Can I house my mini split outside condenser indoors?

First Name:  Max

Problem: Hello I’m looking to invest in an mini split to help cool a data / server room that will require ~24000 BTU of cooling year round.  The climate here can be below zero degrees F here at points in the winter.   I’m wondering about the potential of keeping the “outside” portion of the mini split in a basement room below the server room, and using a combination of a ducted blower fan / high velocity floor  fan to exchange the air in this space, which is ~ 8′ X 7′.  Would this keep the condenser / compressor cool enough to run the a/c ?   At what temperatures do the condenser and compressor function most efficiently?   thanks for your advice! Max

Solution:  Some new mini split air conditioners have inverter compressors that can operate to temperatures around -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  The only issue is that they start to lose efficiency when temperatures drop below freezing.  I have had customers who have placed their outdoor condenser in a warehouse or other large open area.  The only concern for the condenser is to not be installed in an area with very limited airflow or where dirt or debris can enter the unit.

Here is a link to some inverter mini split air conditioners.

http://www.clearanceac.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=1

Can I run my lineset inside an existing wall?

First Name:  Gene

Problem: With the sheet rock removed can the line sets be installed in the 2×4 walls near floor level and travel up to the attic to the wall units?  The line set would then drop out of the attic to the upper wall and not go outside. Is that doable or a bad idea? Thanks GT

Solution:  There shouldn’t be a problem with running the line set within a wall.  Make sure that the line set is insulated properly because they will sweat from the internal refrigerant gases.  Use 3/8″ or 1/2″ foam liner around the copper lines.  Make sure you install the condensation line properly at the top as well.  The condensation line uses gravity to expel water.  If you cannot expel the water downward, purchase a condensation pump to move the water to an appropriate outside area.