Installing a Ductless Ceiling Cassette: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone, Jared here from Ductless Plus in Denver! If you’re looking to install a ductless ceiling cassette, you’re in the right place. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and smash the like button—your support helps us bring you the best do-it-yourself guides in the world of ductless systems. We’re the Mitsubishi experts, the ductless boys, and today we’re going to walk you through an installation of a Mitsubishi ceiling cassette air conditioning unit. Let’s dive in and get started!

Why Choose a Ceiling Cassette?

Before we jump into the meat of the installation process, let’s talk briefly about why you might opt for a ceiling cassette system in the first place. Ceiling cassettes are fantastic for several reasons:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: They blend seamlessly with your ceiling, offering a clean and modern look.
2. Space Saving: Unlike wall-mounted units, ceiling cassettes don’t take up any wall space.
3. Even Air Distribution: These units are designed to distribute air evenly across the room, ensuring comfort in every corner.

Now that you’re sold on the advantages, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the installation process.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Ceiling cassette unit (with included template)
• 2 by 4 pieces of lumber
• Screws and a screwdriver or drill
• Insulation
• Chainsaw (yes, you read that right!)
• Marker
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Hand saw or Sawzall (optional)
• Safety gear (goggles, gloves, etc.)

Step 1: Using the Template

The ceiling cassette comes with a pre-cut cardboard template. This template is essential as it allows you to map out where you will need to cut the ceiling. If you’re working on new construction, you can use the template to mark the drywall before it goes up. But for retrofit installations, you will use it to mark where to cut your existing ceiling.

First, take off any unnecessary cardboard pieces from the template to make it more manageable. The template has holes on each corner that you can use to screw it temporarily into the ceiling, especially helpful in new constructions.

In retrofits, you can use the line in the center of the template as your guide. Mark this line to know where your center point is. This will make it easier for you to trace its outline on the ceiling.

Step 2: Preparing the Ceiling

Before you start cutting, remove any insulation from the desired area. Denver usually takes care of this by pushing the blown-in insulation to each side, giving us a clean workspace to cut into without insulation falling onto us.

Next, measure the room to find its true center. Once you have that, check where the joists are. Joists are typically spaced about 20 inches apart, running parallel to one another. Knowing this will help you decide where your cut should be. Make sure you have enough room between the joists to properly fit both the unit and its grill.

Step 3: Marking the Cutting Area

Once you’ve found the right spot, trace the template onto the ceiling using a marker. Double-check your measurements and ensure that everything is square.

Denver usually marks both sides of the area where we’ll cut to ensure alignment. This helps us make sure the unit will fit perfectly and aids in keeping the grill in place when installed.

Step 4: Cutting the Ceiling

This is where things get interesting. Unlike traditional methods that use a handsaw or Sawzall, we use a chainsaw for cutting the ceiling. It’s quicker and surprisingly accurate, but if you’re not comfortable using a chainsaw, you can opt for a more conventional tool.

Before cutting, wear your safety gear—goggles, gloves, and a mask to protect against dust and debris. Follow your traced lines carefully and make your cut.

Step 5: Building the Bridge

Upon cutting the hole, the next critical step is to build a bridge using two-by-fours.

This bridge adds structural integrity to your ceiling, allowing it to support the weight of the cassette unit. Cut the two-by-fours to fit snugly between the joists. Screwing these supports in place ensures your unit won’t sag or fall.

Step 6: Preparing the Cassette

Before you hoist the unit up, make sure to remove the condensation drain from inside the cassette. Manufacturers usually place this inside the cassette for packaging reasons, and you’ll need it when installing the unit.

Have a partner help you lift and hold the unit in place. Align it carefully with your cut-out hole and the joists. Make sure that you leave a little bit of wiggle room on each side to ease the installation of the grill later.

Step 7: Securing the Cassette

Once everything is aligned, it’s time to secure the unit with a series of screws and bolts. The feet of the cassette should rest on your two-by-four supports, helping distribute its weight evenly.

Crank the screws in place but don’t overtighten them. Over-tightening can warp the unit or cause cracks. A hand-tighten approach is often slow but guarantees a more secure fit without the risk of damaging the unit or the ceiling.

Step 8: Installing the Grill

Next, you’ll install the unit’s grill. Begin by attaching the two small clips found on either side of the grill. These clips help hold the grill in place on the plastic notches on the unit.

Make sure to snap the grill securely. Adjust if necessary to ensure an even, snug fit. Similar to the cassette, hand-tighten the screws to secure the grill and avoid any potential damage.

Step 9: Setting Up the Electronics

After securing the grill, focus on connecting the electronics. Many ceiling cassettes come with built-in tethers for doors with corresponding hooks. These are designed to make wiring and future servicing easier.

Next, reattach any screws or filters you removed earlier during setup, ensuring all components are securely in place. The filters on these units are typically washable and reusable, making maintenance easy.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

Once everything is in place, conduct a final audit. Ensure that all screws and components are securely fastened and that the unit sits evenly. Verify that no insulation is obstructing the unit, which could affect its operation.

Conclusion

Installing a ceiling cassette might seem daunting, but with the right tools, careful preparation, and a bit of elbow grease, it’s a manageable DIY project. Remember, it’s crucial to always double-check your measurements, secure all parts properly, and above all, think ahead to avoid those dreaded “whoops” moments.

That’s it, folks! You’ve just installed a Mitsubishi ceiling cassette air conditioning unit like a pro. For more DIY guides and Mitsubishi expertise, keep it locked to Ductless Plus in Denver. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support us. Until next time, stay cool!