A cassette air conditioner is a split-type air conditioner designated for ceiling mounting. It is often seen in offices, shops, restaurants, and large open areas. Unlike wall units, cassette ACs are installed into the ceiling where only the grill is visible. The rest of the appliance is above the ceiling and hence hidden from view.
Cassette aircons are suitable for areas with limited wall space or when a clean aesthetic is preferred. They also distribute cool air in all directions, which makes them practical for big spaces.
Different components of a cassette aircon
Below are the major components of a cassette aircon:
Indoor Unit (Cassette Unit)
This is the part which is mounted into the ceiling. It has several parts, but in the room only the grill panel is visible.
- Grill Panel: The visible square or rectangular part on the ceiling, from where air is sucked and discharged.
- Air Filter: Particles and dust are filtered out from the air passing them.
- Blower Fan: The component moves the air over the cooling coil to circulate and cools the air into the room.
- Evaporator Coil: It absorbs heat from the indoor air with the help of refrigerant.
Outdoor Unit (Compressor Unit)
It is situated outside the building. It is connected to the indoor unit with pipes and wires.
- Compressor: The Main Engine of the AC system that works with refrigerants. It compresses the refrigerant, and the refrigerant is circulated between the indoor and outdoor units.
- Condenser Coil: It is in charge of releasing heat outside of the building which was absorbed from inside the room.
- Fan: Passes outdoor air to the refrigerator to be cooled. Their main purpose is to take away heat from the condenser coil.
- Expansion Valve: This regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil.
Refrigerant Pipes
Refrigerant pipes or `lines` are copper pipes carrying refrigerant to and from the indoor and outdoor units. One pipe brings cold refrigerant in while the other returns heated refrigerant outside.
Drain Pipe
This pipe safely discharges the water (condensation) formed from cooling within the indoor unit.
Remote Control or Wall Controller
This device sets the temperature, fan speed, operating mode, and the timer. Some systems are equipped with smart controls and even Wi-Fi capabilities.
Thermostat Sensor
This sensor is responsible for measuring the temperature of the room and transmitting the information to control the cooling for comfort and efficiency.
How Does a Cassette Air Conditioner Work?
As like any split system, cassette air conditioners perform cooling utilizing an indoor unit installed in the ceiling, and the outdoor compressor.
Installation: The indoor unit is mounted within the ceiling. Refrigerant pipes and electrical wires connect the internal and external units.
Air Intake: Warm air from the room enters the unit via a central intake.
Cooling: The warm air passes over cold evaporator coils, which absorbs the heat and cools the air.
Air Distribution: The cooled air is pushed evenly back into the room from the four vents located at each side of the unit. This promotes uniform cooling in all directions.
Heat Release: The absorbed heat will be taken to the outdoor unit where it will be released into the outside air.
Cassette ACs also have a remote control or controller mounted on the wall for convenience.
Advantages of Cassette Air Conditioners
Like any other aircons , cassette systems come with a set of advantages. Here are some of them:
- Uniform Air Distribution
- Cassette units blow air in four directions to cool the entire room.
- There are no hot or cold spots.
- Great for large rooms as well as open areas.
- Saves Wall and Floor Space
- The unit is positioned in the ceiling, hence wall and floor space is not affected.
- Gives the area a sleek and tidy appearance.
- Ideal for contemporary designs and business premises.
- Powerful Cooling
- Cooled air is distributed more strongly from cassette ACs compared to regular wall units.
- Larger spaces can be cooled within a short time.
- Suitable for places that have a large number of people or a lot of heat.
- Quiet Operation
- Minimal noise is produced because most of the components rests in the ceiling.
- Provides a quiet tranquil environment.
- Appropriate for offices or conference rooms.
- Stylish Design
- The only part that can be seen is the decorative panel.
- The unit integrates well with modern decor and false ceilings.
- Gives a tidy, sleek, and professional look.
Disadvantages of Cassette Air Conditioners
Although it has many benefits, below are a few disadvantages of cassette aircons:
- Expensive Installation
- More costly and complex to install compared to wall units.
- Needs a false ceiling or adequate headroom.
- Could require some custom cabinet and electrical work.
- Not Ideal for Small Rooms
- Best suited for medium to large rooms.
- Will result in overcooling and energy wastage in a small room.
- Smaller spaces are better off with wall-mounted or window ACs.
- Maintenance Can Be Difficult
- Cleaning or servicing is hard due to ceiling installation.
- Filters and other parts need professional servicing.
- Regular upkeep is necessary.
- More Cost
- Cassette air conditioners are more costly than standard units.
- Both the unit and installation cost more.
What Places Are Ideal For Installing Cassette Air Conditioners?
Cassette ACs are perfect for commercial buildings, showrooms, hotels, conference halls, classrooms, as well as large living rooms. They do not suit individual bedrooms or very small areas. For large spaces that require cooling and prefer a clean mounted appearance, cassette ACs are perfect.
There are difference between cassette and central aircons. Ducted or central units will cover more area compared to a cassette unit which is used for cooling a large single room.
In Summary
Cassette aircons are stylish and powerful cooling units. They require professional installation. Although more costly, they provide value for money with their aesthetic appeal and excellent cooling performance. They are best suited for large spaces needing even air distribution.
Prior to deciding on a cassette AC, you should consider the room dimensions, budget, and ceiling type. If a combination of these factors matches, you can expect a quiet, efficient, and visually appealing cooling solution with a cassette aircon.
FAQ: Cassette Air Conditioner
Can I install a cassette air conditioner in my home?
Of course. However, it is best suited for large open areas with drop ceilings. Small bedrooms or standard size living rooms are better served with split systems or wall mounted ACs.
Do cassette ACs use more electricity than split ACs?
Cassette ACs may be more expensive to operate due to their increased power demand and operational capabilities of cooling larger areas. However, their energy consumption depends on the model and usage.
How often should I clean or service my cassette AC?
To ensure optimal operation, filtering care should be done at least every month and professional servicing should be done no less than 1-2 times a year.
Can cassette air conditioners be used for heating?
Indeed, a lot of modern cassette ACs are equipped with reverse cycle or heat pump technology enabling them to heat and cool a space.
Is a cassette AC noisy?
Not at all, most noisy components are located above the ceiling or outside the building so they are quiet.
How long does a cassette air conditioner last?
Depending on the brand and how frequently it is used, a cassette AC can last over 10 years with regular maintenance and services.
Is a false ceiling necessary for the installation of a cassette AC?
Yes, a false or suspended ceiling is generally used to hide the indoor unit and ducting, so it is needed.
