Last Updated on December 8, 2020 by Guest
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner or PTAC systems are a type of self-contained HVAC system generally found in hotels and apartments. They give the occupant complete control over the temperature of their room, and they have a long service life. However, several popular misconceptions have prevented them from being adopted more widely. Here are some of the most common myths about hotel rooms and PTAC systems.
PTAC Systems are only meant for the Summer
A common misconception is that PTAC units are only used during the summer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. PTAC systems have different modes, which means they can match different seasons.
In the summer, they can provide you with the appropriate level of cool air you need to keep you and your family safe from the heat outside, thanks to the air conditioner qualities. In the winter, this system doubles up as a heater, which means instead of pumping cool air into your home, you can heat the room effectively. Your investment will be constantly put to good use throughout the year.
PTACs Are Problematic
PTAC units are a good overall value as long as you invest in proper maintenance. Many businesses see expensive repair bills because they cut corners. However, PTAC maintenance isn’t complicated, and it is always worth the effort.
Clean the outside of the unit and remove any debris inside the unit. Then clean the filter. You may be able to vacuum it, or you may need to wash it with mild soap. Unfortunately, many business owners let them get clogged. That leads to problems from poor performance due to compressor failure.
Periodically double-check that all the features work. Replace bad switches and questionable power cords. If something is wrong, you can find new or refurbished PTAC units here, along with parts.
Many of the problems associated with PTAC units are both predictable and avoidable. The solution is to learn the truth about PTAC units and then make the right choices when selecting, installing, and maintaining them.
The PTAC Will Dehumidify a Room
Another common misconception is that PTACs can dehumidify a room, especially if the weather is hot and humid. In reality, PTAC units are not designed to work as dehumidifiers. Using them for this purpose could lead to mold and moisture problems, especially if you’re in a hot and humid climate.
When the PTAC system is simply bringing in outside air, it will bring in hot and humid air through the vent without running it over the coils. In these cases, the air doesn’t pass over the AC coils that could remove even some of the moisture from the air. You can also tell that a PTAC unit isn’t designed for dehumidification because it lacks a control for managing the humidity level.
One solution to the high humidity levels associated with PTAC units is to eliminate vinyl wall coverings. You may want to replace over-sized PTAC units with smaller ones, eliminating over-cooling and improving overall ventilation.