Floor mounted air conditioning, also called floor mounted aircon, floor standing or free standing air conditioning, is a practical solution for rooms with little or no wall or ceiling space available for mounting.
Units are commonly installed in cafeterias, reception areas, hotel entrances and server rooms and unlike central air conditioning they typically regulate a single room or small space rather than an entire building.
If you are considering floor mounted air con for your cooling needs, we hope this post will point you in the right direction.
How Does Floor Mounted Air Conditioning Work?
A floor mounted aircon system is made up of two separate units working together to control the temperature of a room.
Indoor unit: Positioned on the floor, this contains the evaporator coil, a fan and the system’s controls.
Outdoor unit: Fitted to an outer wall, this houses the compressor and condenser coil, which are responsible for dispersing heat into the outside air.
Refrigerant circulation: The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the room, gets compressed by the outdoor unit, releases that heat outdoors and returns to the indoor unit to repeat the process.
Air distribution: The indoor unit’s fan draws air over the evaporator coil, cooling it before releasing it back into the room at floor level.
Because floor mounted air conditioning is a split system, it needs a route for refrigerant pipework between the indoor and outdoor units, but doesn’t require the ductwork or extensive void space that a ducted system needs.
Floor Mounted vs Wall, Ceiling and Ducted Air Conditioning
Wall mounted units are the most common choice for homes and offices, offering a slim profile and effective cooling, but they need clear wall space and a suitable mounting height.
Ceiling mounted units direct cooling downwards for even distribution across larger rooms, though they require enough ceiling void for installation.
Ducted systems hide the unit entirely and allow different temperatures in different rooms from a single central unit, but installation is more involved and typically costs more.
Floor mounted air conditioning is the practical choice where wall and ceiling space isn’t available, such as rooms with sloped ceilings, glass facades or listed building restrictions. Units are generally quicker and more affordable to install than ducted systems, though less discreet than wall or ceiling mounted alternatives.
What Does A Floor Mounted Air Conditioning Unit Cost?
Floor mounted aircon is generally among the more affordable options to install, particularly compared with ducted systems. The exact cost depends on the size and number of units required, the building’s layout and any additional electrical work needed. Every Lee Jackson installation starts with a free site survey and a fixed price quotation before work begins.
Benefits Of Floor Mounted Air Conditioning
- Affordable, with a range of models to suit different budgets
- Quick to install, typically with a lower installation cost than ducted systems
- Powerful temperature control, particularly in newer models
- Flexible positioning throughout a building
- Low maintenance, since units are easily accessed
- Straightforward to clean
- Minimal disruption during installation
- Even air distribution
- Quiet operation
Drawbacks Of Floor Mounted Air Conditioning
- Limited aesthetic appeal compared with wall or ceiling mounted units
- Less efficient air distribution than ceiling mounted systems
- Can be prone to collecting dust and debris at floor level
- Many models don’t allow the airflow direction to be adjusted
- Needs to be positioned near an electrical socket
Which Rooms Suit Floor Mounted Air Conditioning?
Floor mounted aircon works well in server rooms, hotel entrances, reception areas and cafeterias where floor level space is available but wall or ceiling space isn’t. It’s also a practical option for listed buildings or properties with large glass facades, where wall or ceiling mounted alternatives are difficult to fit without altering the building’s structure or appearance.
Floor Mounted Air Conditioning FAQs
What are the disadvantages of floor mounted air conditioning?
The main drawbacks are aesthetic rather than functional. Units sit at floor level, so they’re more visible than wall or ceiling mounted alternatives and can collect dust more easily. Airflow direction usually isn’t adjustable, and the unit needs to be positioned near an electrical socket.
What is the advantage of floor mounted aircon?
Floor mounted aircon doesn’t rely on wall or ceiling space, so it works in rooms where those options aren’t available, such as those with sloped ceilings, floor to ceiling glazing or listed building restrictions. Installation is generally quicker and less disruptive than a ducted system.
Does a floor mounted air conditioning unit need to be vented?
No. A floor mounted split system doesn’t vent air through a window or wall duct the way a portable air conditioner does. Heat is removed via refrigerant pipework running to a separate outdoor condenser unit, so the indoor unit doesn’t need an external vent.
How long does a floor mounted air conditioning unit last?
With regular servicing, most units last between ten and fifteen years, similar to other types of split air conditioning system. Lifespan depends on usage, build quality and how consistently the unit is maintained.
Is floor mounted air conditioning more affordable than wall mounted?
Unit and installation costs are broadly comparable between the two. Floor mounted systems tend to have a quicker, less disruptive installation, but the overall price depends on the specific model and the building’s requirements.
Can floor mounted air conditioning be installed in older or listed buildings?
Yes. Its flexibility in positioning makes floor mounted aircon a common choice for listed buildings and period properties, where restrictions often prevent wall or ceiling mounted installations.
Floor Mounted Air Conditioning By Lee Jackson Air Conditioning
Floor mounted air conditioning provides an effective solution for locations where ceiling and wall space is limited. Thanks to their compact footprint, floor mounted units are a popular choice for server rooms, hotel reception areas and large reception rooms. We supply the latest technology from Samsung, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Fujitsu thanks to our relationships with the main manufacturers, and units can generally be installed quickly, saving on engineering time and cost.
Get in touch today for free advice on whether floor mounted air conditioning is right for your building. We cover the whole of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, so call us on 0800 949 9070.
