Ceiling cassette air conditioning: how it works and where it fits
By Dale @ ukaircontracker · facts checked
Quick answer
A ceiling cassette air conditioner is a split-system indoor unit that sits flush in the ceiling and blows air out in up to four directions. It suits large open-plan rooms, kitchens, shops and offices, and needs a ceiling void, often around 250–300 mm deep depending on the model. It costs more to fit than a wall-mounted split, and the outdoor unit and F-gas installation rules are the same.
| Indoor unit | Where it goes | Air spread | Install difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | High on a wall | One direction | Lowest |
| Ceiling cassette | Flush in the ceiling | Up to four directions | Needs a ceiling void |
| Floor-standing / console | Low on a wall or floor | Upwards | Low |
| Ducted | Hidden in loft or void | Grilles in each room | Highest |
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Why choose a cassette
Air leaving in four directions spreads more evenly across a large room than a single wall unit, and there is no box on the wall. That is why cassettes are common in offices, salons and open-plan kitchen-diners.
What it needs
The cassette body sits above the ceiling, so you need a void of roughly 250–300 mm (check the model's dimensions) and joists that allow it to be fixed. Most cassettes pump condensate water away, but a drain route is still needed. In a house without a suspended ceiling, a wall-mounted unit or a floor console is usually simpler.
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Common questions
- How much ceiling space does a cassette air conditioner need?
- Typically around 250–300 mm of void above the ceiling, though it varies by model. Your installer will check the joists and void before quoting.
- Are ceiling cassettes quieter than wall units?
- Indoor noise is similar for units of the same capacity. The compressor sits in the outdoor unit for both.
- Can I put a cassette in a house?
- Yes, if there is a suitable ceiling void, for example under a loft or in an extension with a suspended ceiling.