How to Clean A PTAC Unit?

As you may know, PTAC is a packaged terminal air conditioning unit. These durable devices mostly work to provide heated and cooled air to a single room or array of room sizes on demand. Regular PTAC maintenance can help to optimize heating and cooling experiences while also lowering energy bills. Completing these tasks can help meet or even extend the lifespan of your PTAC systems.

Whether you are using your unit in a motel, dormitory, office, or nursing home, it will require maintenance. Thanks to their self-contained design, these units are mostly easy to upkeep. They are installed through the exterior wall of the building using a standard-size wall sleeve. This simple installation makes it fairly easy to clean and maintain them.

An energy efficient PTAC will require for you to follow consistent maintenance routines. Maintaining your unit lowers your energy costs. Not only that, you will also experience a boost in your energy savings. Energy costs can be curbed on average by $40 to 50$ per unit in savings per year.

Properly executed preventative measures help reduce operational issues in PTAC units. Common problems that can be avoided include:

Every PTAC manufacturer recommends a complete cleaning at least once a year or more. In dusty or corrosive environments. Some of these environments include areas near construction sites or saltwater, where PTAC cleaning will become essential.

Regular maintenance ensures the device can operate at its highest capacity. Regardless of the area or environment, we recommend cleanings on the PTAC units at least four times a year. These cleanings can be seasonal or on a monthly basis, depending on your circumstances.

Monthly PTAC Cleaning Tasks:

Air Filter:

• Slowly remove the PTAC air filter to prevent dirt from falling back into the unit.
• On some models, remove the front grille to access the filter.
• Clean the filter with a vacuum or by rinsing it with water.
• Replace any damaged filters.

Vent Screen:

• Remove the front cabinet and grille.
• Remove the screws securing the chassis to the wall sleeve and slide the chassis out far enough so the vent screen is accessible.
• Clean or replace the vent screen, slide the chassis back into the wall sleeve, secure it in place, and reinstall the front cabinet.

Front Grille:

• Remove the front grille and clean it with a dampened cloth.
• Reinstall the front grille.
• Inspect the control panel and plug. Replace both if needed.

Seasonal PTAC Maintenance Tasks:

Wall Sleeve:

• Inspect the caulking around the PTAC wall sleeve to ensure all air and water openings are properly sealed.
• Check the wall sleeve’s level. It should be tilted slightly to the outside (about a 1/4 bubble tilt) but not excessively. If using an internal drain system, the sleeve should be level so water drains into the connected drain line and doesn’t overflow.
• Test by pouring a cup of water into the sleeve.

Base Pan and Condenser Coil:

• Spray and rinse the condenser coil and base pan with Hydro-Balance Enviro-Coil cleaner.
• Place a drain pan cleaner tablet or Hydro-Balance drain strip in the base pan to prevent bacteria growth.
• Reinstall the unit back into the wall sleeve.
• Allow the unit to dry for 24 hours before restoring power. Test the unit for proper operation once power is restored.

• Regularly clean or replace air filters to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.
• Inspect and clean condenser and evaporator coils to prevent dirt buildup and ensure effective operation.
• Schedule routine maintenance by a professional technician for comprehensive inspections and early issue detection.

To ensure consistent and efficient operation of your packaged terminal air conditioner unit, it’s essential that you accurately track all maintenance activities. By using a printed maintenance schedule, you can easily monitor each unit’s upkeep. Track both monthly tasks—such as cleaning the front filters, room-side cover, and outdoor vent filter—and seasonal tasks like servicing the evaporator coil, blower wheel, and condenser coil.

Additionally, performing a post-maintenance check for clearance and operation ensures everything runs smoothly, maximizing your PTAC units' performance and longevity.

• Ensure there is proper clearance around the PTAC unit so the intake and discharge air paths aren’t blocked. Keep at least eight inches between the intake vent and any furniture or objects, and make sure the discharge vent is unobstructed.