When you decide to go ductless, the first big question is how the indoor unit should be mounted. A wall mounted unit hangs high on the wall, while a floor mounted console sits low like a baseboard heater. Both work well with a ductless mini split system, but each fits different room layouts and tastes.
When you decide to go ductless, the first big question is how the indoor unit should be mounted. A wall mounted unit hangs high on the wall, while a floor mounted console sits low like a baseboard heater. Both work well with a ductless mini split system, but each fits different room layouts and tastes.
At Jester Climate, we install both types across Austin, Round Rock, and the rest of Central Texas. Our flat rate of $2,400 covers materials and labor for a standard installation. You put down a $400 deposit to hold your install day, then pay the balance after we fire up the system and you see it cooling (or heating) just right. We take secure card payments, no surprises.
Wall mounted units are the most common indoor style for ductless mini splits. They hang near the ceiling, usually on an exterior wall, and blow air across the room. In Central Texas, where summers are long and humid, a wall mount can quickly cool a room without taking up any floor space. That is a big plus for small bedrooms or living rooms where every square foot counts.
But wall mounts do have limits. They need clear space below so the air can spread. If you have tall furniture or a partition wall right in front of the unit, the airflow gets blocked and the room will not cool evenly. Also, the unit is visible on your wall, so some folks do not love the look. That is fine. It is a trade off between performance and aesthetics.
Floor mounted consoles look a lot like a traditional radiator or baseboard heater. They sit on the floor, usually against an exterior wall, and send air upward. For homes with large windows or sliding glass doors, a floor mount can be a natural fit. You can place it under a window where a wall mount would not work, and the air curtain helps fight heat gain from the glass. That is a real advantage in Austin homes with lots of south facing windows.
Another benefit: floor mounts are easier to reach for cleaning and filter changes. No ladder needed. They also blend into the room better for some people, especially if you have low ceilings or an open layout where a wall mount would stick out. The downside is that they use floor space. You cannot put furniture directly in front of them, and they may get bumped by pets or kids. But for rooms with limited wall space or unique window placement, a floor mount can be the smarter choice.
There is no single right answer. It depends on your room and your needs. For a typical bedroom or office in a Central Texas home, a wall mount is usually the simplest option. It gets the cooling up high where it can mix with the room air, and it stays out of the way. For a living room with a big picture window or a sunroom that gets blasted by afternoon heat, a floor mount under that window often performs better.
Also consider the layout. If your exterior wall is mostly glass or you have a knee wall (like in a finished attic or bonus room), a floor mount may be your only option without a lot of extra ductwork. And if you are worried about the look, floor mounts come in colors and styles that can mimic furniture. Either way, Jester Climate can help you decide. We will walk through your room, point out any airflow hiccups, and recommend the unit that will keep you comfortable for the long haul.
In most cases, yes. The outdoor condenser unit still needs to be outside, but the line set (the refrigerant and electrical lines) can run up to about 50 feet. A floor mount console can be placed against an interior wall as long as the lines can be routed to the outside through a chase or ceiling. Your installer will check the path during the site visit.
Wall mounts are a bit more trouble because you need a step stool or ladder to reach the filters and the air intake grille. Floor mounts are right at floor level, so cleaning the filter every few weeks is easier. Both require periodic cleaning of the indoor coil and drain pan, but that is typically done by a pro during annual maintenance.
Efficiency mostly depends on the specific model and how well the unit is sized for the room, not whether it is wall or floor mounted. Both types can be very efficient. However, floor mounts placed under a window can reduce heat gain from the glass, which can lower the load on the system. That can help overall efficiency in a room with big windows.
They do take some space. A typical floor console is about 2 to 3 feet wide and sticks out 6 to 8 inches from the wall. You cannot put furniture directly in front of it because the airflow needs room to rise. But you can often place a sofa or table a few feet away. For rooms where wall space is limited but floor space is plentiful, the trade off is worth it.
Absolutely. Many homes use a wall mount in a bedroom and a floor mount in a living room or sunroom. Each room gets the style that works best for its layout. All the indoor units connect to one or more outdoor compressors, and the system works the same way. We can design a multi zone system with different indoor unit types.
Ready to choose your indoor unit style? Call Jester Climate at (512) 297-7493 or book online. Our flat rate is $2,400 for materials and labor, with a $400 deposit to secure your install day and the balance due after you see the system running.