All About Friedrich PTAC Units

Packaged terminal air conditioners or PTACs are an excellent AC option for hospitality accommodations and residential facilities. As a self-contained unit, they do not require ducts, they emit less noise than window ACs, and they offer both heating and cooling in one compact package.

Among PTAC manufacturers, Friedrich is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Read on to learn more about what Friedrich can offer in terms of PTAC units, and what sets their products apart from the competition.

About Friedrich

San Antonio, TX-based Friedrich is one of the premiere brands of air conditioners, offering room air conditioners, mini splits and PTACs for residential and commercial uses.

The brand started as a furniture maker back in the 1880s, before shifting to the new technology of mechanical refrigeration. The company started producing AC products for food preservation, becoming a leader in commercial refrigeration.

In 1952, Friedrich entered the relatively new field of air conditioning with its first window AC unit. Today, Friedrich continues its storied expertise in air conditioning by providing a wide variety of room air conditioners, mini splits, PTACs, and indoor air quality appliances.

Friedrich PTAC Lineup

Friedrich’s PTACs are divided into three categories:

• ZoneAire Air Select – entry-level PTACs that offer high value while delivering above-industry performance
• ZoneAire Premier – the quietest standard PTAC on the market
• FreshAire – the company’s most advanced PTACs with inverter technology and integrated makeup air system

Friedrich ZoneAire Select

The ZoneAire Select Line is Friedrich’s entry level PTAC units, available in electric heat and heat pumps ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 BTUs. 

Superior construction

Despite being the entry level line, Friedrich did not skimp on the materials used for construction. 

Models in the ZoneAire Select series are made from galvanized zinc coated steel wall sleeve and steel base pan. The chassis undergoes an 11-step preparation process, and comes powder coated with a polyester finish. Aluminum endplates are also used to improve the corrosion resistance of the outdoor coil.

Energy efficient

ZoneAire Select models feature a super-efficient refrigeration design with EERs up to 12.0 and COP up to 3.55. Energy efficient heat pump models are also available.

Quiet operation

Friedrich PTACs use two permanently lubricated fan motors for reduced indoor sound levels. These are combined with a quiet rotary compressor that uses vibration isolators to keep the compressor running smoothly and quietly. The interior is also lined with high-density insulation, and steel inner wall to block outdoor noise.

Featured ZoneAire Select model:

Friedrich PZH15K5SB 15000 BTU Class Select Series 10.2 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 30 Amp – 230 Volt

This unit provides 14,300 BTU of cooling, with a 13,200 BTU heat pump and electric heat. The heat pump mode will provide instant heat, which quickly heats the room to the desired temperature for increased comfort for you and your guests. it has an EER of 10.2, uses 208 / 230V electricity and has a 2 speed fan plus auto for better circulation. It includes a 30 Amp Cord providing 5.0 kW electric heat. The standard industry size of 42″ allows this unit to fit most standard sleeves for easy installation of replacement units.

The Select Series features aluminum end plates and DiamonBlue Advanced Corrosion protection for a longer life in coastal area where the environment is harsher due to the salt water. Another feature includes an automatic sampling of the room temperature every nine minutes to ensure that the desired conditions are maintained. The fresh air damper brings fresh outdoor air inside when desired. Additionally, the Select Series has an internal diagnostic program to alert you to component failures or other operating issues.

The Friedrich Select Series is backed by a 2 year parts and labor warranty with a limited warranty on the sealed refrigeration system for the third through fifth year (from date of installation).

Friedrich ZoneAire Premier

The ZoneAire Premier is Friedrich’s most efficient standard PTAC with exceptional performance and lowest cost of operation.

More efficient

The ZoneAire Premier line uses a super-efficient refrigeration design with EERs up to 13.0 and COP up to 3.6. Energy efficient heat pump models are also available in the series.

Unparalleled noise levels

The series uses Friedrich’s Quietmaster® technology, using a patented design and superior components to reduce sound levels wherever possible.

The result is a considerably quieter operation compared to its competitors.

Ease of maintenance

PTACs in the series use a modular design that provides convenient access to key components for cleaning and repairs. Models come with a Surehold Front Cover, and each one may be installed low to the floor.

Swappable Power Cord

ZoneAire Premier models come with an included power cord but also offer the option of changing it. For example, 15,000 BTU models come with a 30 amp power cord but can be swapped to a 20 amp cord if that is what your application calls for.

Featured ZoneAire Premier model:

Friedrich PDH12K3SG 11600 BTU, 11.6 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 20 Amp – 230 Volt

This PTAC unit offers 11800 / 11600 BTU cooling capacity with a 10600 / 10400 BTU heat pump, plus electric heat and an EER of 11.6. It uses 208 / 230V electricity and features a 2 speed fan for better circulation. The Constant Fan Mode on the SG Series produces an uninterrupted stream of white noise. This helps to block outside noise as well as minimize the some of the noise related to compressor start-up. This unit is designed to fit in the industry standard wall sleeve size of 42″ wide by 16″ high, which makes for easy replacement even in a competitors sleeve.

Thoughtful maintenance details include service error code memory storage, emergency heat override plus a user-friendly design. Easy access to components for repair and cleaning like top-mounted filters improve serviceability and durability. Additionally, there is a fresh air damper to bring in fresh, outside air when desired to help alleviate indoor air staleness. Friedrich PTACs are also equipped with Room Freeze Protection. This feature automatically turns the heat on in unoccupied rooms when the temperature drops to 40°F. 

The PDH12K3SG ships standard with a 20 Amp cord. The power cord provides 3.5 kW of electric heat. Friedrich PTACs come with a Universal Heater. The output of the heater is determined by the power cord you select. The universal heater allows the installer to change the heat output by simply changing the power cord.

Friedrich FreshAire® PTAC

This line represents Friedrich’s most advanced PTAC to date, boasting inverter technology, true make-up air capability, and FreshAire® IAQ accessories for healthy indoor air quality.

Precision Inverter Technology

The use of inverter technology enables the unit to deliver 13 EER and a 15 SEER equivalent. Compressors operate down to 20% of rated capacity, or up to 120%, matching the unit output to the actual demand of the space for increased comfort and lower energy consumption.

Widest Cooling & Heating Range in the Industry

Variable speed technology gives you the flexibility of a full line of PTACs with only two models, and offers the highest available capacity of any 42×16 PTAC on the market at over 17,000 BTUs.

Exceptional Indoor Air Quality

The cornerstone of the FreshAire® system is its ability to meet ASHRAE 62.1-2013 requirements. The PTAC can provide 52 CFM of conditioned, MERV 8 filtered, outside air into the space.

Featured Friedrich FreshAire PTAC:

Friedrich PVH09K3FB 9000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology 12.1 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 20 Amp – 230 Volt

This top end model provides 9,400 BTU of cooling with 8,500 BTUs reverse cycle heat pump as well as back-up electric resistive heat. Additionally, it boasts an EER of 12.1, making it an efficient system to cool your smaller areas. It uses 208 / 230V electricity and has a 2 speed fan plus auto for better circulation. It comes with a 20 Amp power cord which provides 3.5 kW of electric heat. A 15 Amp cord (PXPCFA23015), providing 2.5 kW of electric heat is also available (sold separately) for use with this unit.

It is equipped with inverter technology which helps the compressor achieve expanded heating and cooling capabilities, higher SEER and HSPF ratings versus standard PTAC compressors, making it more efficient to run overall. Additionally, your guests will benefit from improved dehumidification and reduced temperature swings in their room. The heat pump mode will provide instant heat, which quickly heats the room to the desired temperature for increased comfort for you and your guests. 

The FreshAire System brings in additional outside air which passes through a MERV 8 filter and then mixes with return air from the room. It is then conditioned (heated or cooled) with the return air before it is re-introduced into your space. The Friedrich FreshAire PTACs are the only PTACs that meet ASHRAE 62.1-2013 requirements delivering up to 52 CFM of conditioned, MERV 8 filtered make-up air.

Friedrich’s FreshAire® IAQ for PTACs

All of Friedrich’s PTAC units are compatible with its line of FreshAire accessories.

FreshAire® IAQ is a suite of indoor air quality accessories that are designed to deliver healthy indoor air. This includes FreshAire® UV light, and FreshAire® Purifier by iWave.

When combined with a Friedrich PTAC, the accessories can sterilize the air biological contaminants with UV, neutralize airborne particles using bi-polar ionization, and trap bacteria and virus particles in MERV 13 filters.

Friedrich PTACs at Total Home Supply

At Total Home Supply, we carry the complete line of Friedrich PTAC units, from ZoneAire Select to the FreshAire series. We also have accessories, spare parts, and components in stock for your Friedrich PTAC unit. See our line of Friedrich PTAC units today and ensure your hotel, apartment, or care facility uses only the best PTAC on the market today!