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Mini Split Head Unit Clearance

mgensler | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

Hi,

I am looking to spec a mini split for an open kitchen and dining room. The ideal location for the head unit is on a soffit located above a bay window. The soffit is 12 – 1/4″ H. Fujitsu model ASU9RLS3Y is 11 5/8″ H. However, the specs call for an additional 2″ of clearance on the top. Is this 2″ necessary for installation or operation of the unit? I checked with Fujitsu and they replied back and said it was 3″ of clearance but didn’t offer any solutions. I could potentially switch to another wall location but this one offered the most coverage.

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Akos | | #1

    The clearance is for two reasons.

    You need some space for airflow, the wall mounts have very low power blowers and it is easy to chocked them if there is not enough space.

    The other is for clearance to open the front cover to remove the filter.

    You can push the clearance a bit especially if it is a sloped ceiling but 3/4" definitely won't do. You are probably still would need around 1.5" min.

  2. mgensler | | #2

    Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. I will choose another location with more clearance.

  3. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #3

    On a couple of occasions I've left the minimum space available and the installers won't put the units there; they want 5" of clearance.

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