Picking the right size ceiling air conditioner is an important part of making sure your commercial space has optimal cooling efficiency and your unit fits perfectly into your ceiling space.
Whether you’re running a clinic, salon, childcare facility, nursing home, or any commercial space that needs temperature control, selecting the right size unit ensures your air conditioner provides appropriate cooling without wasting energy.
In this guide, we’ll talk you through how to best assess your ceiling and space conditions, so that you can pick the best size ceiling air conditioner to fit your needs.
Table of Contents
● What is a ceiling air conditioner?
● Understanding the sizes of ceiling air conditioners
● Assessing ceiling and space conditions for installation
- Ceiling height and unit clearance
- Space between the main ceiling and dropped ceiling (Plenum Space)
- Room dimensions and layout
● What you need to consider for installation
- Duct and ventilation system space
- Drainage system requirements
- Unit dimensions and ceiling structure
● Tips for choosing the right size of ceiling air conditioner
● Find your perfect fit
What is ceiling air conditioner?
There are many type of ceiling air conditioner such as ceiling duct, ceiling cassette, ceiling suspended. Ceiling air conditioner is a particular design of air conditioner that can be mounted into the ceiling. This type of unit is designed to provide you with an perfect cooling solution while maximising your wall space.
Unlike traditional wall-mounted units, ceiling air conditioners, for example 4-way cassette air conditioners, deliver 360° air distribution, which makes them a perfect solution for commercial spaces that need consistent airflow.
They’re often installed in suspended ceilings, which allows the bulk of the unit to be hidden, with only the panel visible – making more cleaner aesthetic with cooling air efficiency
Understanding the sizes of cassette air conditioners
When we talk about the “size” of a cassette air conditioner, we’re not just referring to its physical dimensions. The size also includes the unit’s cooling capacity and the clearance needed for it to be properly installed.
Taking these factors into consideration helps make sure your unit operates as effectively as possible and fits neatly into your ceiling space.
Installing a unit that’s too small for your room can lead to inadequate cooling, while on the other hand, a unit that’s too large can waste energy and disrupt your airflow – neither of which is ideal for your commercial space.
Along with providing efficient cooling, the right size unit also helps with ventilation, drainage, and airflow. Choosing a unit that aligns with your ceiling and room specifications will help your commercial space remain comfortable and efficient all year round.
Assessing ceiling and space conditions for installation
There are a number of factors to consider when you’re assessing the ceiling and space conditions for your installation. Here are the top three:
1. Ceiling height
The height of your ceiling plays a key role in selecting the right cassette air conditioner.
Higher ceilings will typically require units with a larger cooling capacity. This is to ensure that the conditioned air reaches every part of the room.
The unit’s space on the ceiling is another important factor, as this space allows for the smooth flow of air.
2. Space between the main ceiling and the dropped ceiling (Plenum space height)
It’s not just the ceiling height and unit clearance that you have to consider – you also need to make sure there’s the right amount of space between your main and dropped ceilings, as well as room for the unit’s ductwork and the drainage system.
Units such as Panasonic’s cassette air conditioners can fit into standard plenum space height, but you first have to check you have enough space for both the unit and any additional components like ductwork.
Measure this space carefully to confirm that your unit will fit without needing any major alterations to your ceiling structure – which can make things tricky and potentially costly.
3. Room dimensions and layout
The overall size and shape of the room your unit is being installed in are equally important when selecting the right cassette air conditioner.
Larger rooms, like waiting areas in clinics or service areas in salons, need units with greater cooling capacity to help keep an even temperature. On the other hand, smaller rooms might need more compact units to avoid excessive cooling and energy waste – which is both unnecessary and expensive.
Take note of any partitions or large furniture that could impact airflow, as this could also impact your choice.
What you need to consider for installation
Now that you’ve assessed your ceiling and space conditions, let’s take a look at the installation itself. Here are some factors you might want to consider when installing your unit:
1. Pipe and ventilation system space
When planning the installation of your cassette air conditioner, take some time to figure out how much room is available for your unit’s pipe systems.
You need to make sure there’s enough space so that the pipes don’t get compressed or blocked during installation.
2. Drainage system requirements
A key component of any air-conditioning system is the drainage system.
This system manages the removal of condensation within the unit. It’s common for larger cassette units to require more space so that they can accommodate bigger drainage pipes, especially in facilities with complex ceiling structures.
Don’t overlook the drainage system when you’re installing your unit. By making sure all the drainage piping has enough space and is fitted correctly, you can avoid any leaks or blockages which could affect your system’s performance.
3. Unit dimensions and ceiling structure
Finally, don’t forget to check that your ceiling structure can support the weight and dimensions of the cassette air conditioner.
Heavier units might need extra ceiling support, so consult with an installer or engineer, and they’ll help you be confident that everything is supported properly.
If your ceiling space is limited, you might want to consider more compact models that still offer top-notch performance without taking up too much room in your commercial space.
Tips for choosing the right size of cassette air conditioner
When it comes to choosing the right size of cassette air conditioner for your commercial space, there are a few handy tips that can help push you along the right path and ensure that your unit perfectly fits your needs:
- Account for your space: We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. The height of your ceiling and the overall size of your space directly impact how effectively the air circulates – so make sure you’re taking your space into consideration.
- Consider your needs: The unit you choose will depend on the needs of your commercial space. For example, a nursing home might need a smaller, quieter unit, while a salon may need a larger, more heavy-duty unit to keep temperatures consistent as people flow in and out of the store.
- Consult with a professional: It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional who can assess your space’s needs, recommend the most suitable unit, and install your system properly.
Panasonic offers a range of cassette air conditioners that suit every commercial need. From our Single Split Packaged Air Conditioners with outstanding energy-saving functions and integral air purification, to our VRF/Mini VRF units, we’ll make sure you can find the right unit for your commercial facility.
Find your perfect fit
Choosing the right size cassette air conditioner is an important part of maintaining comfort and efficiency in your commercial space.
By carefully considering factors such as your ceiling height, room dimensions, and installation requirements, you can ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance from start to finish.
Panasonic’s range of cassette air conditioners is designed to meet the needs of various commercial environments, offering reliable cooling, discreet installation, and peace of mind.
Explore Panasonic’s air solutions today to find the perfect fit for your commercial space.
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