Mini split heat pump on roof deck?
I have a mini split system that is used primarily for cooling (zone 6). It was installed on the ground in my tiny, urban backyard. I’d like to move it to my roof deck, but am getting push back from my contractor and the hvac sub.
Their concern is vibration. Which is reasonable. Also, very difficult to know if it will bother me until after I experience it.
I really, really hate the unit taking up so much of my precious backyard. I have (oddly) a lot more available space on the deck. The room adjacent to the proposed location is a closet–so that will separate the unit from the living space and provide audio damping.
But vibration? The house is over 100 years old, wood frame. With pretty long spans in the roof.
Is this a terrible idea? I really want this giant ugly box out of my yard.
Thanks!
Replies
I received the same push-back from my HVAC guy when I wanted to mount mine on brackets bolted to the foundation wall on one side, and to the header over my garage door on the other side. His rationale was the same. I did it anyway.
My units are used primarily for cooling. During exceptional hot days I can barely hear/feel either unit. Most times it's not at all noticeable.
Thanks. I think they are trying to do their due diligence about warning me but I think I'm going ahead with the move.
Just make sure that there are rubber vibration isolators between the unit's feet and the surface you're putting it on. Seemed to help a lot for me.
Installing on the roof is different from installing on a wall. Think Load Bearing Structure (Post) vs Spanning Structure (Beam). A beam/ joist transmits more vibration.
Also, here (NYC), Fire Code does not allow condenser units to be directly on a roof. We need to install a dunnage, 2 beams spanning 2 load bearing walls. The Fire Dept is concerned about the condenser falling on a firefighter during a fire.
Frankie