 18,000 BTU unit. As mentioned earlier, you have to be quite smart when it comes to choosing the right min-split AC size for the shed.
For making all this easier, you should measure all the dimensions. If not possible, you should consult an expert or ask a friend or a family member to help you out. Plus, if the dimensions of the shed are such that you will need a custom unit, you can contact manufacturers who offer such types as well.
Ensure Proper Insulation
You might think considering the square footage and ceiling height is enough to install a mini-split system in the shed. The fact of the matter is that it won’t make much difference or may your money be worth it no matter how efficient, big, or effective the unit is if the air happens to escape.
This is why installing a mini-split system in a shed can be a tricky situation sometimes as you have to consider minor aspects. Before you can install the unit, you will need to perform a thorough inspection of the shed and ensure there are no leakages, cracks, or damages. Windows, doors, and other areas tend to be the perfect escape route.
As sheds are not usually insulated when building a house or installing an HVAC system, you will need to do it yourself or hire an expert. Seal and properly insulate these areas to ensure both cool and warm air remain within the shed. Believe it or not, it will help bring down the electricity bills as retention will reduce the burden on the unit.
Use Of Space
When installing a mini-split air conditioning unit, you should consider the use of space as well. This means you will need to find out how frequently the space is going to be used. If the shed is somewhere where you will be spending a lot of time with your friends or family members, you will need to find a unit that will help keep the environment comfortable.
If that is the case, you should consider setting the unit to a moderate temperature to avoid excessively stressing the unit. But, if the shed is used on an occasional basis, adjusting the temperature settings accordingly or even turning off the unit will help contribute to the savings. However, if the unit causes problems, hire AC repair services Huntington who can take a look at your ductless AC.
How To Install A Mini-Split AC In Your Shed?
Even though you should entrust an expert when it comes to installing a mini-split, here’s what you should know if you were to install it on your own.
Gather The Tools
First, you should gather all the supplies and tools. This will include measuring tape, screwdriver wrenches, etc. Then, you are going to wear protective equipment to cover the exposed parts of your body.
Prepare The Spot
Once you have selected the spot where the unit will be installed, you will need to prepare the area properly. Make sure that where you’re mounting the indoor unit on the wall, it’s clear and strong enough to hold the weight of the unit. You might have to install brackets to ensure the unit sits balanced.
Mount The Indoor Unit
Next, following the manufacturer’s instructions, you will mount the indoor unit securely. For this, you will need a helping hand. So, make sure you contact a friend or family member. Also, you will need to drill some holes too. If possible, try contacting a contractor for this to avoid damaging any wires or pipes that are already installed in the walls.
Mount The Outdoor Unit
Finally, mount the outdoor unit and ensure it is not installed near trees, shrubs, or other types of plantations. The reason is that extreme weather conditions will make the dead branches and shrubs end up inside the unit. Plus, the outdoor unit should not be installed in a closed space. So, a good place for it is your backyard but keep it away from trees and plants.
Moreover, make sure to connect the refrigerant lines and electrical components. Once that is done, consult an expert to ensure everything is good to go. Otherwise, it can lead to a short circuit and damage the unit.
Find The Right Expert
If you plan on handing the task over to an expert from the start, you will need to find someone who is licensed and certified to carry out such tasks. You should either ask your friends or family members for referrals or check the local market. Plus, you can also contact the manufacturer.
Do not go for cheap technicians no matter how tempting it may seem as they can ruin the job for you. Certified experts are always going to be a bit expensive but they offer a guarantee for their work.
Conclusion
Installing a mini-split AC in a shed is quite easy. Make sure to consider the information mentioned above and hire a consultant for Mitsubishi AC installation Ronkonkoma. Doing it on your own might be your thing but it will take a lot of time and leave out minor things that are equally important for effective and efficient performance.
