1- A general overview of central and concealed air conditioning

central air conditioning

Central air conditioning works as a single compact unit that is placed outside the building (on the attic or back setback)

The duct extends air ducts from it to the place to be air conditioned

Hidden air conditioning

Concealed air conditioning operates as a separate outdoor unit that is placed outside the building (on the attic or back setback)

An internal unit is installed inside the building above the false ceiling, and air ducts are extended from it to the place to be air conditioned, and they are connected with control wires and copper pipes.

2- Advantages and disadvantages of central air conditioning
Central air conditioning, Mama Noura project, central air conditioning unit

Central air conditioning is characterized by the multiple cooling capacities available and the ability to air condition a large area with one air conditioning unit

The duct lengths carry large air ducts and there is no maintenance inside the building

Permanent air renewal because it contains an air mixing box that mixes the return air with a certain percentage of the outside air.

The disadvantage of central air conditioning is that it requires holes in the concrete to extend the “duct” of the air ducts

Its high price compared to other systems and its increased rate of electrical consumption

It requires providing a large space for the external unit and requires a specialized technician to maintain it

3- Advantages and disadvantages of concealed air conditioning
Concealed air conditioning indoor unit. Concealed air conditioning indoor unit

Concealed air conditioning is characterized by its average price compared to central air conditioning and its low rate of electrical consumption

Its external unit is small in size and does not require holes in the concrete, just extending copper pipes into the walls

The disadvantage of concealed air conditioning is its limited cooling capacity and the inability to extend air ducts over large lengths

Any malfunction or water leak in the internal unit could affect the gypsum ceilings or existing furniture and require the technician to enter the building.

4- Operating conditions and requirements for central air conditioning

Central air conditioning requires vertical openings in the concrete ceiling of the building for air ducts to pass from the central unit into the building.

Make concrete foundations for the external unit, making sure they can bear the required weight.

External air ducts need specialized insulation to withstand external temperatures.

Extending an electricity source next to the unit, whose cables can bear the high electrical load, along with an operating switch (electrical breaker), and all of this is in accordance with the specifications shown in the manufacturer’s catalogue.

5- Operating conditions and requirements for concealed air conditioning
Establishing hidden air conditioning: Establishing the pipes that the copper passes through before pouring concrete for the ceilings

Concealed air conditioning requires foundations before concrete pouring, either on the ceiling or internal walls, for both copper pipes and drainage pipes.

Also, installing control devices (thermostats) in the walls and coordinating their location according to the client’s requirements, taking into account the technical issues of their location.

Extending an electricity source next to the unit, whose cables can bear the high electrical load, along with an operating switch (electrical breaker), and all of this is in accordance with the specifications shown in the manufacturer’s catalogue.

6- It is preferable to use it in:

After clarifying the advantages and disadvantages of each system, how it works, and the requirements for its operation, the preference for using one system over another became clear, according to what was mentioned, for example:

It is preferable to use central air conditioning in open spaces with a large area and common application in operation, such as (school courtyards, sports clubs, mosques, malls, living rooms and sitting areas in palaces or large villas…etc.)

It is preferable to use a hidden air conditioning system in small and separate applications (offices, villas, classrooms, etc.)

In general, there are no constants in the preference for use, but we are talking about common things, where the preference for one system may differ from another according to the client’s requirements.

For example, bedrooms in villas or palaces may be the client’s desire not to have any maintenance work inside the rooms for privacy

Here the central system is used, so before choosing the system, you must know the requirements of each client and the conditions of his location and make the appropriate choice for him

6- Cooling capabilities

Central air conditioning is characterized by its multiple cooling capacities, starting from 1.5 tons, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 7.5, 8.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 28, 30 tons. The availability of the desired capacity varies from One brand to another

Regular concealed air conditioning starts from 1.5 tons to 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 tons, and the availability of cooling capacity varies from one brand to another.

There is a new system that can fall under the hidden air conditioning system, which is VRV or VRF

Variable refrigerant flow, Variable refrigerant volume allows for a variety of capacities that can start from 0.5 tons up to 8.5 tons