PTAC vs VTAC: What’s the Difference? (2024 Update) Posted on November 13, 2017 If you are shopping for an HVAC solution for your apartment building, hotel, or hospital, you may find that your needs are different from other commercial enterprises. You want a heating and cooling solution that will keep your visitors comfortable without breaking your wallet. Two common HVAC products you may encounter are PTAC and VTAC units. In this article, we explore the differences between PTAC vs VTAC units, their pros and cons, and which one may be better suited for your needs. What is a PTAC? A PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) is a self-contained HVAC unit installed directly through an exterior wall. PTACs do not require ductwork, making them a practical solution for heating and cooling individual rooms, such as hotel suites, apartments, and assisted living spaces. What is a VTAC? A VTAC (Vertical Terminal Air Conditioner) is a vertical HVAC unit typically installed in a closet against an exterior wall. VTAC systems are versatile, capable of heating or cooling multiple rooms with ducting options, offering a clean and hidden appearance ideal for hotels and residential spaces. PTAC vs VTAC: Key Differences Both PTAC and VTAC units are popular in hospitality and multi-family housing. However, they have significant differences that can influence your choice: Installation: PTAC units are installed directly through a wall sleeve in individual rooms. VTAC units, however, are hidden in closets and may require ductwork to distribute air. Noise Levels: PTAC units tend to be noisier as they are located within the room, while VTAC units offer quieter operation since they are installed away from occupants. Aesthetics: VTAC units are hidden, making them a better choice for maintaining room décor, unlike PTAC units, which are visible. Control: PTACs can be adjusted directly on the unit or with a thermostat. VTAC units are controlled exclusively via wall thermostats. Learn more about PTAC sizing to determine the right unit for your needs. Advantages and Disadvantages of PTAC Units Pros of PTAC Units Easy Installation: PTACs do not require ductwork and install quickly via wall sleeves. Affordable: PTACs are a cost-effective solution for individual rooms. Cons of PTAC Units Noise Levels: PTACs are noisier than VTACs, which may impact user comfort. Limited Coverage: PTACs are suitable for single-room applications only. Advantages and Disadvantages of VTAC Units Pros of VTAC Units Quiet Operation: VTACs are quieter because they are hidden in closets. Multi-Room Capabilities: VTAC systems can heat or cool multiple rooms efficiently. Improved Aesthetics: Hidden installation keeps VTAC units out of sight. Cons of VTAC Units Higher Costs: VTAC systems are more expensive to purchase and install. PTAC vs VTAC Comparison Table Feature PTAC VTAC Cost Lower Higher Noise Louder Quieter Installation Wall sleeve (easy) Closet with ducting Coverage Single Room Multiple Rooms Aesthetics Visible Hidden Best PTAC and VTAC Units If you’re ready to choose your next HVAC solution, consider these top-rated options: Top PTAC Units Hotpoint AH11H09D3B 9,000 BTU PTAC – Affordable and easy to install. GE AZ65H12DAB 12,000 BTU Zoneline PTAC – Quiet and energy-efficient. Friedrich FreshAire PVH12K3FB – Premium performance with inverter technology. Top VTAC Units GE AZ95E12DAC VTAC – Compact and versatile for entry-level needs. Friedrich VHA12K34RTP VTAC – Ideal for multiple-room applications. GE AZ9VH12DBM VTAC – Premium performance with inverter-driven technology. Conclusion Choosing between PTAC and VTAC units depends on your needs and budget. PTAC units offer affordability and easy installation for single rooms, while VTAC units provide a quieter, hidden solution capable of servicing multiple rooms. Visit Total Home Supply to explore our full range of PTAC units and VTAC systems. All orders ship free within the contiguous U.S. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
If you are shopping for an HVAC solution for your apartment building, hotel, or hospital, you may find that your needs are different from other commercial enterprises. You want a heating and cooling solution that will keep your visitors comfortable without breaking your wallet. Two common HVAC products you may encounter are PTAC and VTAC units. In this article, we explore the differences between PTAC vs VTAC units, their pros and cons, and which one may be better suited for your needs. What is a PTAC? A PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) is a self-contained HVAC unit installed directly through an exterior wall. PTACs do not require ductwork, making them a practical solution for heating and cooling individual rooms, such as hotel suites, apartments, and assisted living spaces. What is a VTAC? A VTAC (Vertical Terminal Air Conditioner) is a vertical HVAC unit typically installed in a closet against an exterior wall. VTAC systems are versatile, capable of heating or cooling multiple rooms with ducting options, offering a clean and hidden appearance ideal for hotels and residential spaces. PTAC vs VTAC: Key Differences Both PTAC and VTAC units are popular in hospitality and multi-family housing. However, they have significant differences that can influence your choice: Installation: PTAC units are installed directly through a wall sleeve in individual rooms. VTAC units, however, are hidden in closets and may require ductwork to distribute air. Noise Levels: PTAC units tend to be noisier as they are located within the room, while VTAC units offer quieter operation since they are installed away from occupants. Aesthetics: VTAC units are hidden, making them a better choice for maintaining room décor, unlike PTAC units, which are visible. Control: PTACs can be adjusted directly on the unit or with a thermostat. VTAC units are controlled exclusively via wall thermostats. Learn more about PTAC sizing to determine the right unit for your needs. Advantages and Disadvantages of PTAC Units Pros of PTAC Units Easy Installation: PTACs do not require ductwork and install quickly via wall sleeves. Affordable: PTACs are a cost-effective solution for individual rooms. Cons of PTAC Units Noise Levels: PTACs are noisier than VTACs, which may impact user comfort. Limited Coverage: PTACs are suitable for single-room applications only. Advantages and Disadvantages of VTAC Units Pros of VTAC Units Quiet Operation: VTACs are quieter because they are hidden in closets. Multi-Room Capabilities: VTAC systems can heat or cool multiple rooms efficiently. Improved Aesthetics: Hidden installation keeps VTAC units out of sight. Cons of VTAC Units Higher Costs: VTAC systems are more expensive to purchase and install. PTAC vs VTAC Comparison Table Feature PTAC VTAC Cost Lower Higher Noise Louder Quieter Installation Wall sleeve (easy) Closet with ducting Coverage Single Room Multiple Rooms Aesthetics Visible Hidden Best PTAC and VTAC Units If you’re ready to choose your next HVAC solution, consider these top-rated options: Top PTAC Units Hotpoint AH11H09D3B 9,000 BTU PTAC – Affordable and easy to install. GE AZ65H12DAB 12,000 BTU Zoneline PTAC – Quiet and energy-efficient. Friedrich FreshAire PVH12K3FB – Premium performance with inverter technology. Top VTAC Units GE AZ95E12DAC VTAC – Compact and versatile for entry-level needs. Friedrich VHA12K34RTP VTAC – Ideal for multiple-room applications. GE AZ9VH12DBM VTAC – Premium performance with inverter-driven technology. Conclusion Choosing between PTAC and VTAC units depends on your needs and budget. PTAC units offer affordability and easy installation for single rooms, while VTAC units provide a quieter, hidden solution capable of servicing multiple rooms. Visit Total Home Supply to explore our full range of PTAC units and VTAC systems. All orders ship free within the contiguous U.S.
February 5, 2019 at 9:00 PM Suzette Carlos says: Hi! Our condominium unit has a PTAC pre-installed because nothing should be hanging out the windows. However, i want to replace it already. What can i replace it with so that installation will not be very difficult? Thank you Reply
September 5, 2024 at 2:19 PM Maurice Brown says: The only other options is the VTAC. As long as you have an outside wall to install it next to. Reply
August 27, 2021 at 4:21 PM Colleen says: Thank you for the succinct explanation of the difference between PTAC and VTAC. I can’t believe how hard it is to find this type of explanation. So helpful! Reply
June 20, 2022 at 1:30 PM snyder says: Does a VTAC, like a PTAC, need an outside source of air? Thank you. Reply
June 20, 2022 at 1:32 PM Mickey Luongo says: Yes, a VTAC is a through the wall unit. It must be installed up against an outside wall. Reply
July 14, 2022 at 1:12 PM H Anderson says: Does the vtac need duct work? How does the air distribution work Reply
July 14, 2022 at 1:17 PM Mickey Luongo says: Yes, a VTAC unit would have duct work coming off of the top and then going to one or more spaces to condition. Reply
August 22, 2022 at 2:32 PM Mickey Luongo says: It varies from brand to brand, but is usually about 24″x24″. Reply
September 30, 2022 at 10:59 AM Vonn Mann says: Can outdoor air for ventilation be supplied by VTAC unit? How much? cfms? Thanks, Reply
October 3, 2022 at 11:27 AM Mickey Luongo says: Some VTAC units such as the GE V12 series can being in outside air. The AZ9VH12EBM brings in 30-70 CFM (no filter), 25-70 CFM (with MERV13 Filter Kit) Reply
July 13, 2024 at 3:45 PM Adam says: Can the required venting/air for a VTAC unit be a distance away from the unit? For example, such as 10ft away, above the window via an integrated window header louvre/grille? Reply
July 15, 2024 at 9:26 AM Mickey Luongo says: No. VTACs are through the wall units and must be placed on an exterior wall. Reply
