Mini-split / Outdoor unit fan direction

[paulg]

I am considering adding a heat-cool mini-split to resolve a too cold / too hot den over the garage.
However, I am concerned about the outdoor unit. Does the slimline condenser unit blow air directly out of the fan or does the fan suck air into the condenser and exhaust upward / outward?
Enclosed is a picture of our “gangway” (Chicago jargon). I don’t want the condenser / compressor unit to blow onto our neighbor’s BBQ unit, which can been seen on the right, encased in brick. The den in question is right above the window (which is the garage). The compressor unit would be positioned somewhere along the wall as shown.
Comments welcome.

 

[kalanikaau1]

It all depends on what brand of equipment you select with regards to condenser fan exhaust direction, most outdoor units I've seen exhaust horizontally from the unit.

You could mount it further away from you neighbor's BBQ, however you are limited with the length of the lineset used.

Another option would be to mount the unit on the wall just outside the room, however such a setup is very unattractive and noise from the unit may be objectionable to your neighbor.

 

[cfz2882]

blows out fan

My Mr Slim from 2012 blows outward through the fan as all the other brands i have seen except some older Haier minisplits.

 

[combo52]

Mini split outdoor condensers

Mostly blow sideways, however they don’t have really strong fans, and I think the white fence would deflect the heat and cold air in the winter and it probably would not be objectionable to the neighbors.

The units are usually very quiet so I don’t think noise would be an issue if you did put it up on the wall, but they are ugly

This may be a good use for a mini split, use just for a single room. They can help a good deal. You might also consider a GE zone line unit. It requires a large hole in the building But there are a lot easier to deal with if you have problems mini splits do not tend to have great long-term durability and they’re very hard to repair if not impossible.

I put this 10,000 BTUGE zone line in about three years ago and it’s quiet and very efficient. We did it for exhilarate cooling for the TV room. It was only about $700 wholesale, the great thing is if it eventually wears out in 10 or 20 years. You just slide it out and stick a new one in, I was able to even lift myself.

 

[petek]

My current one is a "carrier" Midea...blows out horizontal and it's very quiet. Quieter than conventional units all the neighbors have. It'll be fine there.. The previous Mitsubishi's were silent outside. no fan noise no compressor noise which I found amazing . You could sit in your patio with your deck chair next to and use it as a table for your ashtray and drinks and carry on a conversation it was that quiet LOL.

 

[superocd]

while we're on the subject of minisplit condenser fans

I'm an HVAC tech - I can't believe how flimsy the condenser fans are on minisplits. They're not much different than the plastic fan blades in cheap, disposable fans. And being subjected to UV, heat and extreme cold certainly doesn't do any favors. Any plastic items in an outdoor environment are subject to these disadvantages. I notice that plastic on traditional condensers (badges, medallions, grilles) start to crack in a couple years.

I had to replace a blade that had blown apart, most likely due to age fatigue as the unit was about 15 years old. Replacement blades weren't readily available at the supply house (vs traditional condenser fans made of aluminum), so the homeowner had to go without until the blade came in on special order. A metal blade would have overloaded amd cooked the motor. Efficiency comes at a cost, the condenser fan motor is designed for a specific load, a specially engineered plastic blade, in order to maintain a lower power draw.