Ceiling Cassette Heat Pumps
Invisible climate control that looks intentional, with Varcoe’s ceiling cassettes tucked into your ceiling cavity. Only a slim, elegant trim grille will remain visible. You get efficient heating and cooling without a wall-mounted unit dominating your interior design. Better air distribution than wall units. More affordable than ducted systems.
Why Varcoe Stands Apart
- Completely hidden unit (no visible air conditioning)
- Even air distribution from above (fewer cold spots)
- Professional Daikin or Mitsubishi equipment
- 15+ year lifespan with maintenance
- Lower energy bills vs. wall-mounted alternatives
- Modern trim-ring grille that blends with any interior
- Single unit covers whole rooms or open-plan spaces
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Site Assessment & Design
We evaluate your ceiling structure, insulation, and room dimensions. We assess whether your ceiling can accommodate a cassette unit and identify optimal placement for airflow and appearance. We check outdoor space for the condenser.
Ceiling Preparation
We carefully cut an opening in your ceiling to accommodate the cassette unit. We work with your ceiling material — gib, plaster, or other — to ensure a clean, professional installation. Minimal disruption. Dust is contained.
Unit & Condenser Installation
The cassette mounts securely in the ceiling cavity. The outdoor condenser positions on a concrete pad or wall, typically at the side or rear of your property. For coastal homes, we use corrosion-resistant materials.
Refrigerant & Electrical Connections
Licensed electrician handles all power work. Refrigerant lines run from the ceiling cassette down to the outdoor unit with careful routing to minimize visible pipework.
Testing & Handover
Cassette gets tested for proper airflow and performance. Electrical safety verified. You learn how to operate your system — temperature controls, heating/cooling modes, energy-saving features. All questions answered.
Total timeline
4-5 hours for most residential installations. Complex ceiling situations may extend slightly longer.
Why Choose Varcoe for Ceiling Cassette Installation
- 50+ years experience with hidden climate control systems
- Hundreds of ceiling cassette installations across Auckland
- ARCtick licensed technicians trained on Daikin and Mitsubishi
- 12-month workmanship guarantee
- Free onsite assessment with honest quote
- Experience with all ceiling types -- gib, plaster, concrete
Ceiling Cassette vs. Other Hidden Options
| Your Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
|
Invisible + whole home |
Ducted system
|
|
Invisible + single room |
Ceiling cassette |
|
Hidden + multiple rooms |
Multi-split or ducted |
|
Fast + basic |
Wall-mounted split (3-4 hours) |
What to Expect: Timeline & Costs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
|
Cost range
|
$3,000-$5,500 installed |
|
Installation time |
4-5 hours typically |
|
Room coverage |
Single room or open-plan space |
|
Your commitment |
Be home during installation, clear ceiling area |
|
Disruption |
Moderate — ceiling cutting and dust containment |
|
Warranty |
12 months workmanship warranty + 5-year coverage and labour |
|
Maintenance |
Filter checks every 3 months, professional service annually |
Why Choose Varcoe for Ceiling Cassette Installation
Before we arrive:
- Confirm room and ceiling placement
- Clear furniture below the installation area
- Identify outdoor unit location options
- Ensure electrical access to circuit board
During installation
- Plan for 4-5 hours
- Expect dust during ceiling cutting phase (we contain it)
- One person should be home for access and questions
After installation
- Learn temperature controls and mode switching
- Understand filter maintenance for ceiling units
- Keep warranty documents and Electrical Certificate
Special Offers for Ceiling Cassette Systems
Warmer Kiwi Homes Funding — 80% Off (If You Qualify)
Ceiling cassette systems qualify for government funding via the Warmer Kiwi Homes initiative if you meet eligibility criteria. Up to 80% of installation costs covered (capped at $3,450 including GST). That’s significant savings on a $3,000-$5,500 system. We’re an approved provider and handle all the paperwork for you.
Check your Warmer Kiwi Homes eligibility
FAQ: Ceiling Cassette Heat Pump Systems
How much does a ceiling cassette system cost?
Ceiling cassette systems typically range $3,000-$5,500 installed. That includes the unit, outdoor condenser, refrigerant lines, electrical work, ceiling cutting and installation, testing, and our 12-month guarantee, plus 5-year on parts and labour. We provide a detailed quote after assessing your space and ceiling structure. No hidden costs.
How long does installation take?
Most residential installations finish within 4-5 hours. The ceiling cutting and cassette mounting is the main work. Simple installations with straightforward ceiling access might finish in 4 hours. Homes with challenging ceiling structures or plaster concerns might take closer to 5-6 hours. We’ll give you an accurate timeline before we start.
Can I install it myself?
Not recommended. Ceiling work requires careful planning to avoid structural damage. Refrigerant handling requires ARCtick certification. Electrical work requires a licensed electrician. Professional installation protects your home and ensures the system performs properly.
Will cutting into my ceiling cause damage?
We cut cleanly and work carefully with your ceiling structure. We frame the opening properly and mount the unit securely. The cassette unit itself covers the opening completely, so there’s no visible hole. If future removal is needed, the ceiling can be patched with standard gib repair.
Ready for Invisible, Efficient Climate Control?
Ceiling cassette systems represent the balance between efficiency, aesthetics, and cost. Hidden units that look intentional. Excellent air distribution from above. Fast installation. Professional warranty protection. Perfect for Auckland homes where you don’t want air conditioning dominating your interior.
Varcoe has installed hundreds of ceiling cassette systems across Auckland. We understand your home type. We work carefully with your ceiling structure. We stand behind every installation with a 12-month guarantee.
Get your free onsite assessment. We’ll evaluate your space, discuss cassette placement options, and provide a detailed quote with no pressure.