Diguising Mr. Slim - pics anyone?
Hi there. I have been keeping an eye on the A/C forum as I am just about to decide on a mini split system for a 2 floor renovation. I HATE the way these things look, but still feel like it’s the way to go… If anyone has come up with ways of disguising these…
Hi there. I have been keeping an eye on the A/C forum as I am just about to decide on a mini split system for a 2 floor renovation. I HATE the way these things look, but still feel like it’s the way to go… If anyone has come up with ways of disguising these beasts I’d love to see. Brownstoner, in early August you mentioned posting some pics. I’d be grateful. thanks!
We just posted a photo of our solution here:
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2007/09/hiding_mr_slim.php
There are some pictures on Brownstoners reno blog.
I think nobody offers suggestions for hiding the split systems because there aren’t any. If you build something around it, it would obstruct the air. We’re going to put a split system in the kitchen and basement, but no way we’ll put it in bedrooms, dining room or living room. Too mugly fugly. I’d rather have window units any day. Ours cool the house fine and they look okay. I had a friend come over the other day and later on when the topic came up, she exclaimed she didn’t even notice I had window units in our house. Plus I actually like the “white noise” window A/C’s give off. Helps me concentrate on my work. As for central air, it’s just not the kind of pricey investment we’d make in this house at this point. Maybe in a few years if/when values in the neighborhood increase. I would be nervous to invest a lot more money in a house than it’s worth. Just because it was done during the bubble doesn’t mean it’s the norm. If high society chic coops on Central Park can have window units, then I figure it’s okay if we out here in Brooklyn do too!
It seems that this is not a topic that interests Mr. Brownstoner. This topic has come up a lot in the last few weeks, Mr. B. offered to up load his pics, but never did. I guess the repeated inquiries on this subject, or people wanting to improve their homes, isn’t as interesting to Mr. B. than trying to court advertisers. That’s a shame!
I have asked a similiar question in the past and didn’t really get a full answer. Some of the archive posts discuss grills for these units but no one has posted a pic or mentioned where one can be obtained. I have searched the internet myself to no avail. Let me know if you have better luck.
We’re looking at the LG Art Cool series, though at 30″ long and 5.5″ deep it’s still not invisible. In fact, it still looks huge and ugly) in my tiny townhouse… I’m currently trying to find a place in NYC where I can go to actually see the Art Cool units in person.
I have looked into the ceiling units too. The great thing about these is that they can duct about 30% of their capacity to other rooms. Unfortunately, they look quite industrial and at 24″ (or 28″ – can’t remember at the moment) are quite large in a bedroom scenario.
As far as hiding them goes… The mini-split units need to be installed on the walls of the rooms they cool – no hiding them in a closet and ducting the air. That’s part of the point of the mini-split system – no ducting (except for the ceiling cassettes and that’s for only 30% of capacity).
Check out LG Art Cool which is less obtrusive than others and can be partially disguised.
If you have a false ceiling with about 18″ of room, you can install a ceiling unit which looks outwardly like a large vent, but I believe they’re quite expensive. Hmmm, maybe that unit could be installed in wall like in a closet?
Would be interested in your experience if you do install, can you post result? I want to do the same for top floor.