MiniSplit Air Handler placement help
I have a split level home in western WA The summers are generally 70-80s with some mid 90s days. I intend to install a 18k air handler to cool the living, dining and kitchen area, about 700sqft. The kitchen/dining room from living room picture shows the eastern wall which has protection from the sun in the morning thanks to a massive tree line. My western wall has 3 windows that enjoy the sun all day long. in the pictures you can see how my kitchen has a drop down ceiling and the rest is a 10ft vaulted ceiling. The fireplace wall blocks the dining room off from the living room and the space between the kitchen and the fireplace walls is roughly 4ft wide.
Could I get away with placing the air handler where the red box is on the eastern wall or should I install the air handler on the Western wall above the windows?
I want to put it on the eastern wall for easier installation and drainage but i believe that due to the fireplace wall obstruction it will not allow for proper cooling air flow to the main living room. Leading to noticeable different temps in each room. More so than if I put the air handler on the western wall.
Am I overthinking this?