Packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units are ductless, energy-efficient solutions to long-term comfort when temperatures start to climb during summer. These hotel style air conditioner and heating systems are a perfect alternative for homes and businesses that lack central air conditioning because they are space-saving and easy to install. But with several brands out there, selecting a suitable model can be quite hectic for most people, especially if you don’t know the perks of modern PTAC units. To make your search easier and save you time scrolling through PTAC reviews, we've highlighted some of the best PTAC units of 2023 below.
What Are the Benefits of a PTAC Unit?
Packaged terminal air conditioners are energy efficient and ductless, which makes them a popular choice in homes across America. They are far less expensive to install than central air conditioning is, and they can provide both cooling and heat without a bulky unit on the outside of your building. PTAC units (especially through the wall PTAC units) also offer room-by-room control of your home's temperature: instead of relying on a central thermostat, you can customize the temperature of your home based on where you are. This means lower energy usage and smaller bills, which is great for your wallet and the environment.
Frigidaire FFRP072HT6
Frigidaire has been manufacturing powerful, quiet air conditioners for decades, which makes them one of the best PTAC brands we have to offer. This one is suitable for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. in area, with 7,200 cooling and 8,300 heating BTUs. There's even an electric heat backup. Effortless™ maintenance (a Frigidaire exclusive) ensures long-lasting parts and reliable service, down to the corrosion-resistant fin coating. Meanwhile, the SilentDesign™ sound reduction package means that you can install this air conditioner in a bedroom. Comfort Control design lets you truly customize its settings, and Dry Mode helps manage the humidity in your room, which is amazing for those muggy summer days.
Friedrich PDE12K3SG
If you're looking for our best rated PTAC units, Friedrich has plenty to choose from. This 42-in. unit offers 11,800 BTUs of cooling power, making it suitable for nearly any size of room, and its high-end features make it clear why it's a customer favorite. It offers a two-motor design that makes it one of the quietest PTAC units we offer. It integrates a series of advanced sensors, including one that enables room freeze protection. With this, your air conditioner turns the heat on if the room's temperature gets below 40° F, even if the room is unoccupied. The additional thermistor on the blower scroll ensures that the unit won't overheat, and the indoor coil frost sensor prevents the compressor from freezing. It even acts as a dehumidifier, removing up to 2.7 pints of water vapor from the air every hour while in cool mode.
Hotpoint AH11H12D3B
The most powerful PTAC unit on our list is this one from Hotpoint. With 12,000 BTUs of cooling power and 10,800 BTUs of heating, it's effective in even the largest rooms. The three-speed fan gives you a huge amount of control over your environment, while four temperature limiting options maximize the unit's efficiency. The control panel is intuitive and easy to read, allowing you to customize your settings with a touch. It even offers a nine-point diagnostic system, giving you clear error messages in the event that something goes wrong. This can help you identify your service needs and potentially avoid a service call. And this PTAC is even compatible with remote thermostats.
GE AZ45E09EAC
GE's Zoneline Series brings us this 42-in. packaged terminal air conditioner that has 9,500 BTUs of cooling power. That makes it one of the most powerful PTAC units we offer. Smart fan cooling and heating save you energy and improve your comfort: by enabling this mode, the fan will only run while the cooling or heating is active. The large cross-flow blower optimizes airflow to make this unit extremely quiet, and the baked-on sound barrier covers the back of the unit to ensure maximum noise insulation. Heat and freeze sentinels prevent the air conditioner from freezing or overheating, no matter the weather, and the automatic dimming function makes sure that the backlit control panel won't keep you up at night.
Related Questions
What is the life expectancy of a PTAC unit?
A well-maintained packaged terminal air conditioner should last for 8-10 years. However, the system could last for seven years or less if you ignore taking care of it or ignore doing simple maintenance practices such as cleaning filters.
How do I choose a PTAC unit?
This often depends on your personal needs, but it is essential to consider noise levels, durability, BTU, cost, energy usage, and heat type.
Are PTAC units energy efficient?
Compared to other air conditioner types, PTAC units are less energy efficient. However, their versatility allows them to act as both an AC and a heater, allowing you to use them throughout the year without buying a separate heating unit.
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