Indoor head — throw air, not into a corner
Mount high on an exterior wall when you can so the line set is short. Leave manufacturer clearances above, below, and beside the head. Avoid pointing supply air at a bed pillow or into a soffit that blocks the louvers.
Keep the unit away from heat sources and do not install where curtains will cover the return. Confirm BTU size with the mini-split calculator before you cut the wall.
Outdoor condenser — airflow and service access
Wall brackets are popular for sheds and tiny homes where slab space is tight — still respect vibration isolation and clearances.
- Level pad or wall bracket rated for the unit weight
- Clearances on coil sides and rear — no stuffing into a fence corner
- Elevate above typical snow; leave melt and defrost drainage path
- Shade helps efficiency but never block airflow with a solid box
- Keep noise away from bedroom windows and neighbor property lines
- Plan disconnect location within sight of the unit
Line-set path and drain
Drill the penetration with a slight downward slope to the outside so condensate does not drain into the wall. Hide lines with a cover kit if appearance matters. Stay within the pre-charged kit’s maximum length — longer runs change charge requirements (see DIY kits).
Never trap the drain hose in a loop that holds water. Test drain flow on startup.
Multi-zone placement notes
Each head needs its own good wall — a hallway dump does not cool bedrooms well. Branch boxes and longer total pipe length push many projects into hire a pro territory. Compare single vs multi-zone before you buy.