Two High-Performance Solutions, Two Distinct Approaches for Optimal Indoor Comfort in Montréal
At AirGreen, we know that choosing the right HVAC system for your needs is essential—especially when equipping a commercial space or a professional-use residential area. Two premium options are often presented to our clients: the floor-ceiling unit and the ceiling cassette. These two types of indoor units offer exceptional thermal comfort, but they differ in design, airflow diffusion method, and how well they adapt to your space’s configuration.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into comparing these two models, analyzing their advantages, limitations, and the contexts in which they perform best—drawing on our real-world expertise and various projects carried out in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Floor-Ceiling Unit? What Is a Ceiling Cassette?
Floor-Ceiling Unit: Unmatched Installation Flexibility
Floor-ceiling units are highly appreciated for their installation versatility. They can be installed either low on a wall (like a traditional radiator) or mounted on the ceiling. Their key strength lies in their ability to adapt to spaces without a drop ceiling, making them an excellent option for older buildings in Montréal or businesses on the South Shore that lack modern infrastructure.
They diffuse air in a horizontal or diagonal direction, ensuring an even temperature distribution without uncomfortable drafts. At AirGreen, we recently installed a 36,000 BTU Fujitsu floor-ceiling unit in a restaurant in Saint-Lambert, where the ceiling was too low to accommodate a cassette. The result: optimal comfort for patrons—even during peak heatwaves.
Ceiling Cassette: A Discreet and Powerful Solution
On the other hand, the ceiling cassette is a built-in unit that fits directly into a suspended ceiling. It’s the ideal solution for modern offices in Laval or new commercial spaces in Brossard, where aesthetics and discretion are key. Models like the 24,000 BTU Gree U-Match cassette can diffuse air in four directions, covering a large area without noticeable temperature variations.
Installation is more technical, requiring sufficient ceiling clearance and easy access for refrigerant and drainage connections. It’s a popular choice in environments where wall space is limited.
Key Decision-Making Criteria for Choosing Between Floor-Ceiling and Ceiling Cassette Units
1. Building Configuration
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Presence of a drop ceiling → Advantage: ceiling cassette.
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Low ceilings or exposed structures → Advantage: floor-ceiling unit.
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Elongated or glass-heavy spaces (corridors, storefronts) → The floor-ceiling unit allows for more directional airflow.
2. Aesthetic and Visual Integration
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The cassette is nearly invisible once installed.
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The floor-ceiling unit remains visible but features a clean and professional design.
3. Ease of Maintenance and Accessibility
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Maintaining a cassette often requires removing ceiling tiles.
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A floor-ceiling unit is easily accessible, simplifying maintenance—especially in constantly-used spaces.
4. Noise Level
Both technologies are quiet, but the built-in cassette benefits from natural sound insulation via the ceiling, giving it a slight edge for noise-sensitive environments like meeting rooms in Longueuil.
Field Testimonials: Our Recent Installations in Montréal and the North Shore
Project 1 – Hair Salon in Laval: 18,000 BTU Gree Ceiling Cassette
In this salon located in the heart of Laval, the priorities were discretion and even air distribution. The Gree ceiling cassette, integrated into the existing drop ceiling, delivered balanced airflow across the entire space without taking up any wall or floor space. The installation, completed in less than 2 days, also qualified for a $1,404 LogisVert grant.
Project 2 – Older Commercial Space in Montréal: 30,000 BTU Fujitsu Floor-Ceiling Unit
This building, dating back to the 1960s, had no drop ceiling or ductwork suitable for a cassette. Our team recommended a floor-ceiling unit. In addition to quicker installation, the client preserved the original layout while significantly improving energy efficiency.
Energy Performance and Available Grants
Both types of units are compatible with heat pump systems and offer excellent SEER and HSPF ratings. Many models—including those from Gree, Fujitsu, and Daikin—qualify for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebates, depending on their capacity and efficiency.
We always assist our clients in navigating available financial incentives, especially across the North and South Shores, where local climate conditions make a well-sized, high-performance solution more than justified.
AirGreen Expert Advice: How to Make the Right Choice
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Evaluate your ceiling height: cassettes require at least 30–35 cm of clearance.
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Assess your thermal needs: some layouts need more directional air delivery.
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Think long-term maintenance: easy access can save money over time.
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Hire a certified installer: poor installation reduces efficiency and can void warranties.
Why Trust AirGreen for Your Installations in Montréal and Surrounding Areas?
At AirGreen, our strength lies in our on-site experience, our ability to adapt to every building, and our focus on maximizing each HVAC system’s performance. Whether you’re a commercial property owner in Laval, a building manager in Longueuil, or a business owner on the North Shore, we provide tailored solutions that meet both your technical and budgetary needs.
Our certified installations, assistance with rebate applications, and local, responsive after-sales service make all the difference.
Final Verdict: Floor-Ceiling or Cassette?
Both units are excellent, but the right choice depends entirely on your space’s specific needs. We invite you to contact our experts for an on-site evaluation, whether you're located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.