Select Color
Retail Sales Price: Panasonic Online Price: SHOP NOW SHOP NOW WHERE TO BUY Buy from Panasonic Where to Buy Out of Stock at Panasonic Online

A complete guide to ceiling-exposed air conditioning

Cafe-restaurant with a ceiling-exposed air conditioner installed.

Are you looking for an air-conditioning solution that doesn’t compromise your wall space or interior design? Ceiling-exposed air conditioning might be the perfect solution.

Ceiling-exposed air-conditioning systems have become increasingly popular in commercial settings.
They offer a way to cool spaces effectively while keeping walls and floor space clutter-free.

However, choosing the right solution requires careful consideration.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ceiling-exposed air conditioners and their key characteristics. We’ll cover what to consider when choosing the perfect system, from setup to long-term costs.

Table of Contents

What is a ceiling-exposed air conditioner?
Key advantages of ceiling-exposed air conditioners
- Efficient space utilisation
- Superior air distribution
- Aesthetic appeal
- Quiet operation
- Reliability
Disadvantages of ceiling-exposed air conditioners
- Visual impact
- Installation constraints and expense
- Maintenance accessibility
Choosing the right ceiling-exposed air conditioner
- Understanding your space
- Calculating the right system size
- Smart features and efficiency
- Cost considerations
Tips for installing a ceiling-exposed air-conditioning system
Choosing the best ceiling-exposed air conditioner

What is a ceiling-exposed air conditioner?

Panasonic's ceiling-exposed air conditioner

A ceiling-exposed air conditioner is a system designed to be mounted directly onto a solid ceiling surface, making it an excellent option for spaces without a suspended ceiling.

Unlike cassette units, which are recessed into a ceiling void, ceiling-exposed units are fully visible yet sleekly designed to minimise visual impact.

These systems provide powerful, directional airflow, ensuring effective cooling and even temperature distribution throughout the room. Their placement on the ceiling maximises wall and floor space, making them ideal for areas where space optimisation is essential.

This characteristic makes them particularly suited to environments such as offices, retail spaces, and factories with solid ceilings or architectural limitations that prevent the use of concealed units.

In addition to their functional benefits, ceiling-exposed air conditioners are designed to blend seamlessly into modern interiors.

With their minimalist and streamlined appearance, they can complement various design styles while delivering outstanding performance.

Installing them is typically straightforward, making them a practical choice for retrofitting into existing spaces or for new builds where suspended ceilings are not an option.

Key advantages of ceiling-exposed air conditioners

Ceiling-exposed air conditioners offer a range of benefits that make them attractive choices for commercial use.
Here are some of the key advantages of choosing ceiling-exposed air conditioners for your building:

Efficient space utilisation

One of the primary benefits of ceiling-exposed air conditioners is their space-saving design.

By being mounted on the ceiling, these units free up valuable wall and floor space, making them ideal for rooms where space optimisation is essential. This is particularly valuable in commercial settings where every square metre counts.

Superior air distribution

Airflow from ceiling-exposed air conditioner

Ceiling-exposed air conditioners excel at providing even temperature distribution throughout a room. Their elevated position and multi-directional airflow capability ensure that cool air reaches all corners of the space effectively.

Aesthetic appeal

Ceiling-exposed air conditioner in a shoe store

Ceiling-exposed air-conditioning units feature slim, compact, modern designs that blend with various interior styles.

Quiet operation

Modern ceiling-exposed air conditioners are engineered to operate quietly, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices, or healthcare facilities.

Reliability

Ceiling-exposed air conditioners are known for their durability and dependable performance.

Their secure ceiling-mounted design reduces the risk of damage, and they can run reliably for long periods of time – ultimately reducing maintenance costs.

However, regular cleaning and maintenance further enhances their longevity. With proper care, these units can provide consistent cooling for years.

Disadvantages of ceiling-exposed air conditioners

While ceiling-exposed air conditioners offer several benefits, they also have some drawbacks that should be considered:

Visual impact

Unlike concealed or cassette units, ceiling-exposed systems remain fully visible. While their sleek design reduces their prominence, they may not appeal to those seeking a completely discreet cooling solution.

Installation constraints

These units require a solid ceiling structure capable of supporting their weight. Spaces with limited ceiling height or weak structural support may face challenges in accommodating such systems.

Maintenance accessibility

Routine maintenance, such as filter cleaning and repairs, may require more effort due to a ceiling-exposed air conditioner’s elevated positioning. Accessing these units often requires ladders or professional assistance, increasing maintenance costs and complexity.

Choosing the right ceiling-exposed air conditioner

Selecting the right ceiling-exposed air conditioner is a critical decision that will impact your comfort and energy bills for years to come.

A well-matched system will provide reliable, efficient cooling throughout your space, while choosing the wrong unit could mean inadequate cooling and higher running costs.

Let’s examine the key factors that should guide your choice.

Understanding your space

Commercial space ideal for air conditioner installation

To select the right system, you’ll first need to evaluate your room’s basic characteristics and usage patterns. High ceilings, large windows, and heat-generating equipment significantly impact cooling requirements.

Key features to look out for include:

● Daily usage patterns and peak occupancy times
● Window location and sun exposure
● Equipment that generates heat
● Current insulation quality
● Ceiling height and structural support

Gaining insight into the space’s layout and dynamics offers a solid foundation for calculating the appropriate system size.

Calculating the right system size

Reviewing blueprints to calculate the appropriate system size

Determining the cooling capacity for your space is fundamental to choosing the right system.

As a rough guide, every cubic metre of space requires approximately 70 watts of cooling power to maintain a comfortable temperature. Use the basic calculations below to roughly ascertain what cooling power you need (please bear in mind that these formulas are just for reference only, as the required cooling capacity may be affected by objects that emit heat or heat-absorbent materials):

Room size calculation: length × width × height = room volume in cubic metres. For example, 6 m × 5 m × 2.4 m = 72 cubic metres.
● Cooling requirement: 70 watts per cubic metre. For example, 72 cubic metres × 70 watts = 5,040 watts (5.04 kW) for a 72 cubic metre room

While these calculations provide a starting point, professional HVAC installers take into account factors like building materials, window direction, occupancy, and usage patterns. This helps ensure the system is perfectly matched to the space’s size and usage.

Smart features and efficiency

Modern ceiling units are packed with smart technology that gives you incredible control over your indoor environment, whether for home or commercial use.

Key features to look out for include:

● Smart connectivity for remote temperature control and scheduling via your phone
● Intelligent energy management with variable speed compressors
● Advanced filtration systems that remove allergens and maintain ideal humidity
● Flexible programming options for different zones and times of day

These innovations deliver more than just cooling – they create comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that are healthier to work and live in while keeping running costs under control.

Cost considerations

Cost, both up front and long-term, matters. While energy-efficient systems may be pricier initially, they can save considerably on energy over time.
It’s also worth considering installation costs. Ceiling-exposed units are more difficult, and therefore more expensive, to install. However, they do provide more efficient cooling than wall-mounted units.

It’s worth considering both the costs and the savings that ceiling-exposed air conditioners offer before making your final decision.

Tips for installing a ceiling air-conditioning system

Technician installing a ceiling air-conditioning system

Installing a ceiling-exposed air conditioner isn’t usually a DIY-friendly task. It requires tricky electrical work, structural adjustments, and refrigerant handling, so bringing in a professional can make a huge difference.

An experienced technician can set everything up safely and fine-tune it for top performance, helping you get the most out of your system.

They’ll also know how to tackle common obstacles, like high ceilings or tricky routing for electrical and drainage connections, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently for the long term.

Choosing the best ceiling-exposed air conditioner

Choosing and installing the right ceiling-exposed air conditioner involves assessing your space and prioritising the features, controls, and convenience that suit your needs.

By understanding your room’s requirements and selecting the right capacity, you’ll create a system that keeps your space cool and comfortable for years to come.

Panasonic offers ceiling-exposed air-conditioning units for any space, from private homes to large commercial buildings:

● Our range of ceiling-exposed units combines efficient operation with powerful airflow that reaches up to 13 metres – ideal for larger spaces like stores and schools.
● Our R32 Inverter NX Series ceiling-exposed unit offers advanced features like nanoe™ X technology for improved air quality and deodorisation.

Explore Panasonic’s air-conditioning range to find the perfect solution for your space.

Related Products

4-Way Cassette
 

4-Way Mini Cassette
 

Floor Standing

Ceiling
 

Floor Standing

Wall-mounted
air conditioners