When it comes to choosing the best mini split device for your home, numerous important factors must be considered.
Needless to say, you will look at the cooling capacity as the primary aspect, but the price and the aesthetics of the mini split air conditioner also play a rather important role.
This guide will compare the mini split ceiling cassette and the wall unit. The main differences between a mini split ceiling cassette and a wall mount unit are the case, installation, and cost.
What is a mini split ceiling cassette?
This kind of mini split system is rather popular, especially in office spaces, as they don’t take up too much room, and they’re hidden in the ceiling.
A mini split ceiling cassette is an excellent choice for small spaces, especially if you don’t want an indoor unit that will take up most of the wall space.
Many interior designers will agree that cassette air conditioners are a much more flexible and versatile choice than wall mount systems, as they don’t clash with your interior aesthetics.
What’s more, the ceiling positioning of ceiling cassettes allows for better distribution of cool air throughout the room, which contributes to their overall cooling capacity.
You will also find that ceiling cassette units are extremely easy to maintain, as they only require a quick dusting and wiping of the filters occasionally.
However, keep in mind that the ease of maintenance largely depends upon the ceiling height, as not everyone is willing to climb the ladder whenever they want to clean and check on their air conditioning system.
You will also notice that there are hardly any noise complaints regarding ceiling cassettes, as they’re relatively quiet compared to a conventional air conditioning unit.
Moreover, high-quality mini split cassette units operate on the four-way airflow principle, meaning that the cool air is directed to each room corner, covering a wide area.
You can also choose whether you want the air to blow out of all four outlets or you’d prefer to customize the airflow depending on your preferences.
A mini split ceiling cassette is also considered an energy-efficient air conditioning solution, as it quickly reaches the desired temperature, saving energy.
Before deciding to install mini split ceiling cassettes, it is necessary to check the spacing between the rafters in your ceiling, as you don’t want any structural components to block the airflow.
Remember that most ceiling cassette units are at least 22,5 inches wide, so the spacing between the rafters needs to be larger for the unit to fit.
It is not recommended to install your ceiling cassette near areas with extreme temperatures – high or low.
These conditions could affect the system’s cooling or heating capacity and compromise the temperature readings.
What is a wall mount mini split?
A wall mount ductless mini split system is the most popular option for mini split air conditioning systems.
Thanks to their growing popularity, these systems are widely available in many sizes, offering different cooling capacities and features.
In addition to being widely available, these units are more affordable, which has only contributed to their overall popularity.
Many users gravitate more towards a wall-mounted mini split unit than a ceiling cassette since they’re super easy to install, position, and maintain.
In this case, you don’t have to worry about ceiling height or the structural components in the ceiling that could affect the airflow.
However, an essential factor to consider regarding a wall mount mini split is that it will take up some wall space, which may be a problem if your walls are already crowded.
What’s more, another disadvantage of wall-mounted mini-split systems is that they’re not hidden inside the wall, and they may clash with your interior aesthetics.
Then again, keep in mind that these units are available in various colors and designs, so you should be able to find a unit that isn’t disrupting the vibes of your home.
While the ceiling height isn’t a factor in a wall-mounted mini-split system, the wall height is. The walls must be at least 7 ft tall, as these units are typically installed 6 ft high.
While the unit can be installed lower, keep in mind that this is not the optimal height for the airflow, and the cool (or hot) air may not be distributed evenly all over the room.
Moreover, you never want to install a wall mount unit on a sloping wall or near other appliances – as this could cause electromagnetic interference.
What are the differences between a mini split ceiling cassette and a wall mount mini split?
Are you still unable to make the final decision when it comes to choosing between a ceiling cassette and a wall mount mini split system?
Let’s compare the two options in the essential aspects and see which one is a better match for your home.
1. Position
The main difference between these two options is in positioning. As the name implies, a ceiling cassette is installed inside your ceiling, whereas a wall mount unit is mounted on the wall.
If you’d like your mini split unit to be more discrete, you will gravitate more towards the ceiling unit, which is hidden inside the ceiling structure.
On the other hand, a wall mount unit is located on the wall and is very much visible – but also easily accessible.
2. Design
If you prioritize aesthetics when it comes to appliances, you may not be the biggest fan of wall-mounted air conditioning systems.
Since they’re located on the wall, they’re pretty much impossible to hide, so you will have to make them blend into your interior design.
What will make this job much more accessible is the fact that these mini split units are available in a wide array of colors and designs.
On the other hand, the ceiling cassette is a much more practical choice, as it is almost invisible.
Since it is located in the ceiling, it will not interfere with your home interior, and you don’t have to worry about it taking up your wall space.
3. Installation and maintenance
It is safe to say that a ceiling cassette system is harder to install since it requires a hole in your ceiling.
You also have to make sure that the structural components in the ceiling allow for this system to be installed and that none of them will interfere with the airflow.
Since it is located in the ceiling, this system can be harder to maintain, especially if your ceiling is relatively high and you must use a ladder.
On the other hand, a wall-mounted unit doesn’t depend upon the structural elements as much, but the optimal height for this unit is about 6 feet.
The indoor condenser is mounted on the wall, the installation isn’t as pricey, and you don’t have to worry about the attic space necessary to install a ceiling cassette.
Since it is easily accessible, a wall-mounted mini split is much easier to maintain and keep clean throughout the year.
4. Price
Keep in mind that ceiling cassette systems and their installation and maintenance are usually more expensive.
This is one of the main reasons why the wall-mounted option seems to be more popular.
Mini split ceiling cassette vs. wall mount: Are they the same?
Both of these air conditioning options have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two depends upon many factors – but mainly your personal preferences.
A wall-mount unit will be a better choice if you don’t have enough attic space, structural elements would interfere with the airflow, and you want a more accessible, more affordable option.
On the other hand, a ceiling cassette is discrete, easy to fit into any interior design, offers a great cooling capacity, and is an excellent choice even for larger areas.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
