Cassette air conditioners, with their stylish design and powerful cooling capabilities, are particularly well-suited for large spaces. However, they do come with some drawbacks, such as higher product and installation costs, complex maintenance, and less energy efficiency in smaller rooms.
After understanding these drawbacks, it will help you decide whether a Midea cassette AC is the right choice for your home or business.
About Cassette Air Conditioners
Cassette air conditioners are the most popular choice in Bangladesh for offices, restaurants, shops, showrooms, and even luxury homes. Cassette Air conditioner (AC) is mounted on the ceiling, it distributes Airflow 4-way (360°-widely) in any large area.
As an AC expert and RAC Engineer, I have witnessed the growing popularity of Cassette ACs due to their modern technology, smart shape, quiet performance, and durable service. However, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this cooling machine before making a purchase.
In this article, I will lay out the disadvantages of cassette ACs in a practical manner, empowering you to make an informed decision.
What Are the Disadvantages of Cassette AC?
Here are listed two common drawbacks based on technical experience, maintenance history, customer feedback, product price, and durability with user experience.
1. High Installation Cost
Cassette Air conditioner is not a simple cooling device or plug-and-play; it needs expert installation by expert technicians, ceiling modification, strong mounting support, higher-cost accessories higher cost, and installation cost.
You need a high false ceiling or enough ceiling space for installation.
- Installation costs are higher than wall-mounted split AC.
- Electrical wiring and drainage pipe fitting is critical than other AC.
This makes cassette ACs more expensive to install, especially in older buildings without proper ceiling design.
When you want to install in an old building, then install is critical than new modern building.
2. Complex Maintenance and Cleaning
Cassette Air conditioner (AC) is mounted on the ceiling; for that reason, cleaning and maintenance are more complicated.
- Filter cleaning or maintenance requires climbing.
- If there is any drainage issue or refrigerant leak, the ceiling may need to be opened.
- Regular maintenance requires a professional service provider.
When I visit many times to find the problem, I often see the clogged filters and poor drainage, motor issues, and circuit issues, it is cause leaks of cooling or sound.
3. Limited to Ceiling Installation Only
You can only install cassette-type AC in the ceiling or suspended ceiling, instead of Wall-mounted or window AC. It looks like a fashionable cooling machine.
If your home or office has a low ceiling height, it’s not perfect or suitable for your ceiling.
Most old buildings are not perfect for cassette AC in Bangladesh.
4. Uneven Cooling in Irregular-Shaped Rooms
Cassettes AC are designed with a 4-way air distribution direction system. If your rooms are irregularshapes, obstacles, or partitions, some areas may not receive sufficient airflow. You may think cooling inefficiency, but the problems are in another place.
- 4-way airflow works best in open spaces.
- Your furniture may experience uneven temperature zones.
5. Higher Initial Price
Cassette-type Air conditioners (AC) are more expensive to buy and use than wall-mounted split AC. When you use a 1.5 Ton Cassette AC (18000-BTU), comparatively lower cost than a wall-mounted split AC, they are the same capacity. When you are paying for aesthetics, advanced design, and air distribution, it is not necessarily higher cooling power.
6. Ceiling Water Leakage Risks
Cassette AC drain pipes are not correctly installed in your ceiling, and then condensate water leaks from the indoor unit or the ceiling. It can damage the ceiling, tiles, interior paint, or color and light.
Problems may arise due to:
- Blocked drain pipes.
- Faulty water pump or motor.
- Poor installation by untrained technicians.
Therefore, it’s crucial to always hire a certified professional for the installation and servicing of your cassette AC, ensuring the safety and longevity of your investment.
7. Difficult Access for Repairs
When your indoor unit goes wrong, like a faulty fan motor or sensor issue, it is difficult to repair or troubleshoot this problem because the main components are above the ceiling
- Troubleshooting requires ceiling removal.
- It’s time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Repair costs can be higher compared to a split AC.
8. Not Ideal for Small Rooms
Cassettes AC are designed for large and open areas.
It is use in a small room can result in:
- Overcooling.
- High power consumption.
- Poor air circulation efficiency.
Is your room or space small? You can use the wall-mounted split AC for less cost and energy efficiency.
9. Higher Power Consumption
Modern or latest Cassette Air conditioners (AC) are made with inverter technology or energy efficient, older was non non-inverter AC. Cassette ACs are run continuously with consistent cooling, which is perfect for Bangladesh, because Bangladesh is a high humid and hot climate area.
10. Installation Requires Structural Consideration
A cassette AC cannot be installed anywhere.
It needs:
- Sufficient ceiling depth (from 8–12 inches)
- Access for drainage and wiring.
- A safe load-bearing ceiling panel.
Due to these requirements, it is often impractical to install in residential apartments.
Advantages of Cassette AC (For Comparison)
Despite the disadvantages, cassette AC has some notable strength:
✅ Uniform Cooling: 360° airflow ensures a balanced temperature.
✅ Aesthetic Design: It is perfect and bland with the interior design.
✅ Quiet Operation: Low noise level, ideal for conference rooms and restaurants.
✅ Efficient Air Distribution: Covers more space than a wall-mounted split AC with the same capacity.
So, if you want to cool a showroom, office, or restaurant, a cassette AC can be a great choice, as long as it is installed and maintained correctly by professionals.
Cassette AC vs Split AC
| Feature | Cassette AC | Split AC |
| Installation | Ceiling-mounted, complex | Wall-mounted, simple |
| Cooling Coverage | 360° airflow | Single-direction airflow |
| Aesthetics | Hidden and elegant | Visible indoor unit |
| Maintenance | Difficult (requires technician) | Easier to clean |
| Ideal for | Large commercial areas | Homes and small offices |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Noise Level | Very low | Low to moderate |
Is Cassette AC Worth It?
If you have ample open space with a strong ceiling and want a stylish and quiet cooling system, then a Midea cassette AC is definitely worth it.
But if you want to save money, need easy maintenance, or has a small room, then a wall-mounted split AC is a better choice.
As an AC technician in Bangladesh, my recommendation is:
👉 Go for a cassette AC in showrooms, offices, or restaurants.
👉 Use a split inverter AC for homes and small spaces.
Professional Tips to Avoid Cassette AC Problems
- Hire experienced and advanced technicians for installation.
- Need professional servicing every 4–6 months.
- Regular clean air filters and drains lines.
- Always check for ceiling leaks and noise.
These minor issues are more significant and can extend lifespan and prevent repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the disadvantages of cassette AC?
Disadvantages of cassette Air conditioners (AC) include high installation cost, complex maintenance, limited ceiling space, higher purchase price, and possible ceiling leakage.
Is cassette AC better than split AC?
Cassette AC is better suited for large and commercial areas, while split AC is more suitable for small homes and offices.
Can cassette AC be installed in any ceiling?
No. It is required A false ceiling is required with sufficient space and structural strength.
Does cassette AC consume more electricity?
Yes, older or non-inverter cassette AC uses more electricity, but inverter cassette AC is more energy-efficient and saves power in the long run.
How long does cassette AC last?
With sound installation and regular maintenance, a cassette AC can last for 10 to 15 years without significant problems.
Conclusion
A cassette air conditioner is an excellent choice for modern spaces with residential and commercial areas, but it has some drawbacks. The disadvantages of cassette AC, like high installation cost, difficult maintenance, and limited installation places, should be checked before buying it. However, if you need cassette AC to be installed and serviced by professionals, it can give strong, quiet, and even cooling. If you need cassette AC installation, servicing, or repair in Bangladesh, always contact a certified AC technician to keep your cooling system running smoothly for a long time.