PTAC Meaning: What is a PTAC Air Conditioner?

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel room, you may have marveled at the air conditioning, and what a far cry it is from your rattly old window AC.
If you’ve ever wondered how such air conditioners work, or whether there’s an alternative to expensive central air, then look no further. The answer lies in PTAC units.

In this guide, we discuss what a PTAC air conditioner is, what PTAC means, how it differs from conventional AC, and what advantages it brings.

PTAC Meaning: What is a PTAC Air Conditioner?

PTAC stands for Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner, and is a type of self-contained, through-the-wall air conditioning and heating unit.

PTACs are mostly found in the hospitality and accommodation industry, such as hotels, dormitories, and nursing homes. They are also common in apartments and condos. They are ideal for residential spaces without central air conditioning.

Saying “PTAC Air Conditioner” is actually redundant, because the AC in PTAC stands for Air Conditioner! As such, it’s more technically correct to call them PTAC units or PTAC systems.

How Do PTAC Units Work?

PTAC units offer both cooling and heating functions. To cool a room, the PTAC uses a compressor which pumps refrigerant to cool the coils. This absorbs heat and humidity that are expelled outside. 

There are two options for heating. Some units have a heat pump with a backup electric heat strip while others offer only electric heat. The heat pump works by reversing the flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant heats the coils to warm passing air. The heater air is then dispersed into the room via a blower. The electric heat simply uses electricity to heat up a series of heating coils and then the fan blows the heat into the room.

PTAC vs Window and Through the Wall AC: What’s the Difference?

PTAC units offer both cooling and heating, unlike most window ACs.

PTACs are also larger than most through-the-wall air conditioners; the standard size is 42″ wide by 16” high. 

PTACs are meant for commercial use, so they are often seen in the hospitality industry. However, they are also suitable for residential use.

PTAC vs Mini Split vs VTAC: What’s the Difference?

A PTAC is designed to service only one room or space.

A mini split on the other hand, can service multiple rooms, by using several indoor units connected to one outdoor compressor.

A VTAC, or Vertical Terminal Air Conditioner, is essentially a vertical version of the PTAC. By standing the unit upright, it can be hidden from view, typically in a closet. VTAC units are then ducted to one or more spaces.

To know more, check out the full comparisons below:

PTAC vs Mini Split: Which is Right for You?

PTAC vs VTAC: What’s the Difference?

What are the Advantages of PTAC Units?

✓ No need for ductwork

PTACs are completely self-contained and do not require ducts like most forced air AC systems. This makes it faster, easier and cheaper to install.

✓ Individual Control

Installing PTAC units means each room can be controlled individually. It allows users to have one room set to air conditioning at 68 degrees while another is set to heating at 74 degrees.

✓ More efficient

Ducts can account for up to 40% of energy losses in a forced air cooling system. By eliminating ducts, PTACs are more energy efficient, resulting in lower utility costs.

✓ Cooling and heating in one

Most PTACs can also provide heating in the same unit. This can be accomplished by simply reversing the flow of the refrigerant in heat pump units or simple electric coil heat in other units. This results in a compact all-in-one system without the need for a separate heater.

✓ Simple Maintenance and Replacement

PTAC units are easily serviceable or replaceable if needed. Once the wall sleeve is installed in the initial installation process, a new unit can simply be slid into place and put to use immediately. No costly refrigerant work is needed as it is a sealed system.

What are the Drawbacks of PTAC Units?

Limited area

Most PTACs are designed to service a single room or space, unlike mini splits or central that can handle multiple spaces.

Space requirement

PTACs are typically installed below a window or along an exterior-facing wall of the room. This takes up space and can detract from the aesthetics of the room. 

What to Look for in a PTAC Unit

1. BTU capacity

The cooling and heating capacity of PTACs are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the bigger the space or room it can handle.

Click here to use our handy BTU calculator to determine the right PTAC capacity for your room.

2. EER rating

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures how efficient the PTAC is. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit.

3. Heating

Those in colder climates may want to determine the heating aspect of the PTAC. PTAC units can provide heating using one of two ways:

Heat pumps – The refrigerant flow is reversed during the cold season to provide heating instead of cooling. This is much more energy efficient, but does not work in very cold climates. In these situations, the unit will automatically switch to electric heat backup. 

Electric heater – Most PTACs use electric heating coils to provide heat. Even heat pump units have electric heat as a backup. This type of heating is simple, but uses more electricity.

Between the two, heat pumps are generally better because they are more efficient and use less energy.

4. Smart features

If you are managing multiple rooms such as in a hospitality setting, you may want to invest in PTACs that have smart features or support an energy management system. This will allow you to manage multiple PTACs wirelessly, without having to physically go into each room to program each unit. 

If you run a large property and are interested in a system like this, please contact us for more details.

5. Refrigerant

The EPA has started phasing out legacy refrigerants like R410-A in favor of new A2L refrigerants that are more efficient, environment-friendly and have a lower global warming potential.. 

Make sure your new PTAC uses the newer A2L refrigerant such as R32 or R454B to future-proof your investment.

6. Voltage

PTAC units for residential and most commercial use typically have a voltage of 208/230, while some larger hotels or other commercial  applications use 265/277.

7. Amperage

PTAC units are generally available in 15, 20, or 30 amp versions. Some units must be ordered with the specified amperage while others support multiple and can be changed in the field with a power cord or hard wire kit.  While cooling is usually the same regardless of the amps of the unit, the electric heating varies. A 30 amp unit will put out much more electric heat than a 15 amp unit.

8. Brand and warranty

Since PTAC units represent a considerable investment, choose a reputable brand with a good service warranty. Remember that your PTAC will serve for many years to come, so it’s worth investing in a good brand for peace of mind.

Our Recommended PTAC Units for 2024

Entry level:

Hotpoint AHHS12D3XXA 12000 BTU PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – R32 Refrigerant

This affordable PTAC offers 12,000 BTUs of cooling and 3.5kW of electric backup heat. It comes with a 20 amp 208/230v power cord This PTAC is a multi-functional HVAC solution delivering 12,200 BTUs of cooling and 10,800 BTUs of reverse-cycle heat pump heating. This capacity is ideal for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. To ensure even temperature distribution, the unit comes with 8-way airflow control. 

Designed to be eco-friendly, it utilizes R32 refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to legacy refrigerants. For robust operation, it includes freeze and frost protection to maximize the longevity of the unit. Additionally, the dehumidification functionality is capable of removing up to 2.85 pints of moisture per hour.

For larger rooms or spaces:

GE AZHS15DXXA 15,000 BTU Class Zoneline PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This GE Zoneline PTAC delivers up to 15,100 BTUs of cooling, as well as 13,500 BTUs of heating through the reverse-cycle heat pump, perfect for large spaces up to 700 sq. ft. 

Designed to be environmentally friendly, it utilizes R454B refrigerant, one of the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants on the market. This enables the unit to achieve efficiency ratings of 10.4 EER2 and 3.3 COP. 

For additional cost-efficient operation, the reverse cycle defrost feature ensures the heat pump can run for longer, reducing the reliance on the backup electric heater. The heat pump is capable of operating down to 25°F. It also has  dehumidification functionality capable of removing 4.1 pints of moisture per hour. 

It is designed for harsher environments, with Premium Guard Coating that minimizes corrosion damage.

Most efficient / R32:

Amana PTH153J35AXXX 15000 BTU Class 10.4 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – R32 – 3.5 kW – 20 Amp

This unit offers 14,400 / 14,600 BTUs of cooling power, a 14,000 / 14,300 BTU heat pump and a 3.5 kW electric heater, providing approximately 9,900 / 12,00 BTUs of electric backup heat. It has an EER of 10.6 / 10.4 and will cool a space that is about 450 – 575 sq. ft. The “J” Series units available in the Amana line use R32 refrigerant.

Features include RF and Bluetooth connectivity, a redesigned chassis for quieter operation (with a Sound Transmission Class of 29), and a new, sleeker appearance. It can be operated with a wired or wireless wall thermostat. This improved design also supports Amana’s Eden Energy Management System connectivity, allowing for easier troubleshooting and diagnostics as well as unit setting and configuration time.

With the RF compatibility and a DigiSmart controller (additional items required, sold separately) you can take full control of all your Amana PTAC units. This system gives you site-wide PTAC configuration options, site wide PTAC diagnostics, a front desk system interface, and email reporting all through an easy to use web interface. You can save up to 35% by reducing energy usage with the DigiSmart system!

Premium PTAC with smart features:

Friedrich PVH12K3FC 12000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology 11.5 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 20 Amp – 230 Volt

This PTAC is considered one of the flagship Friedrich products, capable of outputting 12,000 BTUs of cooling with a 11,500 BTU reverse-cycle heat pump, along with 3.5 KW backup electric heat. It is an ideal choice for medium-sized spaces up to 550 sq. ft. 

The unit features Inverter Technology, which utilizes a variable speed compressor to reach desired set points quickly and then run at reduced capacity. It also uses R32 Refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to legacy HFC-based refrigerants. Another distinguishing feature is the integrated FreshAire System, which delivers up to 52 CFM of conditioned MERV 8 filtered make-up air that meets ASHRAE 62.1-2013 requirements.

Built for rugged operation, the unit features DiamonBlue Advanced Corrosion Protection to extend the unit’s lifespan in harsh coastal environments. Reliable performance is further supported by an indoor coil frost sensor, and room freeze protection.

Get Your PTAC at Total Home Supply

At Total Home Supply, we carry a huge selection of PTAC units from the top brands, including Amana, Friedrich, and GE. Our PTAC lineup includes a broad range of BTU sizes and features, including units that have makeup air, R32 refrigerant, smart integration, and more.

With Total Home Supply, you not only get the best possible PTAC for your needs, you get our expert advice and leading warranty coverage to help you get the most out of your PTAC unit.