PTAC Selection Guide Optimize your spend with the right PTAC equipment!
The Direct Supply Difference Direct Supply Equipment & Furnishings understands the challenges of securing equipment for your communities. The wrong equipment can consume your budget, prevent you from reaching peak efficiency and interfere with the proper care for your residents. That s why we help you choose the right equipment for your community: equipment that will get the job done for the right value. With over twenty years of devotion to the Senior Living profession, we have the knowledge to help you make the best decision. This PTAC Selection Guide outlines the key considerations that can help you identify the right model for your staff and residents. 2
Save Money with Preventive Maintenance Extend the life of your PTAC and maximize the value of your purchase. A properly maintained PTAC unit saves up to 7% of energy costs, runs more quietly and reduces the need for replacement parts and expensive service calls. Our product experts have compiled all the information you need on routine maintenance best practices. Visit www.directsupply.com/resources to download this free resource and get the most out of your PTAC units for years to come. 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 3
Select the Right PTAC PTAC Type U.S. Climate Zones Zone 6 Zone 5 Zone 4 Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1 4
PTAC Type Though all PTACs cool a room the same way, there are two distinct ways a PTAC heats a room: via heat pump or via resistance heat. Your heating needs can help determine the unit that s right for you. Resistance (Electric) Heat Resistance heat units work by passing an electric current through wires to heat them. Resistance heat units require a smaller initial investment, but can result in higher energy costs when used for prolonged periods of time. Heat Pump Heat pumps work in a similar manner to an air conditioner, except by reversing the cooling process to circulate warm air. Heat pumps use less energy than resistance heat models, but require a larger initial investment. All packaged terminal heat pumps also incorporate resistance heat technology that can help maintain room temperature when the outside temperature drops below the minimum operating threshold for a heat pump. Heat pumps are suggested for cooler climates where the need for heat is greater; you ll see a return on the initial higher investment in about a year. All climate zones within the U.S. will realize some energy cost savings by choosing a heat pump model, but the payback will vary by location. Heat Pump Payback Timeline Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 ~2-3 years ~1 year < 1 year < 1 year < 1 year < 1 year Payback timelines are calculated by comparing upfront purchase prices to the expected energy cost savings* per unit in the first year of use. For an individualized assessment of payback schedules for your specific location, please contact Direct Supply at 1-800-634-7328 * Expected energy savings based are based on national averages. Average heating/cooling hours per year for each region were provided by Carrier; typical kilowatt usage per heating hour for each PTAC model was provided by the manufacturer, and average dollar cost per kilowatt-hour by state was provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 5
Select the Right PTAC BTU Output 6
BTU Output BTU output measures how much space a PTAC can effectively heat and cool. It is important that any PTAC be properly sized and situated in order to maintain desired temperature and humidity levels. There are a number of factors to consider when determining the right BTU output, and these can be difficult to estimate, so Direct Supply recommends contacting an HVAC professional for help evaluating your specific air conditioning needs. Factors that can affect heating and cooling: Room Size: Multiply the room s square footage by 30 for a rough estimate of BTU needs. Usage: How many people typically occupy the room? Room Characteristics: How high are the ceilings? Is the room well insulated? Impact of Outside Weather: How much sunlight does the room receive? Afternoon or morning sunlight? Which way does the room face? Sometimes you can t find a PTAC with a BTU output that matches your heating and cooling needs. In that case, you need to decide whether to use an undersized or oversized unit for the space. Slightly undersized PTAC units operating continuously provide more comfort and more savings in a smaller room than oversized units operating intermittently. In larger rooms, two smaller units can cool the room more efficiently than one large unit. In milder weather you can save money by running a single unit. A significantly undersized unit can t cool the room down to the desired temperature, nor remove enough moisture from the air, resulting in an uncomfortably warm and possibly humid space. Oversized PTAC units with a cooling capacity greater than required for the room will typically cool down the room too quickly, causing the compressor to cycle on and off. Since dehumidification only takes place when the compressor is operating, this typically results in a cool but humid space. 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 7
Select the Right PTAC Efficiency Electrical Fan Motors P l u g S t y l e s 230/208V 15 amp tandem 230/208V 20 amp perpendicular For 265V models, call your account manager at 1-800-634-7328. 230/208V 30 amp large tandem Efficiency PTACs with high energy efficiency ratings help save energy costs. When measuring energy efficiency for a resistance heat unit, consult the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). For heat pump units, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) is the standard measure of energy efficiency. A higher number for both EER and COP reflects a higher efficiency and lower energy usage. EERs typically range from 9.2 to 13.2, while COPs typically range from 2.5 to 4.0. Electrical Needs PTACs models can have different voltage (230/208V or 265V) and amperage requirements (15, 20, or 30 amps. See diagram left) Choose a model designed for the existing electrical service in your building. Fan Motors PTACs use either a single-motor fan or a two-motor fan. A single-motor fan uses a single motor to pull air from the outside and move the treated air into the room. With a single motor it has less moving parts. Two-motor fans use separate motors to run intake and exhaust fans and move the air through the room. Additionally, the fan directing air through the room is a cross-flow blower with a cylindrical shape which causes the air to move and respond with equal power but with less noise than traditional fans. 8
Select the Right PTAC Temperature Limits Corrosion Treatment Electronic Temperature Limiting A reliable PTAC does more than create a comfortable community for residents and staff; it s also a critical component for regulatory compliance. Electronic temperature controls allow users to preset cooling and heating limits, saving energy costs and keeping building within the temperatures outlined in F-Tag 257. F-Tag 257 requires all Skilled Nursing communities certified after October 1, 1990 maintain temperatures between 71º and 81ºF. State and local health agencies may have even more stringent requirements. Temperature control panel Corrosion Treatment Since a PTAC draws in outside air to heat or cool the room, certain elements of the unit can be susceptible to weathering. A special treatment to those vulnerable elements reduces the effects of corrosive environments and extends the life of the unit. If your community is within a few miles of saltwater this feature is necessary to maximize the life of the unit. Certain brands include this as a standard feature; check the comparison chart on pages 14-15. Treated condenser coil 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 9
Select the Right PTAC Brand Choices Brand Choices While the comparison chart on pages 14-15 will help you find which models have the specific features you need, here we offer a general overview of the strengths of each PTAC brand. GE Leaders in quality, GE offers the industry s most efficient units with superior reliability and a nation-wide service network. Amana Leaders in energy management features, Amana also offers units with easy access for maintenance. All Amana units are assembled in the USA. Friedrich Friedrich offers the most complete line of room air conditioners available, noted for high quality and reliability in every category. LG LG offers reliable PTAC units, with an anti-corrosive treatment standard on all units. Islandaire Islandaire offers extremely affordable, reliable PTAC units, with free shipping on all orders. Islandaire, in partnership with Direct Supply, also offers a full line of custom-sized air conditioners so you can replace older units without having to rebuild your walls. 10
Now that you know what to look for in a PTAC, you can use the following comparison charts to quickly identify the right model for your needs. If you have any questions, don t hesitate to call. And once you ve identified the PTAC you need, please contact us so we can discuss how you can place the right PTAC in your community. Call us for a quote. Direct Supply makes it easy for you to place your order with delivery and installation services, budget-friendly financing options and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 11
PTAC Comparison Chart Resistance Heat Heat Pump Brand Style BTU Range* EER** EER** COP** Voltage Amperage 7,000 12.8 13.2 4.0 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 Heat Pump or Resistance Heat options 9,000 12.1 12.7 3.8 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 12,000 11.8 12.1 3.7 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 15,000 10.6 11.2 3.3 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 7,000 11.7 11.7 3.5 230/208 or 265V 15 or 20 Heat Pump or Resistance Heat options 9,000 11.5 11.5 3.4 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 12,000 10.4 10.7 3.2 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 15,000 10.0 9.7 3.0 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 7,000 12.2 12.2 3.4 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 Heat Pump or Resistance Heat options 9,000 11.4 11.4 3.3 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 12,000 10.7 10.5 3.1 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 15,000 9.8 9.8 3.0 230/208 or 265V 15, 20, or 30 7,000 11.6 11.6 3.2 230/208 or 265V 15 Heat Pump or Resistance Heat options 9,000 11.0 11.0 3.2 230/208 or 265V 20 12,000 10.6 10.6 3.2 230/208 or 265V 20 15,000 9.2 9.4 2.6 230/208 or 265V 20 or 30 7,000 12.0 12.0 3.3 230/208 or 265V 20 Heat Pump or Resistance Heat options 9,000 11.3 11.3 3.3 230/208 or 265V 20 12,000 10.7 10.9 3.1 230/208 or 265V 20 or 30 15,000 10.0 10.0 3.0 230/208 or 265V 20 or 30 *BTU range is an approximation and may not be the exact BTU output for each unit. **EER and COP are based upon 230/208V units only; please contact your account manager for efficiency ratings on 265V units 12
Fan Motors Temperature Limiting? Corrosion Protection Cord Warranty Freight 2 Inside Fan - Cross-Flow Blower Yes Optional Add-On Sold Separately 1 year parts & labor / 5 year limited parts / 5 year parts & labor on sealed refrigerant system Order 24+ units and shipping is free 2 Inside Fan - Cross-Flow Blower Yes Optional Add-On Included 1 year parts & labor / 5 year limited parts / 5 year parts & labor on sealed refrigerant system 6+ units is free freight 2 Inside Fan - Cross-Flow Blower Yes Standard Feature Included on standard amp models. Sold separately for alternative amp units. 2 year parts & labor / 5 year limited parts / 5 year parts & labor on sealed refrigerant system 10+ units is free freight 2 Inside Fan - Cross-Flow Blower Yes Standard Feature Included 11 year parts & labor / 5 year limited parts / 5 year parts & labor on sealed refrigerant system 15+ units is free freight 2 Inside Fan - Cross-Flow Blower Yes Optional Add-On Included 1-year parts & labor and 5-year compressor part only OR 2-year parts only and 5-year compressor part only Free shipping on every order! Free shipping is available on qualifying orders that ship within the 48 contiguous states. Subject to change without notice. 1-800-634-7328 directsupply.com 13
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