Will PTACs ever be replaced?

Guestroom technology constantly evolves and changes. TVs get cleaner pictures, energy controls get more sophisticated, e-concierges get implemented. But since the ‘60s, the PTAC has been the staple heating-and-cooling system. Will there ever be a successor?

If there is, it’s most likely not going to have ducts.

“When it comes time for maintenance of a large central system, it costs a fortune and you need a licensed HVAC guy on staff all the time,” said Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products at

Friedrich AC PTAC

General Electric.

And of course, with a central system, all rooms are constantly heating and cooling, which is unnecessary. Mel Harris northeast regional manager for commercial air conditioning for LG Electronics, said HVAC systems simply are not very efficient for hotel rooms.

“North America is the last place on the planet where people use ducted air conditioning,” Harris said. “Everyone else uses duct-free.”

Duct-free options, like the ductless mini-split, have advantages in certain applications. Harris said they are quieter, fairly energy efficient and can be placed in a variety of places in a room, post-construction.
“The [variable refrigerant flow] system … uses 50-percent less energy, and it allows the heat exchange process to happen right at the room.”

However, ductless systems require an outside unit to communicate with each indoor unit, with at least a ratio of one outdoor unit to every four indoor units, said Bill Huber, national sales manager for Friedrich Air Conditioning. Also, ductless mini-splits often struggle to heat a room in temperatures lower than 25 degrees, and unlike a PTAC, there isn’t a backup, Huber said.

The units “could be up on the roof or outside … because of the limitations of the [unit’s heating capabilities] and the number of outdoor units needed, it’s not completely taking off in the hotel industry,” Huber said. The best application for ductless mini-splits could be the lobby and a few other back-of-the-house areas, preferably for a hotel in a warm climate.

According to Benz, none of that technology will be able to supplant the PTAC as the most sensible, efficient heating-and-cooling option. He estimates at least 80 percent of the industry uses PTACs in its guestrooms.