The Important Role Preventive Maintenance Plays for Your Facility’s PTAC Units

PTAC Unit Preventive MaintenanceFor commercial and mixed use development projects, designing for heating and air conditioning systems requires finding simple, cost-effective systems that allow occupants to control spaces individually. The solution is often self-contained units such as packaged terminal air conditioning (PTAC) units. But without proper maintenance, these types of units can mean big problems when it comes to clean indoor air and energy costs.

Lack of Ventilation and Poor Insulation

Self-contained units like PTAC units are great for apartments, hotels, retirement homes and spaces where individual units and individual spaces but these units often do not come with outdoor air intakes. Many of these units have poor drainage, constant usage or sub-par maintenance. As a result, PTAC units experience odor issues, dirt and dust problems and mold buildup.

Additionally, because these types of units go through walls to the outside, they tend to transfer heat and cold through their metal frames from the outside to the inside, making it even more difficult to maintain inside temperatures and keep energy consumption down. Without the ability to cool effectively, moisture trapped inside the unit can create dangerous mold buildup.

Where It’s a Problem

One of the main reasons PTAC units are widely used in hotels, hospitals, and facilities such as nursing homes is their relatively low cost. They’re often up to 50% less expensive than traditional HVAC systems with ductwork. But what is gained in upfront cost can be lost in repairs and energy usage if units are not maintained properly.

The Solution – Five Steps to Cleaning PTAC units

While some owners and facility managers may lean towards replacing these systems with other types, this is not always a viable option. Plus, with routine preventive maintenance, indoor air quality can be improved and energy costs lowered. For example, changing filters regularly, cleaning unit evaporators and condensers periodically. In addition, cleaning and protecting a PTAC unit’s coils against mold and mildew with an EPA registered mold inhibitor is also a good idea.

  1. Safety First:
    • Turn Off Power: Before starting any maintenance or cleaning task, always disconnect the unit from its power source to prevent any accidents or electrocution. This step ensures the safety of the person cleaning and also prevents any potential damage to the unit.
    • Wear Gloves: Wearing gloves can protect your hands from dirt, sharp edges, and any potentially harmful residues or chemicals.
  2. Clean or Replace the Filter:
    • Remove the filter from the front panel. Depending on your PTAC unit’s design, you may need to remove the front cover to access the filter.
    • Clean the filter using a mild detergent and warm water. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before reinserting.
    • If the filter is damaged or excessively clogged, it’s best to replace it. A clean filter ensures efficient operation and better air quality.
  3. Clean the Coils:
  4. Clean the Condensate Pan and Drain:
    • Over time, the condensate pan can collect water, dirt, and even mold. Clean the pan using a mild detergent and warm water.
    • Ensure the condensate drain is clear of obstructions so that water can flow freely and not back up into the unit or room.
  5. Check and Clean the Exterior Grille and Cabinet:
    • Wipe down the unit’s exterior with a soft cloth to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
    • Ensure that the exterior grille is clean and free from obstructions. This ensures that the unit can expel heat efficiently.

PTAC units may have issues with indoor air quality and energy efficiency but these issues can be alleviated with cleaning and regular maintenance. Owners and building managers of facilities where PTAC units are widely used should consider regular maintenance using a coil cleaner like Goodway Coilpro to clean coils and Coilshine detergent to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Next Steps

Check out these related Resources for PTAC maintenance and indoor air quality:

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