We all see them. They are part of our environment, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time traveling. They can be found in hotel and motel rooms across the globe. One industry expert said sales of these units should top 500,000 this year.

They’re called ptac’s. The full name is “packaged terminal air conditioners.” Often located below a window or next to a doorwall, ptac’s have previously been associated with noise and “too hot” or “too cold” room temperatures, especially in the “lower rent” motels. But according to two manufacturers, that is not a true representation of today’s technologically advanced units.

Carrier Corp.’s Tom Phillips said that his company’s product line has incorporated several new features, including front access filters for easy removal and cleaning and captured control knobs that cannot be removed by hotel guests. Condensor shrouds have been designed in two pieces so that the top of the shroud can be removed, providing full access to the outdoor coil for easy access and cleaning.

The result, he said, is a unit that is not only easier to service, but one with a “state-of-the art appearance.”

Improved Efficiency

Phillips cited a new heat transfer method on the coil fins that allows for higher efficiency levels, and evaporator scroll technology that provides “a uniform airflow across the full face of the evaporator coil to achieve significant sound, efficiency, and comfort improvements.”

Phillips also cited the units’ improved condensate disposal. According to the company, “Slinger ring technology is applied, which atomizes the condensate and blows it onto the outdoor coil for evaporation. This new condensate removal system provides better disposal of excess condensate and improved efficiency.”

Islandaire’s Richard Nuss said his company has recently introduced two new products for the ptac market.

“Our new GAS heat unit offers greater energy efficiency than electric heat units,” he said. The company also has come out with a new standard digital control.

“This new control eliminates the old 30-year-old design of a five-button switch and rotary thermostat. The control can also save time when replacing the part; you disconnect, via a phone cable, the digital board and replace it. There’s no wiring diagram reading, following of wires, etc.”

Publication date: 06/11/2001