|
Type |
How it is installed |
Best suited for |
Example |
|
Floor console |
Mounted low on the wall, with the bottom edge at least 6 inches above the floor in one manufacturer guide |
Rooms with limited wall space or low windows |
|
|
Floor-ceiling |
Stands on a wall low or hangs under the ceiling |
Spaces where either position works; check the model |
|
|
Multi zone compatible |
Connects to a multi zone outdoor unit alongside other indoor units |
Homes zoned room by room |
|
Check |
Why it matters |
|
Capacity in BTU |
Match the room load; units on this page run from 9,000 to 36,000 BTU |
|
Refrigerant |
Listings show R-454B and R32, and the outdoor unit must use the same refrigerant |
|
Zones |
Single zone units pair with one outdoor unit; multi zone units need a compatible multi zone outdoor unit |
|
Heat pump or cooling only |
Filters on the page separate cooling-only from heating and cooling models |
|
Voltage |
Most units are 208/230V; confirm before ordering |
These ranges are a starting point from a mini split sizing guide. A Manual J load calculation is more precise, especially for multi zone layouts, unusual ceilings or windows, or sizes near the edge of a band.
|
Room size |
Approximate capacity (BTU per hour) |
|
Up to about 350 sq ft |
6,000 to 9,000 |
|
About 350 to 500 sq ft |
9,000 to 12,000 |
|
About 500 to 750 sq ft |
12,000 to 18,000 |
|
About 750 to 1,000 sq ft |
18,000 to 21,000 or more |
|
Condition |
Sizing adjustment |
|
Hot or humid climate |
Use the high end of the band or the next size up |
|
Vaulted or tall ceilings |
Move up a size for the extra air volume |
|
Large south or west facing glass |
Move up for afternoon solar gain |
|
Poor insulation or a leaky room |
Move up; tight, well insulated rooms can use the low end |
|
Kitchens, sunrooms and crowded rooms |
Add capacity for the extra heat load |
|
Setup |
How it works |
Check |
|
Single zone |
One indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit by a refrigerant line set |
Indoor and outdoor model must be a listed match |
|
Multi zone |
Several indoor units, such as a floor console and a wall unit, share one multi zone outdoor unit |
Each indoor unit must be on the outdoor unit compatibility list and the total capacity must fit |
The page filters list single zone and multi zone options, so use the Zones filter if you know the outdoor unit.
|
Item |
What to check |
|
Mounting height |
One manufacturer guide says to mount a floor unit at least 6 inches above the floor, so follow the installation manual for your model |
|
Clear space |
Keep furniture and appliances away from the intake and discharge |
|
Sunlight and airflow |
Avoid direct sunlight, which can affect temperature readings, and aim the airflow away from seating and sleeping areas |
|
Wall strength |
Check the wall first; thin or non load bearing walls may need reinforcement |
|
Line set and drain |
Plan the refrigerant line set and condensate route to the outdoor unit; use a condensate pump if gravity drainage is not possible |
|
Electrical |
Confirm the voltage on the data plate, usually 208/230V, and the circuit the manufacturer requires |
|
Refrigerant |
Match the indoor unit to an outdoor unit that uses the same refrigerant, such as R-454B or R32 |
|
Part |
Role |
|
Indoor floor mount air handler |
Delivers conditioned air to the room, with a filter and a fan |
|
Outdoor unit |
Houses the compressor and condenser coil |
|
Line set |
Copper refrigerant lines between the two units |
|
Condensate drain or pump |
Carries away the water the indoor coil removes from the air |
|
Remote control |
Sets temperature, mode and fan speed |
|
Air filter |
Washable or replaceable filter; the low position can collect dust faster, so check it often |
Most installs also need line sets and a condensate pump if gravity drainage is not possible. Other indoor unit styles are in ceiling cassette units and concealed duct units.