Mini split systems are air conditioners that have a split indoor and outdoor unit connected by a series of wires and refrigeration lines for exhaust and coolant. These units come in many models, including the ceiling cassette unit, and the wall-mounted mini split units.

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In this article, we take a look at the difference between these two mini split systems to find out which type of air conditioning unit is most suitable for your home or office. These indoor air handlers boast high cooling capacities with moderate energy efficiency, but they differ in space, maintenance, and price.

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What Are Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioning Systems?

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Ceiling cassette air conditioning units are mini split systems that are mounted on the ceiling instead of the wall. This is often done to optimize space, and to clear the floor and wall space for other uses while operating a cooling system that can cool multiple zones at a time. Ceiling cassette units have outdoor units that can connect to multiple indoor units.

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Pros

Space Requirements

Ceiling cassette units were made to be space-saving, and only use ceiling space. This makes ceiling cassette mini splits suitable for offices and commercial spaces where floor-mounted and wall-mounted air conditioning units can be inconvenient. They have a discreet design that won't cause an eyesore in spaces.

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Energy Consumption

Ceiling cassettes are energy-saving as they can cool large areas with little to moderate energy consumption. Compared to central HVAC systems, ceiling cassettes can save you energy bills in the long run, particularly with inverter models.

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Cooling Power

Ceiling cassette air conditioners offer even cooling throughout large spaces, and can fit along a series of indoor units to provide cooling comfort to multiple rooms at a time. This type of air conditioning system is ideal for offices and homes with multiple large rooms to evenly cool the space throughout.

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Cons

Budget

Ceiling-mounted models are costly, amounting to around $1000 – $10000 just for the unit alone. Installation costs will increase the initial cost of the unit, and professional cleaning and maintenance will increase the operating costs of the unit as well.

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Maintenance

Maintenance is not often done DIY, and professional cleaning is the best care to keep the unit from breaking down. Because of its positioning and intricate setup, ceiling-mounted units are best maintained with the help of licensed HVAC technicians.

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What Are Wall-Mounted Units?

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Wall-mounted mini split systems are the modern air conditioners common in many homes and offices. These wall units feature a sleek design, as well as powerful cooling capacity capable of cooling multiple rooms at a time. Smart models can connect to Wi-Fi and mobile devices, and can regulate temperature according to the weather.

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Pros

Budget

Compared to ceiling cassette models and central HVAC systems, wall-mounted mini split systems are relatively affordable. Units can range from $500 to $5000 depending on the brand, model, and whether the unit is a smart air conditioner with inverter technology.

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Energy Consumption

These modern appliances were made to be energy-saving, consuming less electricity than traditional HVAC systems. Inverter units and smart models optimize the use of the air conditioner, leading to cost-efficient energy consumption without compromising cooling efficiency.

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Cooling Power

Ductless wall units average 12,000 BTU to 60,000 BTU in cooling capacity, which is enough to cool almost 2,000 square feet of space! Ductless units can be used for both moderately-sized spaces, and large spaces, comfortably cooling the area quickly. However, temperature may fluctuate depending on the airflow of the unit.

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Maintenance

Wall-mounted systems are easy to maintain, and the filter can be cleaned at home without the help of a professional. Professional services vary, and you can always scout for the best deals available to your area when needed. Wall units are durable as well, so they rarely need repairs as long as the unit has been properly maintained.

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Cons

Space Requirements

Unlike ceiling cassette type of air conditioners, a wall unit will need adequate space on the wall to mount the mini split system. The wall must have an exterior side where the outdoor unit can be placed, and the installation process includes drilling through the wall to loop the wires and refrigerant lines through, which may not be ideal for rented spaces.

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Mini Split: Ceiling Cassette vs. Wall Mount Differences

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The Verdict

Both ceiling cassette and wall-mounted units are efficient cooling systems that can cool large spaces, and multiple rooms at a time. Choosing the most suitable unit for your home depends on your requirements, budget, and available space in your area.

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Wall-mounted units are generally more cost-effective in the long run, but ceiling cassettes are able to cool multiple zones at the same time without taking up additional floor or wall space. Wall-mounted units are suitable for residential use as they are easy to maintain, while commercial and office spaces can use either wall-mounted units or ceiling cassettes.