A cassette air conditioner is a device for maintaining a comfortable climate in high-pass rooms with an area of 50-300 sq. m. Fastened to the ceiling and evenly distributes cooled or heated air on 4 sides. Performs 3 tasks: cools, heats and cleans the air in the room.
Features of cassette air conditioners
The cassette-type ceiling air conditioner is designed according to the traditional split-system scheme: it consists of two blocks - external and internal, connected by a freon line (line). The first is mounted on the outside of the building wall, the second indoors, in the false ceiling. The outdoor unit is designed as a standard air conditioner module. The inner one is placed in a protective cassette, square or rectangular, with a front panel similar in diameter to the false ceiling tile. A cleaning filter is located behind.
The distribution of the air flow of the cassette air conditioner occurs in four directions from top to bottom, evenly distributing the cool or heat throughout the room. Compared to a classic household air conditioner, cassette models do not create drafts. Air ducts are characterized by an increased area in comparison with wall devices. The angle of inclination of the louvers that regulate the air flow is controlled by the remote control.
The installation of the cassette player assumes a suspended ceiling with a space between the ceiling of 25-40 cm.
Scope of application
Split system of cassette type - semi-industrial climatic equipment. Refers to air conditioners of a hidden type: it does not stand out against the background of the interior - the decorative grille fits into it. Installed behind a false ceiling. Suitable for rooms where the minimum ceiling height is 3 meters. It is in demand in public, crowded premises: offices, shops, cafes, fitness clubs, restaurants, libraries, exhibition halls. It is rarely used in apartments of multi-storey buildings, but it is suitable for a spacious country cottage with high ceilings.
Equipment characteristics
Cassette air conditioners are distinguished by a cooling capacity of 3.5-20 kW. One device copes with maintaining a comfortable climate in a room up to 180 sq. m. There are single-threaded and multi-threaded models on the HVAC equipment market:
- double-flow;
- three-line;
- four-line.
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes:
- compressor;
- electronic control board;
- fan blowing on the condenser;
- protection;
- heat exchanger.
The indoor unit includes:
- centrifugal fan for supplying cooled air;
- filter for cleaning the air entering from the outside;
- heat exchanger and evaporator for cooling the air flow;
- a branch pipe for removing condensate from the evaporator;
- louvers on the front for air flow control;
- temperature and motion sensor (in some models).
The indoor unit must be built into a false ceiling. The dimensions of the equipment take this factor into account. Manufacturers produce models for different lengths and widths of ceiling cells:
- square 60 × 60, 70 × 70, 90 × 90 cm;
- rectangular 60 × 70, 60 × 90, 60 × 120, 70 × 90, 70 × 120, 90 × 120 cm.
Pay attention to the height of the indoor unit - the thinner the case, the lower the power of the equipment.
The cassette inverter air conditioner is equipped with an improved power system that allows you to adjust the speed of the compressor motor. The equipment operates in an increased temperature range, for the most part being in a reduced power consumption mode, which saves electricity. Periodic switching on, harmful to the compressor block, is not required for such an air conditioner, the compressor is not threatened with starting loads.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Pros:
- Power: one device maintains a comfortable microclimate in an area that requires 2-3 wall-mounted split systems.
- Velocity: the air heats up or cools down quickly by directing the air currents on 4 sides.
- Exterior: The faceplate of the outdoor unit blends in with the austere interior design of public spaces, while the bottom edge of the cabinet is parallel to the ceiling.
- Sound: cassette-type equipment makes a weak noise: the air cooling rate is enhanced by increasing the area of the air ducts, rather than the intensity and pressure of the air flow.
- Economic benefit: the price of one cassette deck is lower than several wall-mounted models.
Minuses:
- Installation features: installation is possible only in a suspended ceiling.
- Room requirements: For optimized cassette operation, ceilings with a height of 3 meters or more are suitable.
The main thing when choosing a cassette-type air conditioner
The power of the equipment is determined by the area of the room. Ignoring this principle will result in inadequate air conditioning or waste of electrical resources. To calculate the capacity, divide the area of the premises by 10, for example, in a sales area of 150 sq.m. you need a 15 kW cassette player.
Do not confuse cooling capacity with heating capacity and power consumption.
Another way of calculating is 1 kW per 10 sq. m. area. You get the same figure. These are simplified methods - in practice, it is advisable to use information about the type of room, about the illumination, the number of people and equipment that leads to heating of the air. Knowing the required power, you are guided by the desired dimensions, functionality, and price.
The cost varies: it is possible to buy a room compact version for 50,000, semi-industrial equipment costs several times more - up to 500,000 rubles. If you want to save on electricity, buy an air conditioner with an inverter.
Installing for free with your own hands using instructions with a photo or video from the Internet is a bad idea, so add the cost of installation work and the price of consumables for installation to the price. This is another 10-40 thousand rubles.
Installation of climatic equipment
To optimize the operation of the air conditioner, the indoor unit is installed in the center of the room, and the supplied communications are hidden by the structure of the suspended ceiling. Installation of a cassette air conditioner is carried out only by professionals and includes the following stages:
- Installing the outdoor unit on the outer wall of the building and laying the communication components.
- Installation of the indoor unit on the ceiling of the room.
- Air duct laying.
- Connecting cables.
- Securing the air mixing device (if available).
- Fixing the front panel of the indoor unit.
- Commissioning works.
Installation of the indoor unit of cassette air conditioners begins with a partial disassembly of the ceiling:
- remove one or 2-3 plates;
- install fasteners for the cassette, fixing them on the ceiling with suspensions on the anchor bolts included in the kit;
- having removed the cassette grill, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is fixed on the suspensions inside;
- connect the refrigerant line and connect the equipment to the power line;
- connect the condensate drainage system.
Installation recommendations
The cassette-type indoor unit is installed so that the front panel is flush with the ceiling surface. If the air conditioner includes an external circulation air mixing system, the air duct is taken out, after which a cleaning filter and an air damper are attached. During the operation of the equipment, the air will be cooled and diluted with a fresh, pre-purified stream from the street.
The front decorative grille of the indoor unit is to be installed after the completion of the installation of the components of the climatic equipment and cosmetic finishing. At the last stage, power is connected and the equipment is turned on. In the absence of installation errors and correct operation of the system, it remains to individually adjust the parameters of the air conditioner.
Instructions for operating the device
In addition to careful handling of equipment, maintenance of cassette air conditioners includes periodic cleaning or replacement of air filters (at least once a year) and other preventive operations. To gain access to the filters, you do not need to disassemble the ceiling - remove the decorative panel of the unit. In case of 24/7 operation in a heavily loaded room, regular maintenance includes:
- cleaning filters and drain pan;
- checking the drainage pipe and refrigeration circuit;
- adding refrigerant;
- cleaning both air conditioner units and the outdoor unit heat exchanger;
- checking the power cables.
