Ducted vs. Cassette Aircon: Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing an aircon system for a large space, it is often difficult to find the right type of system. Ducted and cassette both are popular for large spaces. But which one is better for which purposes? In this guide, we are going to explain the differences between cassette and ducted aircon, their advantages, and key features. We hope you will understand which one is preferred for you.

Table of Comparison – Ducted Vs Cassette AC

Features	Ducted Aircon	Cassette Aircon
Design	Concealed behind walls and ceilings	Mounted on the ceiling, visible
Installation	Complex, requires ductwork	Simpler, fits into ceiling tiles
Aesthetic	Hidden, blends with interiors	Visible but compact in design
Cooling Capacity	High, suitable for large areas	Moderate, ideal for medium-sized rooms
Airflow	Evenly distributed through ducts	360-degree airflow from the unit
Noise Levels	Quiet due to hidden design	Generally quiet, noise depends on the unit
Cost	Higher initial and installation costs	Lower initial cost, moderate installation
Energy Efficiency	Efficient for cooling multiple rooms	Energy-efficient for single rooms
Maintenance	More complex, requires professional service	Easier, filters accessible from below
Application	Best for whole-home or large commercial use	Suitable for offices, shops, and homes

 

What Is a Ducted Air Conditioning System?

A ducted air conditioning system functions as a centralized unit that pushes cool air through a network of ducts throughout your residence or business space. The air conditioning unit is typically placed in hidden locations such as the roof space or an external area. The air ducts distribute the conditioned air to various rooms inside. Ducted systems maintain uniform cooling across extensive spaces.

 

Key Features of Ducted Air Conditioning:

Concealed Installation: The design of ducted systems allows them to stay concealed behind walls, ceilings, or floors so they do not disrupt interior aesthetics.

Cooling Multiple Areas: Ducted air conditioners are perfect solutions for maintaining cool temperatures in big spaces like whole houses or commercial structures. One system enables cooling for various rooms at the same time.

Quiet Operation: The main unit’s placement outside living and working areas allows ducted systems to function quietly making them ideal for noise-sensitive spaces.

Control Flexibility: Zoning features in many ducted systems enable users to manage temperatures separately for different rooms or zones.

 

Pros of Ducted Air Conditioners:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Provide a modern and neat interior appearance.
• Efficient for Larger Spaces: Best in large residential properties, multi-floor buildings and commercial environments.
• Even Air Distribution: Ensures that cool air reaches every room evenly.

Cons of Ducted Air Conditioners:

• High Installation Costs: Establishing duct network is expensive.
• Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining ducted systems is difficult and expensive.
• Not Suitable for Small Spaces: Not suitable for small residential area.

What Is a Cassette Air Conditioning System?

Cassette air conditioners get mounted into the ceiling while the main unit stays concealed within the ceiling cavity. The system’s visible flat panel mounts flush against the ceiling to provide a sleek and compact appearance. Offices, shops, and homes with available ceiling space typically use these systems.

 

Key Features of Cassette Air Conditioning:

Ceiling Installation: By situating cassette units within ceiling tiles or spaces they occupy minimal wall and floor space.

360-Degree Airflow: Cassette air conditioners circulate cool air throughout a full circle which provides quick and even room cooling.

Compact Design: Cassette units provide a sleek and flush design that makes them perfect for spaces that require a minimalistic aesthetic.

Single Room Efficiency: These units work well for cooling spaces of moderate size including single rooms and business environments.

 

Pros of Cassette Air Conditioners:

• Easy to Maintain: Access through the front panel allows users to easily clean and maintain filters.
• Lower Installation Costs: Easier and cheaper installation.

Cons of Cassette Air Conditioners:

• Limited Coverage: Cannot effectively cool large spaces or multiple rooms.
• Visible Installation: Stay visible on the ceiling despite their discreet design.
• Higher Ceiling Requirements: Adequate ceiling space is required.

What type of air conditioning system achieves higher energy efficiency?

The energy efficiency comparison between ducted and cassette air conditioning systems:

Ducted Systems: Ducted systems provide better energy efficiency for large spaces or entire buildings. They offer simultaneous cooling of multiple rooms together with zoning control.

Cassette Systems: Cassette air conditioners deliver better energy efficiency in small spaces. They target just one area without trying to cool unnecessary spaces.

Installation Considerations

Installation needs vary between ducted air conditioners and cassette units.

Ducted Installation: The installation process for ducted air conditioning systems demands extensive preparation. It needs room for both ductwork and the primary unit. The process typically demands higher expenses and requires more installation time.

Cassette Installation: Installing cassette air conditioners requires less effort than other types because they function better in spaces where the ceiling is reachable. Cassette air conditioners bypass the need for ductwork which results in both reduced costs and faster installation times.

 

Cost Comparison

Cassette air conditioners have lower initial costs compared to ducted systems but careful consideration of long-term expenses is necessary. The ducted system requires higher upfront investment yet presents better financial value for extensive cooling requirements over time. Cassette air conditioning units offer a budget-friendly option for small areas which do not need substantial ductwork.

 

Which One Should You Choose?

Space dimensions, cooling requirements and financial constraints are critical factors when choosing between ducted and cassette air conditioning systems.

Ducted Aircon: For efficient cooling of large areas or multiple rooms and better integration with your interior design, choose a ducted air conditioning system.

Cassette Aircon: For efficient cooling of a medium-sized room with ceiling installation capabilities choose a cassette air conditioning system because it offers lower initial expenses.

 

FAQ

Which is quieter, ducted or cassette aircon?

Since the main unit of ducted air conditioners operates outside of living or working spaces, they produce less noise.

Is it possible to install a cassette air conditioner in my residential space?

Cassette air conditioners are suitable for residential use in living rooms and kitchens or any large open spaces with ceiling installation access.

Are ducted air conditioners energy-efficient?

Ducted air conditioning systems provide energy savings if it is installed in a huge space.

Do cassette air conditioners require ductwork?

Cassette air conditioners function without the need for ductwork installation. Cassette air conditioners go directly into the ceiling which allows for faster and easier installation than ducted systems.