Getting along with PTACs

For many hotels, especially in the midscale and economy segments, PTACs are a way of life. These units can reduce many costs, from installation to maintenance and servicing.

To a designer, however, they can be problematic. There are certain things that aren’t interchangeable when you are designing a room that contains a PTAC. First, the PTAC needs to be on an exterior wall, generally in the center of the room. In most cases, this means directly under the window. So scratch the idea of floor-to-ceiling windows or beautiful draperies that reach to the floor. Next, there has to be a minimum amount of spacing between the unit (depending on the exact model) and the bed or other furniture. This is due to airflow requirements, to ensure proper system operation. From a color standpoint, almost all the models on the market are some variation of light tan or cream. And lastly, the units—which may not be beautiful in the eyes of a designer—cannot be hidden or covered up.

According to Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products at General Electric, covering up a PTAC is a dangerous idea.

“It’s never okay to cover it,” Benz said. “So, regardless of what someone tells you, the physics and engineering of it is such that that’s never a good thing to do. You end up having moisture accumulation on the furniture [and] on the carpet.”

Plus, Benz said covering a unit will restrict airflow, shortening the life of the PTAC itself.

Mel Harris, northeast regional sales manager for LG Electronics, USA, said while 99 percent of hotel rooms using PTAC units are designed to have only one unit, there are suite applications where one might consider a Lateral Duct Kit.

“This is, in essence, a sheet metal plenum that attaches to the top of a PTAC unit in the main room and ducts air into a second, smaller room,” Harris said. “This is not nearly as effective as having a unit in each room, however, it might be a cost effective option if the budget is really tight.”

Harris also said the refrigerant used in PTAC units will be changing from R-22 to R-410A, a change mandated by the U.S. government.

“We should start seeing the new units during the first quarter of next year,” Harris said. “All of the major manufacturers are constantly engaged in researching new technologies and developing new types of units. These efforts are going to result in PTAC units that are smarter, quieter and more efficient.” 

Is going vertical in your future?

Designers may finally have a way around PTACs, which many consider to be less-than-elegant room additions from a visual standpoint. The solution: the vertical PTAC.

Instead of a traditional model, which is horizontal in nature and sits against the middle of an outside wall, vertical PTACs take up less floor space—roughly 30 inches by 30 inches—and can be placed inside a small closet.

Vertical PTACs still have to be located on an exterior wall, and they still go through the wall and feature a grille, but it gets ducted. It can be ducted into one room or multiple rooms.

Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products at General Electric, said vertical PTACs solve many design issues.

“It’s hidden—it looks like you have central [air conditioning]. It doesn’t look like you have a PTAC because you never see it. And you have a wall thermostat, and now you can put the bed anywhere,” Benz said.

Benz also said vertical PTACs are suitable for use in larger guestrooms, including suites.

“One vertical PTAC runs an entire two-bedroom Residence Inn suite. It handles the kitchen, the living room and the two bedrooms,” he said.

Using vertical PTACs allows designers to rearrange furniture in different ways and also can reduce noise—one of the biggest customer complaints. Since the PTAC is located in a closet, the noise is muffled. The closet itself can also be insulated more thoroughly than the rest of the room, further reducing noise. Having the PTAC separate from the window also provides designers with more options for full-length draperies.

“The vertical is the one thing that gives you real design flexibility with respect to single rooms or suites,” Benz said.