Ceiling split system: types of equipment and features of its installation + rating TOP-10 of the best models

Modern ceiling-type air conditioning systems are very diverse in design, appearance and installation features. Have you thought about purchasing such a device, but don’t know which is better to choose to equip a room? We will help you make the right choice so that you can stop at the right equipment for your apartment, home or office.

Let's look at what constitutes a ceiling split system and what is the specificity of its work. We also consider the popular types of equipment, their design features, the nuances of the selection and installation of HVAC equipment.

Additionally, the article contains photos, diagrams and video instructions that will help to thoroughly understand the issue of choosing split-systems of ceiling type.

Types and design of ceiling systems

The ceiling type of devices is one of the varieties of air conditioners for domestic and semi-industrial use. Consists of two blocks: condensing - for outdoor use, and an evaporator designed for indoor installation.

Some models are distinguished by the presence of additional optional features, for example, they heat the air and carry out its thorough filtering.

The principle of operation of ceiling-mounted cooling equipment is similar to classic models. In the system, freon also circulates inside the refrigeration circuit. Here on the expansion valve circuit there is a thermostatic valve

Consider the most popular types of air conditioners with ceiling type mounting.

View # 1 - air conditioning cassette

This type of device is considered the optimal solution for objects where it is important to evenly distribute chilled air flows. The devices are installed in the inter-ceiling space, therefore they are suitable for any interior and do not spoil its appearance, like a wall-mounted type of systems.

Most often they use products for equipment of apartments, houses, cottages with high ceilings - more than 3 meters, offices, halls, cinemas, shopping centers, restaurants and other large-sized rooms.

Also, cassette devices can be used as one or more elements of a multi-split system: they are designed to maintain the necessary microclimate in several office rooms, shops, warehouses, etc.

The design of the equipment includes 2 autonomous units for internal and external placement, connected by a route.

The market is mainly represented by square-shaped models of standard sizes - about 600 mm on each side. They differ in various cooling capacity, heating, functionality and level of energy savings.

The internal part of the device is intended for installation in a suspended ceiling made of drywall or Armstrong boards, which are often used in office premises. The height of the space should be about 250-400 mm for the correct placement of the block

One of the advantages of cassette systems is the concealment of device communications in the suspended part of the ceiling.

In the center of the structure of the indoor unit there is a decorative grille, on the sides of which there are 4 exit slots with rotary blinds. The grill performs the function of intake of warm air, which occurs due to the operation of the axial fan.

Further, the air masses pass through the heat exchanger of the evaporator, where the cooling process takes place. Freon is the working substance for moving the heat energy of air flows.

Already chilled masses are returned to the room and evenly distributed through adjustable blinds. Their tilt level can be changed using the remote control.

Thus, the process of uniform cooling of air masses in an air-conditioned room in the case of using cassette units looks like

The external unit of the technical fixture is installed on the facade of the building and connected to the internal structure using a line of copper tubes for circulation of the refrigerant.

The main advantages of the cassette-type system:

• air distribution in 4 directions;
• rapid cooling / heating of air;
• neat design of the decorative panel;
• low noise level.

Some models are distinguished by the presence of such functions as air ventilation, automatic temperature maintenance, night mode of use, self-diagnosis of system errors and malfunctions, storing of selected settings, preventing ice formation and others.

In addition, the system has some drawbacks - high cost, in comparison with wall mounted devices, and the ability to install only in the space between the main and the suspended part of the ceiling structure. This type of device is not suitable for apartments with ceilings 250-270 cm high.

In more detail, we considered the issue of mounting a cassette split system in another our article.

View # 2 - channel split system

The devices have a similar design with the previous view. The main distinguishing feature of the technology is the supply and exhaust ventilation due to the air channel.

Install such systems in multi-room apartments, offices, shops and other large-sized premises.

Using the air conditioner, you can cool several rooms at the same time, however, it is not possible to choose different temperatures in different rooms

The outer part is a structure of the main unit, the supply and exhaust duct. The number of ducts can be adjusted independently depending on the area that needs to be conditioned.

The indoor unit is located inside the ceiling structure, so that the communication system and the device casing are hidden above the suspended ceiling. The installation location of the unit should be selected in the middle of the house or other room in order to evenly position the air ducts.

In the hidden part of the ceiling of the rooms, the required number is set ductwork to provide air conditioning for all rooms. Each exit is closed with a decorative panel with a grill.

In the internal part of the structure is the evaporator heat exchanger, fan. The unit is also equipped with an air filter, temperature sensors, a remote control signal receiving unit.

In the process of cooling the air masses, the fan takes the warm masses from the accessible rooms, directing them to the heat exchanger. After the entire process is completed, cool air enters the rooms through the distribution ducts.

The duct unit is designed for air conditioning of recirculation air. However, its special design allows cooling / heating of the mass with a mixture of fresh air up to 30%.

Often this type of ceiling air conditioners is used in supermarkets or large offices where there are sufficiently high ceilings and there is no need to select the temperature for each room individually.

For the arrival of fresh air masses, a special channel is provided through which they are fed into the indoor unit for processing.

In the process of working in constant ventilation mode along the airways, new street air is supplied, and stale air is returned through the ventilation system in the wall or an open window in the room

The external design of the system is equipped with such necessary elements as a condenser heat exchanger with a fan, a compressor, a protection device, a control unit, and the external part - the case. The block should be placed on the outer wall of the object with minimal access to sunlight.

Among the advantages of the unit, the following aspects are distinguished:

• minimal interference with the design of the room;
• it is possible to condition several or one room of a large area at the same time;
• cooling and heating of air flows is possible even with a constant mixture of fresh air.

In addition to the advantages, users highlight some negative aspects of using the channel type of device.

For example, of the main disadvantages are:

• maintaining a single temperature regime without the possibility of regulating it in various rooms;
• the ability to install only in rooms with high ceilings;
• for installation, you will need to use the services of specialists with the goal of correctly positioning the ducts and the entire system as a whole;
• high cost of the system.

The channel type of ceiling air conditioners is distinguished by the ability to maintain a constant temperature, and some models are equipped with a dehumidification function, can work in night mode.

The average price for such devices is 60-80 thousand rubles, and premium offer from 120 thousand rubles.

View # 3 - floor-to-ceiling devices

Devices are distinguished by the possibility of their installation under the ceiling, and if necessary - on the floor.

Ceiling systems can be placed both on the capital structure, and on the suspension. This allows you to significantly reduce the cost of installation of the product, as well as use to organize the air conditioning system in rooms with any type and ceiling height

The internal case of the device has a flat design, so it does not visually clutter up the space. It can be installed in a vertical or horizontal position: the wider part is fixed to a wall or ceiling.

Ceiling units are intended for use in rooms for domestic and commercial use - living rooms, warehouses and utility rooms, cafes, cinema complexes, etc.

Functionally, this type performs the following actions: cooling, heating, cleaning of air flows.

Additionally, ceiling-mounted devices can drain air in high humidity, ventilate, maintain a constant temperature programmed by the user, work in night mode

The function of heating the air masses is possible only with devices that are equipped with a heat pump.

The internal design of the device consists of the following elements:

• body - the external part of the device;
• evaporator heat exchanger - performs the function of removing heat from air flows in cooling mode;
• domestic centrifugal fans - capture air masses from the room, moving them through the heat exchanger and filter elements;
• control unit - designed to enable the necessary functions.

Air conditioning is filtered by an air filter element, which is also located in the indoor unit.

The external design of the system is installed on the wall of the building and connected to the internal using the inter-unit freon route.

The design of the device is similar to the previous types of ceiling units. Its main functional elements are heat exchanger and condenser fan, compressor, control board, protection device.

The main role in getting rid of the warm air from the room is played by the refrigeration circuit, consisting of a compressor, a heat exchanger and a capillary tube

The functional element is combined with the internal circuit due to freon communications, which form a single closed system.

Of the advantages of this type of air conditioner, there is a uniform distribution of air conditioning air flows throughout the room, the possibility of installation on any type of ceiling, low noise level and low cost of installation work.

The negative side of the devices is the high cost and lack of the ability to install in the inter-ceiling space.

Device Recommendations

When buying HVAC equipment, one should pay attention to the configuration, appearance, and also take into account technical indicators that affect system performance. Consider in more detail the main criteria for the proper selection of equipment.

Brand and grade level

Like all devices, split-systems are produced in budget, medium and premium versions, which differ in cost and their functionality. It is better to purchase a unit of a popular manufacturer with a good reputation.

The price indicator is determined not only by the manufacturer, but also by the set of options available in the device. Therefore, decide on your financial capabilities, and then proceed to choosing a brand.

The most popular brands of cassette devices are Shivaki, Electrolux and Hisense. However, the cost of these devices varies between 70-100 thousand rubles. Among channel equipment brands are in demand Mitsubishi electric, Haier, General climate. The price range on them is from 40 to 120 thousand rubles. The best brands of floor-to-ceiling units, the users named the following: Panasonic, Shivaki, Daikin and LG. These brands produce middle and premium class equipment.

Determination of equipment power

Another important criterion is power in the air mass cooling mode. This indicator is expressed in British thermal units, the English abbreviation is BTU. 1 BTU equals 0.3 watts.

The technical characteristics of the device can indicate the cooling power in BTU or in electric watts, which allows you to determine for what area the device is suitable.

Since the cooled air flows move down and concentrate near the floor, when selecting the unit, it is not the volume of space that is taken into account, but its area.

For convenience, it is better to use the system capacity calculation table, which will allow you to quickly and correctly choose the right option for climate technology

Based on tabular data, for small rooms up to 25 m² split systems with a capacity of 7 or 9 BTU are suitable, and for spacious rooms 50-60 m² it is better to buy with an indicator of 18, 24 BTU. In more detail, we considered the issue of calculating the system power in this article.

Noise level of climatic equipment

This indicator is very important for those who plan to install an air conditioning system in the bedroom or library. In such rooms, the user often relaxes, and excess noise will distract him.

Therefore, for the equipment of an apartment, house or other residential building, it is recommended to use devices with low noise - 26-36 dB for an indoor unit and up to 54 dB for an outdoor structure.

In offices, shops and other commercial premises, the noise figure of the device can be much higher. With a large crowd of people, the work of related refrigeration or other equipment, the noise will not be so noticeable

Rules for installing split systems

Comfort in the room where the installation of the air conditioning system is planned depends not only on the technical parameters of the device, but also on the correctness of its installation.

It should be noted that improper installation is one of the most common causes of damage to components and parts of the device in the first year of operation

Therefore, it is better to initially perform all the steps correctly in order to save on the repair or purchase of new climate equipment.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to install the ceiling system correctly.

Stage # 1 - installation of equipment blocks

Depending on the type of ceiling air conditioner, you should decide on the future location of the internal structure. Cassette and duct units are installed in a free area between the main and suspended ceilings.

The inner part of the cassette unit is installed in special suspensions, which are fastened with anchor bolts in one or more cells of the suspended ceiling.

The channel type of equipment can have several air ducts in each room, which are connected to the indoor unit and connected to the distribution grilles. Installation is carried out over a suspended structure, so it is better to perform it before installing the ceiling.

The number and length of ducts is determined based on the parameters and area of ​​the room. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with calculation rules ductwork.

After installing the structure, the air ducts are insulated, soundproofed to prevent condensation and increased noise during operation.

Cassette and channel devices may have a wired type remote control, so an additional wire will be required from the indoor unit

Floor-and-ceiling units are attached to the ceiling using fixing bolts with M10 thread with strict horizontal compliance. If necessary, the ceiling structure is strengthened and leveled.

Installation steps:

1. Drilling holes in the wall with access to the street with a diameter of 55 mm.
2. Routing the cable duct from the hole to the indoor unit.
3. Choosing the optimal location and marking future holes for the brackets for securely fixing the outdoor unit.
4. Drilling holes, fixing brackets, mounting an external unit.
5. Installation of the internal structure depending on the type of split system.
6. Connection of the drainage system to the internal structure.
7. Connecting electricians to the system.
8. Laying the route: thermal insulation is put on the copper pipeline, the tubes are flared and connected to two blocks.

The tightness of the structure depends on the reliability of the connection of the tubes with the external and external units, which directly affects the operability of the device.

Stage # 2 - crimping and evacuation of the system

After laying inter-unit communications, the trunk is checked for integrity and tightness.

Using a vacuum pump, air and water vapor are sucked out. Additionally, a manometric manifold is used to control the pressure inside the unit

When it is established that the system is tight, the line is filled with refrigerant.

Most aggregate models use two-component R 410A freon without chlorine, which is safe for the ozone layer.

If the track is long enough, then additional refueling of the air conditioning system with refrigerant will be required. Features of a self-fueling system we reviewed here.

Stage # 3 - commissioning

After assembling the system, performing a vacuum and filling it with freon, you will need to check the operability of the device and make sure there are no leaks. To do this, turn on the device and start it in all operating modes.

When the device’s operability is checked, it is necessary to perform the final steps: seal the strob with mounting foam, silicone sealant, cement mortar, as well as remove debris, dust and residual materials in the room.

Be sure to test the operation of the unit at different temperatures, to assess the degree of supply of air masses

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An example of installing a cassette unit in a magazine:

Recommendations for the placement of channel devices in the room:

Installation of floor and ceiling systems in a restaurant:

The considered types of ceiling split systems differ in similar installation, the principle of operation, however, they have various positive and negative aspects.

When choosing a unit, a set of parameters, technical characteristics and functional features should be taken into account in order to maximize the organization of air conditioning in the room.

Do you want to supplement the above material with useful comments? Or do you still have questions about the principle of operation or the features of choosing a ceiling split system? Leave your comments, ask questions of interest in the block below.