Before You Buy A PTAC Air Conditioner: Things To Consider

Before buying a PTAC air conditioner there are a few things to consider. For example, how many BTUs do I need? Do I want to go with the new R-410a type "green" refrigerant? What kind of EER (energy efficiency rating) do I need? Do I need a heat pump? How about an electric heat option for extreme cold conditions?

How many BTUs do I need?

Basically if you've got a big room you need a big PTAC; with small rooms you can go with a smaller PTAC in the 7000 BTU range. The smaller PTACs are great because they use less energy and some have EER ratings as high as 12.5. If you've got a large room you may need a 10,000 plus BTU PTAC, in which case the EER ratings will dip into the single digits.

R410 refrigerant

The newer R410 refrigerant is more environmentally friendly than the older R-22 type. You may have to hunt around if you are set on using the "green" alternative. Some manufacturers only carry a few models that use the newer type refrigerant.

The EER (energy efficiency rating) gives you a gauge on how much energy a particular PTAC unit will use. You want to go with the highest EER rating you can, for your particular room. Remember, PTACs only heat and cool the room they occupy, so want to consider room size foremost. Use a PTAC that will heat and cool your sized room effectively. A 14,000 BTU PTAC in a 200 square feet room is overkill and your energy bills will remind you every month that a smaller unit might have been the right choice.

Heat pumps?

If you live in a tropical climate, you might not need a winter heat option, so consider a PTAC without a heat pump. Some PTACs come with electric heat options along with heat pumps, but again, if you don't need it, don't pay for it.

Conversely if you do live in areas where winter can get extreme, you might want to consider a PTAC with an electric heat option, or at least make sure to get a PTAC with a heat pump. Electric heat might be a consideration in hotels or hospitals in northern climates where guest comfort is paramount.

Hopefully you've got a few good ideas now about how to select a PTAC for your particular situation.