I'm building my 12.5' x 23' theater with a false wall and AT screen. I realize that I'll probably need a mini-split in the room, and the most convenient place to put it would be on the wall behind the screen wall. The screen wall will just be a false wall with fabric. I'm wondering if anyone has done this, and what advice you could give to make this work effectively. I could put louvers, or even fans around the screen to help move the air, or should I just give up on this idea and put the unit somewhere in the main room?

I think you would have a very cool space behind the screen, but would be uncomfortable in the rest of the room. Keep in mind with a mini-split the supply and return are at the same place.

Why do you want it behind the screen wall? Visual? Noise? Breeze?

if it is just behind the screen it just wont work....remember, even an AT screen is still "mostly screen", it will not allow airflow.

I think if the mini split allows it, you could duct the supply and return to maybe the left/right screenwall and just use regular registers.....mini split may have a limit on the length of duct/number of turns.

Why do you want it behind the screen wall? Visual? Noise? Breeze?

Yes, yes, and yes. It would have the least visual impact behind the screen, and it would be furthest away from people so it would be the quietest. Another reason is, that side of the house is open, so I could easily put the outdoor portion there, whereas the side of the house that would be the back of the theater already has my central a/c and pool heater, so it is less ideal.

I'm having trouble picturing it working really well behind the screen, but I thought I would ask anyway in case someone had been able to do that. I do have about 3 feet behind the screen, so it wouldn't be right up against it. If it is able to be ducted, that would work well, but I don't know if it can be.

Visually - yes, they are visible but fairly small and innocuous.

Noise - unless you have substantial heating/cooling load, once it reaches setpoint, it ramps down to a very slight breeze and is virtually silent (I have a Fujitsu). I was really worried about noise - once I experienced it - not an issue!

The refrigerant lines are very small and can run quite a distance - should not be an issue.

Few lower cost units are ducted.

db

This thread may be of interest as a solution to disguising the AC

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=912211&highlight=mini+split

Thanks for the reply's. I have had the installation of a mini-split quoted for a 1 ton LG Heat Pump for $2900. Is that a good unit? Good price?

The main point of an AT screen is so that you can have great sound FROM your screen as intended.
Putting the minisplit there would ruin that as well as cause possible small motion to your screen.
Not a good idea overall.