I am about to have a Mitsubishi minisplit installed. In case it matters, the installation will be on an interior wall; on the other side of that wall is a closet with a sump pump which we will use for drainage.
The unit (#MSZFS12NAU1) is 12.6 inches tall and 9.2 inches deep. It will be installed above a 9" deep bookshelf. The distance from the top of the bookshelf to the ceiling is 19.25".
The contractor says that distance should be at least 22", so the bookshelf has to go and be replaced by something shorter. I am inclined to try the experiement of keeping the existing bookshelf, living for a while with the minisplit, and then replacing the bookshelf if (and only if) I am unhappy with the performance.
Question 1: How likely is it that the difference between 19.25" and 22" will significantly affect performance?
Question 2: If performance is in fact affected, can I compensate by changing the temperature setting? For example, if I would normally set the temperature to 70 degrees, but the performance is hampered by the proximity of the bookshelf, would I be able to set the temperature to, say, 65 degrees and get the result I want?
Question 3: Given that I want to at least try the experiment of keeping the existing bookshelf (unless responders here talk me out of it), does this have any implications for exactly how far from the ceiling the unit should be installed? (In case it matters, it's a drop ceiling with lots of room above it.)
Best Answer
If you do not have the space to mount the unit with the required space above you void the warranty! You are purchasing a premium unit and mounting it two close to the ceiling will cause ANY future problems to be on your dime IF the installer will violate the space requirements (some will not).
Placing the unit tight to the bookshelf will block the output also. I would go with what they require because a future real problem may be on you that they would have covered if properly mounted.