Blog

Creative Ways To Hide Your Mini-Split

Due to the numerous benefits of mini-split HVAC systems, they are growing in popularity among homeowners. Their ductless design allows them to take up much less space. While interior units come in various aesthetically pleasing designs, some homeowners prefer to keep them out of sight. This piece will explore creative ways to hide your mini-split unit and address specific concerns in the process.

How a Mini-Split HVAC System Works

The energy efficiency of a ductless mini-split HVAC system is due to the ways in which its design differs from that of a traditional heating and cooling system. A smaller outdoor unit is installed, and refrigerant lines connect this outdoor unit to interior appliances that are installed throughout the house. A home can have a variety of different indoor units depending on room requirements and homeowner preferences. These individual interior blower units are what some people choose to hide. They come in a few different varieties.

Wall-Mounted Units

These interior blower units are usually mounted high up on a wall near the ceiling. They are commonly installed against exterior walls for easier access when connecting to the outdoor unit. However, they can be installed on interior walls in some cases.

Floor-Mounted Units

These function similarly to the wall-mounted units but are mounted on the floor, usually against an exterior wall for the same reason as wall-mounted units. While wall-mounted units don’t block furniture, floor-mounted units do, so placement of them needs additional consideration.

Ceiling Units

Ceiling units are mounted on the ceiling, sometimes near a wall, but they don’t have to be. However, ceiling units are most commonly built into a recessed ceiling so that they are flush mounted. This makes them look similar to a traditional HVAC vent in some cases. Units built into a recessed ceiling are already hidden to a degree, therefore wall and floor-mounted units are the ones that more commonly need creative hiding methods.

Creative Ways to Hide Your Interior Units

Now that you understand the types of mini-split units, let’s go over how to hide them. Here are some creative methods that you can try:

Curtains

One simple solution to hiding a wall unit or a floor unit near a wall is to install stylish curtains. This is great if the interior unit is already near a window that needs covering anyway. The curtains can be opened when the unit needs to be used and closed to hide it when it’s not in use.

Built-In Cabinet

You can create a custom cabinet that encloses an indoor unit using materials that match your current home decor. Open the doors to the cabinet when the unit is turned on. This solution can be combined with a larger cabinet storage system to further blend into the surroundings.

Bookcase

Build a large custom bookcase against a wall that integrates your mini-split unit into it. You can build removable or adjustable shelves to make access easier. This creative hiding method is ideal for home offices and living rooms.

Sliding Panels

Sliding panels are another creative way to hide your mini-split system, and they work similarly to a cabinet design. You can make the sliding panels out of materials that match the decor of the room. Possible panel materials include frosted glass, wood, and metal.

Media Center Integration

Similar to building a custom bookcase, you can integrate your mini-split unit into a larger custom media center. Build larger spaces for the mini-split, sound system, and TV. Include additional shelving for devices and movie storage. You can also install sliding panels or cabinet doors to hide your unit better.

Decorative Grilles

Installing decorative grilles or lattice panels is a stylish method to partially obscure your mini-split unit. The advantage of decorative grilles is that you can still get airflow through them while keeping the unit hidden. However, make sure the spaces in the pattern aren’t too small, as this can obstruct airflow.

Artwork

Installing artwork in front of an interior unit is another creative way to hide it. It can add a colorful focal point to the room. You can lift the artwork for access to the mini-split system when you want to use it. However, incorporating the artwork into a sliding panel or door makes this much more manageable.

Mirror Cover

Covering a mini-split system with a mirrored panel or cabinet is another great alternative. Placing mirrors in a room can make it feel larger and more open than it really is. This is great for rooms where space is limited. Additionally, mirrors help reflect lighting from interior fixtures, keeping a room more vibrant.

Custom Shutters

Custom shutters are another discreet way to hide your mini-split unit. These can be built into a cabinet surrounding the unit or used similarly to curtains. This traditional look allows you to open the shutters when the unit is in use and completely hide it when it’s off.

Additional Considerations

While there are several great ways to hide a mini-spit unit, you need to be mindful of how you do it. Hiding a mini-split unit in the wrong way can cause various issues. Here are some of the main things you need to consider when you decide that you want to hide one of your mini-split units:

Ventilation and Airflow

When your mini-split interior blower unit is on, it still needs maximum ventilation and airflow ability. Make sure nothing in your design to hide it is obstructing the flow of air when the unit is on. Additionally, if you turn the blower on so that the vent panels are oscillating, the opening of your disguise must be large enough to accommodate the wider space airflow takes up when moving back and forth.

Maintenance Accessibility

Make sure there is still good access to your unit for maintenance. You need to open the interior unit to clean the air filters regularly. Additionally, technicians will need access to your unit so they can inspect it and perform maintenance tasks. Consider installing a disguise that is easy to remove or push out of the way when your HVAC system needs maintenance.

Material Selection

Material selection is critical. The materials you use need to be able to handle the conditions of the area around the mini-split unit. Choosing the wrong materials can result in discoloration, warping, or degradation. The materials should ideally be durable, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant.

Design Integration

When concealing your unit, make sure that it seamlessly blends in with the existing decor of your home. Concealing your mini-split unit with something that doesn’t match your home decor can make it more of an eyesore than simply allowing it to be visible.

Professional Concealment

In most cases, it’s best to let professional technicians take care of concealment for you. They have the expertise to give you a custom solution that looks great in your home while meeting the necessary requirements for optimal operation.

Do you live in O’Fallon, MO, or the surrounding area and need a mini-split system or HVAC services? Our team at Hoff Heating & AC is ready to help you. We can set you up with an installation, maintain your existing HVAC system, or repair any existing problems. We can also help you with indoor air quality and humidity control. Financing options are available to our customers on approval.

For more information about our services, contact Hoff Heating & AC today!