System Types

Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioning

Recessed into the ceiling with only a slim grille on show, cassette air conditioning delivers even, multi-directional cooling and heating without taking any wall or floor space — the discreet, professional choice for offices, shops, restaurants and open-plan rooms.

Daikin wall-mounted air conditioning unit in white, neatly installed by Tempest

In short

A cassette air conditioner is recessed into a suspended or plasterboard ceiling, with only a flush grille visible. It distributes air in two or four directions for even comfort across large or open-plan spaces, making it popular for Surrey offices, retail units and restaurants.

Discreet cooling from above

A cassette unit sits within the ceiling void, leaving only a flush decorative grille flush with the ceiling line. Most are four-way blow, pushing conditioned air evenly into all corners of a room from a central point, which is ideal for square open-plan spaces. Two-way and one-way cassettes suit narrower rooms and corridors.

Because the bulk of the unit is hidden, cassettes are the go-to where appearance matters — boardrooms, showrooms, salons and restaurants — and where wall space is taken up by glazing, shelving or signage. They do require a ceiling void (typically a suspended ceiling) deep enough to house the unit and its pipework.

Where cassettes work best

Cassettes shine in commercial and open-plan settings: a single central unit can condition a large area far more evenly than multiple wall units. They are commonly specified for Surrey offices on business parks, retail floors, hospitality spaces and converted commercial buildings with suspended ceilings.

In homes they appear in open-plan kitchen-diners, garden rooms and orangeries with the right ceiling construction. Where there is no ceiling void — a typical pitched-roof room or a solid ceiling — a wall-mounted or ducted system is usually the better fit. We assess the ceiling build-up at survey.

  • Recessed into the ceiling — only a slim grille on view
  • Two-way or four-way airflow for even distribution
  • Frees up all wall and floor space
  • Ideal for offices, retail, hospitality and open-plan rooms
  • Requires a suitable ceiling void (usually suspended ceiling)
  • Available across single-split, multi-split and VRF systems
 

Frequently asked questions

What ceiling do I need for a cassette unit?
Cassettes need a ceiling void — most commonly a suspended (false) ceiling — deep enough to recess the unit and route pipework and condensate. Without a void, a wall-mounted or ducted system is usually more suitable.
Are cassette units good for offices?
Yes. A single four-way cassette distributes air evenly across an open-plan office or shop floor, with a discreet appearance that keeps walls clear. They are a common choice for Surrey business parks and retail units.
Can cassette air conditioning heat as well as cool?
Yes. Like all the systems we install, cassettes are reverse-cycle and provide both heating and cooling, giving year-round comfort from one ceiling unit.
How is condensate drained from a ceiling cassette?
Cassettes include a built-in condensate pump that lifts the water away through pipework hidden in the ceiling void to a suitable drain, so there is no visible drainage.

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