Concealed Floor Standing Units: What is it & when to use it

More and more building owners and designers are looking for ways to combine performance and efficiency when it comes to HVAC systems while also making sure it looks good. To that end, compact, low-visibility air conditioning systems are becoming popular as they can be integrated into interior designs. Styles change over time and as architectural trends start to move towards clean lines so HVAC systems need to deliver comfort while also looking pleasant.

To meet these new demands, concealed floor standing units can be installed along the base of walls or behind panels, so you get powerful climate control while not having to look at something which disrupts the feel of the space. So they’re great for spaces where you have limited wall or ceiling area – or if your taste is more towards a minimalist theme. So we see this in high-end residences and boutique hotels, as well as office interiors.

They have become much more popular because they also work seamlessly with smart thermostats and other building management systems. This means users can control temperature and energy use much more easily. People’s expectations around comfort have increased and so have design standards – a concealed HVAC solution meets both of these challenges.

Concealed floor standing units: What is it & when to use it

So what exactly are concealed floor standing units? Basically, they are HVAC systems which are designed to fit discreetly within the lower wall cavity or under windows. So the only part visible are the suction and discharge grilles. They are usually compact and can be freestanding or wall-mounted or even in a counter or niche. In terms of how they work, it’s like a standard floor-standing unit where air is drawn through a filter, conditioned by a fan‑coil, then distributed across the room.

They are often installed along perimeter walls, under windows or behind panels. So they draw in air at floor level, condition it using a refrigerant‑driven coil (powered by an outdoor unit) then push the treated air back into the space. More advanced models can include features like automatic cooling/heating changeover as well as dry/humidity modes and fan‑only operation.

These units are very effective in settings where what matters is smooth aesthetic integration. The goal is for it to look pleasant and not be an eyesore, so because of this they’re often used in everywhere from boutique hotels to historic buildings. You’ll also find them in places of worship, as well as offices, classrooms, and more modern residences.

Key features of concealed floor standing units

Concealed floor standing units offer both performance and design. Because they’re compact you can install them within walls, or below windows, or even beneath desks. These are areas where traditional units often can’t fit. Because they have a slim profile they are suitable for perimeter spaces.

They’re also very quiet. These units are designed not to make much noise and make the indoor environment pleasant to be in, both from a comfort perspective and a design perspective. Many people use them in places where noise reduction is a must, including bedrooms and offices. And even though they’re compact, these units deliver powerful and even airflow distribution.

Flexibility is another key strength. With high external static pressure (ESP) capabilities, concealed floor standing units can be installed in locations that might otherwise not be suitable. So this might be integrated behind panels, or within custom cabinetry, or in tight architectural spaces.

Advantages of using concealed floor standing units

Concealed floor standing units offer a number of benefits that make them a great choice for modern residential and commercial spaces. Because they save space and can be installed in tight areas. These include beneath windows, desks, or along perimeter walls. This in turn frees up valuable room space. So you can keep the units out of sight and retain that nice uncluttered look.

You can also use advanced thermostats and control systems with these units. In addition, their high external static pressure (ESP) allows for flexible ducting and placement options. Whatever the room layout, you get efficient performance. Plus it’s quiet, operating in a way that is ideal for bedrooms, offices, or quiet public areas.

Ideal applications and installation areas

Concealed floor standing units are great for places where the ‘look’ is paramount. Because they’re compact and have a low-profile it’s not an issue if you have very limited wall or ceiling space. So you can position them under windows, or along perimeter walls, or even beneath built-in furniture. In other words, you’re able to hide them away. Possible applications include any room or area where you can’t mount it on the wall or ceiling.

You will see these units in a variety of high-end spaces including luxury villas, apartments, and boutique hotels. Anywhere that needs climate control that is discreet is a potential use case. Needless to say, it’s not only modern spaces where they work well – you’ll find them in historical buildings or libraries or indeed any other spaces where it’s not possible to set up a large unit.

Due to the fact that they’re quiet and flexible in terms of where you install them, these units are also suitable for bedrooms and other spaces where both comfort and noise control are important. With their ability to blend into various layouts, concealed floor standing units provide efficient and visually unobtrusive climate solutions across a wide range of applications.

Maintenance and care tips

Let’s now break down some key maintenance tips:

Make sure to clean or replace the washable air filters. This helps keep optimal airflow and good indoor air quality.

Ensure you schedule routine servicing. This includes checking and cleaning internal components like coils and fans.

Inspect drainage systems from time to time to prevent blockages and avoid water leakage or damage.

It’s also important to have a professional inspection once a year to assess refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall system performance.

FAQs about concealed floor standing units

Let’s look at a few common questions around concealed floor standing units:

Are concealed floor standing units energy efficient?

Yes, these units are designed for high energy efficiency and often use advanced refrigerants and smart controls to optimise performance. This also minimised energy usage.

How much space do I need to install one?

You don’t need that much because concealed floor standing units are compact and are low in height. So they can be installed in tight spaces like beneath windows or desks.

Can these units be integrated with existing HVAC systems?

Yes, they can be integrated with existing systems, especially with Daikin’s VRV or multi-split setups, allowing seamless control and enhanced flexibility.

About Daikin

Daikin offers a wide range of concealed floor-standing HVAC units that can be installed in discreet areas while retaining efficient performance in both residential and commercial environments. These units are perfect for spaces where aesthetics and flexibility really matter, providing quiet, powerful climate control while also remaining hidden from view. They also integrate with Daikin’s smart thermostats and advanced control systems for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

In addition to concealed floor-standing units, Daikin has a full lineup of HVAC solutions, including residential and commercial heating and cooling systems, intelligent controls, and energy management technologies.

Operating in over 170 countries, Daikin is a global leader in HVAC innovation, delivering customised solutions for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

Concealed Floor Standing Units: What is it & when to use it