12,000 BTU Fujitsu Mini-Split Installation at Shawarma #1
- Business: Shawarma #1
- Location: Harwood Heights, IL
- Property type: Commercial restaurant
- Project completed: July 2026
- System installed: 12,000 BTU Fujitsu ductless mini-split
- Total project cost: $4,200
- Time spent: 7 hours
The Cooling Problem
The kitchen at Shawarma #1 became extremely hot during the summer because the cooking equipment generated heat continuously throughout the day. During peak service on hot days, kitchen temperatures climbed to approximately 79°F.
The restaurant already had a commercial rooftop HVAC unit, but the owner explained that it could not keep the kitchen comfortable during peak summer conditions. They wanted to improve working conditions for employees without replacing equipment that was still operating properly.
Inspection and Diagnosis
Before recommending any new equipment, our technician inspected the existing rooftop HVAC system and evaluated conditions inside the kitchen:
- Checking the operation of the rooftop HVAC unit
- Evaluating airflow and cooling performance in the kitchen
- Reviewing the heat produced by the cooking equipment
- Identifying suitable locations for the indoor and outdoor units
- Planning the refrigerant line, electrical circuit, and condensate drain routes
Our finding: the rooftop unit was operating correctly. The kitchen was not overheating because of a mechanical failure. The real issue was the concentrated heat load from the cooking equipment — during busy periods and hot weather, the rooftop unit simply could not overcome that additional load on its own.
Recommended Solution
Because the rooftop unit was still functional, replacing it would not have solved the problem. Instead, we recommended a dedicated ductless mini-split to provide supplemental cooling directly to the kitchen.
This approach let the restaurant:
- Keep the existing rooftop HVAC system
- Add cooling exactly where it was needed
- Control the kitchen temperature independently
- Avoid major ductwork modifications
Fujitsu Mini-Split Installation
AirFix installed a new 12,000 BTU Fujitsu ductless mini-split system. The project included:
- Fujitsu indoor mini-split unit
- Fujitsu outdoor condenser
- New refrigerant line set
- Dedicated electrical breaker and power circuit
- Condensate drain line
- Refrigerant pressure testing
- System evacuation and vacuuming
- Electrical startup checks
- Cooling and performance testing
Equipment locations were selected after evaluating the kitchen layout and the required routing for the electrical wiring, refrigerant lines, and condensate drain.
Startup, Testing, and Results
After installation, we started the system in cooling mode and verified proper startup of both units, electrical operation, refrigerant system performance, airflow, cooling temperature, and condensate drainage.
The result: with the mini-split running alongside the rooftop unit, kitchen temperatures during service dropped from approximately 79°F to 71°F, giving staff a noticeably more comfortable work environment even during the July heat. Testing at the mini-split showed a 19°F difference between return air and supply air.
Total Project Cost
The total cost for the completed project was $4,200, including the 12,000 BTU Fujitsu mini-split system, installation labor, refrigerant line set, dedicated electrical circuit, condensate drain, system startup, and performance testing.
Pricing note: This was the total price for this specific commercial installation completed in July 2026. Mini-split installation costs vary depending on equipment capacity, electrical requirements, line-set length, mounting conditions, drainage requirements, and property complexity. Contact us for a quote specific to your building.
Maintenance Recommendations
Because this system operates in a commercial kitchen, the filters and indoor components may collect grease and airborne debris faster than equipment in a typical home or office. We recommended that the customer:
- Inspect and clean the indoor filters regularly per Fujitsu’s instructions
- Keep the outdoor unit free of dirt and debris
- Watch for reduced airflow, unusual noises, or water leaks
- Keep the condensate drain clear
- Schedule professional preventive maintenance at least once per year — more often given kitchen conditions
Commercial HVAC Services in Harwood Heights
AirFix Heating & Cooling provides commercial HVAC services for restaurants, retail properties, offices, and other small businesses in Harwood Heights and nearby communities:
- Commercial HVAC inspections
- Ductless mini-split installation
- Rooftop HVAC repair
- HVAC replacement
- Preventive maintenance
- Supplemental cooling solutions
For help with an overheated kitchen, uneven cooling, or a commercial HVAC system that can’t keep up, contact AirFix Heating & Cooling to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a commercial mini-split installation cost? This 12,000 BTU restaurant installation cost $4,200 total, including equipment, electrical work, and labor. Costs vary by capacity, line-set length, and site complexity, so an on-site evaluation gives the most accurate price.
Can a mini-split cool a hot restaurant kitchen? This project shows how a dedicated mini-split can add cooling directly to a kitchen without replacing a working main HVAC system. The right approach depends on the kitchen’s heat load, layout, electrical capacity, and existing equipment.
Do I need to replace my rooftop unit if my kitchen is too hot? Not necessarily. If the rooftop unit is working properly, the issue can be the concentrated heat load from cooking equipment. Supplemental ductless cooling can be a practical option after an on-site evaluation.