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

Modern ceiling-type air conditioning systems are distinguished by a wide variety of designs, appearance and installation features.Are you thinking about purchasing such a device, but don’t know which one is best to choose to equip your room? We will help you make the right choice so that you can choose the appropriate equipment option for your apartment, home or office.

Let's figure out together what a split ceiling system is and what the specifics of its operation are. We will also consider popular types of equipment, their design features, and the nuances of choosing and installing climate control equipment.

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

Types and design of ceiling systems

Ceiling type devices are one of the types of air conditioners for domestic and semi-industrial use. Consists of two blocks: compressor-condenser - for outdoor installation, and an evaporative device intended for indoor installation.

Some models are distinguished by the presence of additional optional features, for example, they heat the air and carefully filter it.

The operating principle of ceiling-type cooling equipment is similar to classic models. In the system, freon also circulates inside the refrigeration circuit. Here in the diagram of the expansion valve is a thermostatic valve

Let's look at the most popular types of ceiling-mounted air conditioners.

Type #1 - cassette air conditioning system

This type of device is considered the optimal solution for facilities where uniform distribution of cooled air flows is important. The devices are installed in the interceiling space, so they are suitable for any interior and do not spoil its appearance, like wall-mounted systems.

Most often, products are used to equip apartments, houses, cottages with high ceilings - more than 3 meters, offices, halls, cinema halls, shopping centers, restaurants and other large premises.

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 premises, shops, warehouses, etc.

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

Mostly on the market there are square-shaped models of standard sizes - about 600 mm on each side. They differ in different cooling and heating power, functionality and level of energy savings.

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

One of the advantages of cassette systems is the concealment of the device’s 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 rotating blinds. The grille performs the function of taking in warm air, which occurs due to the operation of an axial fan.

Next, the air masses pass through the evaporator heat exchanger, where the cooling process occurs. The working substance for moving the heat energy of air flows is freon.

The already cooled masses are returned to the room and distributed evenly due to adjustable blinds. Their inclination level can be changed using the control panel.

This is how the process of uniform cooling of air masses in an air-conditioned room looks like in the case of using cassette units

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

The main advantages of the cassette type system:

• air flow 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, remembering selected settings, preventing the formation of ice, and others.

In addition, the system also has some disadvantages - high cost, compared to wall-mounted devices, and the possibility of installation only in the space between the main and suspended parts of the ceiling structure. This type of device is not suitable for apartments with ceilings with a height of 250-270 cm.

We discussed the issue of installing a cassette split system in more detail in another our article.

Type #2 - duct split system

The devices have a similar design to the previous type. The main distinctive feature of the technology is the implementation of supply and exhaust ventilation due to the air channel.

Such systems are installed in multi-room apartments, offices, shops and other large premises.

An air conditioner can cool several rooms at the same time, but it is not possible to select different temperatures in different rooms.

The external part is a structure consisting of the main block, supply and outlet air ducts. The number of air ducts can be adjusted independently depending on the area that needs to be conditioned.

The indoor unit is placed inside the ceiling structure, so that the communication system and the device housing 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 distribute the air ducts.

In the hidden part of the ceiling of the rooms the required amount is installed air ducts to ensure air conditioning of all rooms. Each of its exits is covered with a decorative panel with a grille.

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

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

The duct unit is designed for conditioning recirculated air. However, its special design makes it possible to cool/heat masses with up to 30% fresh air.

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

For the entry of fresh air masses, a special channel is provided through which they are supplied to the indoor unit for processing.

During operation in constant ventilation mode, new street air is supplied through the air ducts, 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 an external part - the housing. The block should be placed on the outer wall of the building with minimal access to sunlight.

The advantages of the unit include the following aspects:

• minimal intervention in the design of the room;
• you can air condition several or one large room at the same time;
• Cooling and warming of air flows is possible even with constant addition of fresh air.

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

For example, the main disadvantages are:

• maintaining a uniform temperature regime without the possibility of regulating it in different rooms;
• Can be installed only in rooms with high ceilings;
• for installation, you will need to use the services of specialists in order to correctly position the air ducts and the entire system as a whole;
• high cost of the system.

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

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

Type #3 - floor-ceiling devices

The devices are distinguished by the possibility of installing them under the ceiling, and, if necessary, on the floor.

Ceiling systems can be placed either on a permanent structure or on a suspended one. This allows you to significantly reduce the cost of installing the product, and can also be used to organize an air conditioning system in rooms with any type and height of ceiling

The internal body 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 can be fixed to the wall or ceiling.

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

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

Additionally, floor-ceiling devices can dehumidify air in conditions of high humidity, provide ventilation, maintain a constant temperature regime programmed by the user, and operate in night mode

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

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

• frame – external part of the device;
• evaporator heat exchanger – performs the function of removing heat from air flows in cooling mode;
• internal 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.

Filtration of conditioned air occurs due to the air filter element, which is also located in the indoor unit.

The external structure of the system is installed on the wall of the building and connected to the internal one using an interblock freon route.

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

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

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

The advantages of this type of air conditioner include 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 aspects of the devices are their high cost and the inability to install them in the ceiling space.

Recommendations for choosing devices

When purchasing climate control equipment, you should pay attention to the configuration, appearance, and also take into account technical indicators that affect the performance of the system. Let us consider in more detail the main criteria for the correct selection of equipment.

Brand and class level

Like all devices, split systems are produced in budget, medium and premium versions, which differ in cost and functionality.It is better to purchase a unit from 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 start 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. Brands in demand among duct equipment Mitsubishi Electric, Haier, General Climate. The price range for them is from 40 to 120 thousand rubles. Users named the following best brands of floor-ceiling units: Panasonic, Shivaki, Daikin And LG. These brands produce mid- and premium-class equipment.

Determination of equipment power

Another important criterion is the 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 specifications for a device may indicate the cooling capacity in BTUs or electrical watts, which can help determine the size of the room the unit is suitable for.

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

For convenience, it is better to use the table for calculating the power of the system, which will allow you to quickly and correctly select the required option for climate control equipment

Based on the 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 of 50-60 m² it is better to buy with an indicator of 18, 24 BTU.We discussed the issue of calculating system power in more detail in this article.

Noise level of climate control equipment

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

Therefore, to equip an apartment, house or other residential building, it is recommended to use devices with low noise levels - 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 level of the device can be much higher. When there are large crowds of people or when associated refrigeration or other equipment is operating, the noise will not be so noticeable

Rules for installing split systems

Comfort in the room where you plan to install an air conditioning system depends not only on the technical parameters of the device, but also on the correctness of its installation.

It should be noted that incorrect installation is one of the most common causes of failure of units 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 repairs or purchase of new climate control equipment.

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

Stage #1 - installation of equipment units

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 the free area between the main and suspended ceilings.

The internal part of the cassette unit is installed in special hangers, which are secured using anchor bolts in one or more cells of the suspended ceiling.

The duct type of equipment may have several air ducts in each room, which are connected to the indoor unit and connected to distribution grilles. The installation is carried out above a suspended structure, so it is better to do it before installing the ceiling.

The number and length of air ducts are determined based on the parameters and area of ​​the room. We recommend that you read calculation rules air ducts

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

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

Floor-ceiling units are attached to the ceiling using fastening bolts with M10 threads with strict adherence to horizontality. If necessary, the ceiling structure is strengthened and leveled.

Installation steps:

1. Drilling a hole in the wall with access to the street with a diameter of 55 mm.
2. Laying a cable duct from the hole to the indoor unit.
3. Selecting the optimal location and marking future holes for brackets to securely fasten the outdoor unit.
4. Drilling holes, securing brackets, installing an external unit.
5. Installation of the internal structure depending on the type of split system.
6. Connecting the drainage system to the internal structure.
7. Electrical connection 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 performance of the device.

Stage #2 - pressure testing and evacuation of the system

After laying interblock communications, the main line is checked for integrity and tightness.

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

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

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

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

Stage #3 - commissioning

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

When the functionality of the device has been verified, it is necessary to perform the final steps: seal the groove with polyurethane foam, silicone sealant, cement mortar, and also remove debris, dust and remaining materials in the room.

It is imperative to test the operation of the unit at different temperatures and evaluate the degree of air mass supply

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An example of installing a cassette unit in a store:

Recommendations for placing duct devices in the room:

Installation of a floor-ceiling system in a restaurant:

The types of ceiling-type split systems considered are distinguished by similar installation and operating principles, but have various positive and negative aspects.

When choosing a unit, you should take into account a set of parameters, technical characteristics and functional features in order to organize air conditioning in the room as correctly as possible.

Would you like to supplement the above material with useful comments? Or do you still have questions about the operating principle or features of choosing a ceiling-type split system? Leave your comments and ask your questions in the block below.