Experts are currently predicting a potential 6°C temperature increase in the UK by 2050, meaning that areas like London could easily become as hot as Spanish cities such as Barcelona. As a result, air conditioning units are becoming increasingly vital in UK homes, businesses, and beyond, and many individuals are opting for ceiling air conditioning units to keep rising temperatures at bay.
As well as keeping temperatures down, ceiling air conditioner installation can improve air quality and reduce utility bills over time. In this complete guide, we’ll consider the benefits of opting for ceiling aircon, as well as everything you need to know about installation and maintenance once your system is in place.
What is a Ceiling Air Conditioner?
A ceiling air conditioner, which is also often referred to as cassette air conditioning, is simply a type of air conditioning unit that is mounted on the ceiling of a building, rather than taking up wall space. This makes them an excellent option for buildings like offices or retail units.
Cassette aircon ceiling units are the most popular type of ceiling air conditioners, as they don’t require ductwork. Instead, cassette units consist of both indoor and outdoor units, which are connected by a conduit. A ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit will then draw warm air from a room, cool it, and disperse it throughout the building via ceiling vents.
People often associate ceiling air conditioning units with buildings such as factories or schools, but ceiling air conditioners are a great choice for any building, including UK homes. There are various types of ceiling air conditioner units depending on your needs, including rounded flat cassettes and suspended cassette systems.
Benefits of Ceiling Air Conditioners
Ceiling air conditioners offer a range of benefits across various applications, including both residential and commercial use. The main benefits you can enjoy with a ceiling air con unit include –
- Space-saving: Ceiling AC units are compact and can be installed directly into a single ceiling tile. This makes them a great option for saving space and can take up a lot less room than a wall-mounted AC unit.
- Efficient cooling: Well-positioned air conditioning in ceiling tiles is better able to efficiently distribute cool air around an entire room, and can ensure a room reaches your desired temperatures more quickly.
- Aesthetics: Unlike bulky wall units which can become an eyesore, ceiling air conditioner units are discrete and out of the way, meaning they needn’t impact the overall design of a room.
- Improved air quality: Ceiling air conditioners that also often incorporate air filters can remove air pollutants, ensuring improved air quality in even city homes or factory settings.
- Reduced utility bills: Ceiling air conditioners which can effectively and quickly distribute cool air can reduce energy requirements and thus significantly reduce utility bills over time.
Installation Process for Ceiling Air Conditioners
Trained professionals can easily install ceiling air conditioners with minimal disruption to even busy working spaces. Time frames vary depending on the size of a building and the number of units required, but a single ceiling air con unit will take roughly 4 hours to install and will cost an average of £2,500 to £4,000+ per unit.
The steps a professional will follow when installing ceiling air conditioners include –
- Initial survey: An initial survey will involve making sure of a ceiling cavity that’s at least that’s at least 22.5 by 22.5 inches, and choosing a location where your ceiling-mounted air conditioner won’t be blocked by lights or other appliances.
- Design and quotations: Professional designs and quotations will inform you of any necessary changes (e.g. the need for ceiling reinforcements or light relocations), and any recommended type of ceiling air conditioner units. Trusted professionals should also provide a transparent quote for installation.
- Installation: Installing an AC unit in the ceiling can take up to ten days depending on the size of your building and required system, and will involve processes including mounting cassettes and connecting pro cables.
- Aftercare: Ceiling air conditioner installations should always include a plan for regular, ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term functionality.
Maintenance Tips for Ceiling Air Conditioners
Like all air conditioning units, ceiling air conditioners require regular, ongoing maintenance to avoid breakdowns or other setbacks. Most importantly, you should seek annual servicing by an F-gas-certified professional who can keep your system running smoothly.
Other maintenance tips for ceiling air conditioners that you should ensure throughout the year include –
- Regular filter replacements: Blocked filters can reduce the efficiency of ceiling air conditioners by up to 15%, so it’s important to replace or clean any filters across your system regularly to keep things functioning.
- Wipe the outer components: You should wipe down the outer components of your ceiling air conditioner at least every few months using a dry, soft cloth.
- Clean the coil: You should also regularly clean the coil inside your cassette unit by turning your air conditioning off, spraying between the blades of the cassette AC, and working your way around to clean the whole coil.
Ideal Spaces for Ceiling Air Conditioners
There are various types of ceiling air conditioners, which are suitable for use in a wide range of spaces that serve both commercial and domestic purposes. For instance, cassette ceiling air con units are suitable for use in spaces that might include –
- Offices
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Educational facilities such as schools or universities
- Healthcare facilities like doctors or dentist offices
- Commercial factories
- Large homes
- Studios or workshops
- And more
Conclusion and Next Steps
Ceiling air conditioners offer a cost-effective, space-saving way to disperse cool air around a variety of commercial or domestic spaces. In the majority of cases, they’re also simple to install with minimal disruption or upheaval required.
Whether you want to find out more about what ceiling air con units could bring to your property, or you’re keen to book installation today, don’t hesitate to contact ACS. We offer industry-specific commercial air conditioning expertise, as well as quality domestic air conditioning services you can trust. Simply call our team to discuss your needs at 01993 778653, or get your free quote online today.