Are Ceiling Unit Air Conditioners Worth It In The UK?

November 13 2024by Maximum Climate Control

The main draw for ceiling unit air conditioner systems is their discreetly concealed look and higher energy efficiency. They offer four-way airflow, which makes them ideal for open commercial spaces that need to distribute cooling evenly throughout multiple areas. Restaurants, offices, or retail stores are all perfect examples, as well as large homes and classrooms.

A lot of businesses and homeowners invest in ceiling-mounted AC units in the UK because of the wide availability of high-end products by top-notch heating and air conditioning companies like Daikin and Toshiba. At Maximum Climate Control, we have been supporting businesses and homeowners in the UK with essential installation, planning, and safety solutions for sophisticated ceiling-mounted air conditioning. If you are wondering if this equipment is right for your property, this article is for you.

Understanding Ceiling Unit Air Conditioner Systems

Ceiling unit air conditioners are typically installed directly into the ceiling, often as part of a central air conditioning system. In contrast to the “targeted cooling” offered by wall-mounted ACs, this centralised cooling can cover multiple areas, offering the same temperature throughout. Cool air passes through the ceiling vents.

Today, there is a range of innovations for split, ducted, and compact ceiling air conditioners, available in inverter and non-inverter options.

• Split Air Conditioners: These systems are more significant for rooms up to 300 sq ft and up to 8kw units. These units are easier to install than ducted systems, connecting the indoor unit with an outdoor compressor. Varieties include mono-split and multi-split ACs, and Daikin has a patented multi-split type VRV or VRF heat extraction system. All these different types of split air conditioners are designed for spatial needs and meet practical usability based on size, function, and roof condition.
• Ducted Air Ceiling Conditioners: Bulkhead ducted ceiling AC units, multizone units, and cassette ceiling unit air conditioner systems are some of the primary products available in the UK. Ducted systems are designed for larger areas and commercial properties. They can offer reverse-cycle heating and cooling or offer cooling only. The air is distributed across a series of ducts. However, the ducts stay concealed in the false ceiling cavity, and once installed, you can only see the ceiling vents and controller.
• Compact ACs: These systems are designed for compact enclosures and are quite popular in the UK. You can get cooling capacities and designs in free-standing options.

Climate Change, the Growing Need for Aircons in the UK, and the Important Considerations

Britain has historically been a “cold country,” more used to heating systems and radiators than air conditioning units. However, due to the impact of climate change, there has been a marked increase in heatwaves.

Britain’s climate has become warmer. Much warmer in fact. Heatwaves that have been historically rare and not “normal” in Britain are becoming increasingly common here. Heat periods are being reported now. The UK Government’s website indicated the highest number of 2,227 deaths in 2022.

The rising temperature in the UK signifies the wider adoption of air conditioning and heat extraction systems in the UK now.

Britain is a country of old houses. The hundreds and thousands of Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian properties and period homes had thick walls and smaller windows and didn’t have adequate insulation as per modern standards. As a result, indoor spaces can become stiflingly warm.

Moreover, UK building codes have significant priorities that set the country apart from the EU.
There are energy efficiency ratings, and listed buildings require careful planning for modernisation for not to impact the external features.

So while there is a big requirement for air conditioning units, property owners also need to comply with certain building codes, especially when they have period property, which is very common in the UK.

For all of these reasons, internal air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Ducted ceiling-mounted units can offer an excellent solution, for they are discreetly hidden behind a grill in a void space in the ceiling. You can find a wide range of energy-efficient options too.

Looking to Install Ceiling Unit Air Conditioner Systems in the UK? Find the best products with certified installation by Maximum Air

With its 360° Round Flow cassette ceiling unit air conditioner systems, Daikin introduced auto-cleaning cassettes to the EU market. Osaka-based Daikin is one of the world’s largest heating and air conditioning companies that has built a big name in the UK for its energy-efficient technology. Is this system right for your property?

Explore more products like this in our catalogue of ceiling-mounted air conditioners available for sale in the UK. We offer complete design, supply and installation solutions for residential and commercial clients. Contact us at Maximum Climate Control to talk about your needs and know the options you have from our technical experts.

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