Here are some things to do on a monthly basis:

1. Clean the filter. Sounds simple, but the fastest route to compressor failure or poor performance from your PTAC equipment is air flow restrictions. A clogged filter can reduce air flow to almost nothing. Vacuum the filter and replace. If it’s really dirty, more thorough cleaning with mild soap and water may be necessary.
2. Check the switch, thermostat, and other functional controls on the unit. Most PTAC units have unit mounted controls, and things get spilled, push buttons break, and knobs disappear. Replacing knobs and buttons and making sure switches and thermostats operate easily will prevent users from using improvised tools to push and turn.
3. Check the power cord for breaks in the insulation, especially on units that do not have the new LCDI cords. Also make sure the plug fits snug in the receptacle. A loose plug can arc and be a fire hazard or cause problems for other electrical components.
4. Remove anything from the top of the unit that might cause problems, such as liquids that can spill into the unit.

On an annual basis , a more thorough inspection and cleaning may be necessary. Since PTAC units are directly exposed to the outdoors, they tend to get debris and other undesirable things inside them. These steps should be performed by a trained professional:

1. Clean out any debris (leaves, lint, paper, the occasional dead critter). Check where the unit seals against the wall sleeve for air leaks and repair as needed. Being directly exposed to the elements, a PTAC that does not seal properly will give the appearance of not functioning properly.
2. Clean the coils. Clean out large debris with a vacuum or compressed air. Use a commercial coil cleaner to get the really stubborn dirt. Be careful when cleaning the evaporator coil to use a coil cleaner designed for the indoor coil. Some of the cleaners for outdoor coils are acid based and are caustic. Clean the drain pan, clear any drain holes or hoses, and let the PTAC unit dry.
3. Check the fan blades and blower wheels and shrouds for mold or fungus. Also check any insulation for same. Treat with an antibacterial/antifungal cleaner, rinse and let dry thoroughly.
4. A PTAC normally has one or two fan motors. Some of the motors have oil ports. Oil the motors as necessary per manufacturers specifications.
5. Clean the inside of the PTAC sleeve/cabinet. Remove any obstructions from drains, check and repair any gaskets, and clean with an antibacterial/antifungal cleaner.
6. Finally, check for anything near the PTAC unit, both inside and outside that might impede performance. Trees or shrubs on the outside may need to be trimmed, mulch pulled back, etc. Inside, boxes, desks or other items too close the unit may cause airflow problems. Move these away as necessary.

Air Distributors Company, Inc. recommends Superior PTAC Service for your annual cleaning and maintenance. For more information, visit their web site at www.sptacs.com, or call them at 903-449-6199.

The GE Zoneline has the capability to set seven independent temperature limits for both heating and cooling. Independent, so there is no need to reset seasonally. To accomplish this, you will need to access the Auxiliary Control Switches. These are located behind the front cover, just below the control panel. There are two sets of auxiliary switches, 8 switches per set. We will be concerned with the second set, located on the right. The switches are number 1-8 from right to left. Switches 1-3 are the cooling limits, and work as follows:

Cooling Temperature Limits

The heat limit switches are 4-6, and should be set as follows:

Heating Temperature Limits

This functionality applies to all GE Zoneline PTAC units listed below:

• 2200, 3200, 5200 Series
• 2500, 3500, 5500 Series
• 2800, 3800, 5800 Series
• 2900, 3900 Series

For more information on temperature limiting, or to learn more about the other features of the GE Zoneline PTAC unit, check out the GE Zoneline Architects and Engineers Manual 2008.

Air Distributors Company, INc. is located in Louisville, KY, and is a distributor for GE Zoneline and Room Air products. If you have an upcoming project, you can get a quote on GE Zoneline units here.

To further test the efficiency, 26 new units were installed and connected to the buildings energy management system. Alongside were 26 of the older units. Each group was sub-metered for electricity usage, and the new McQuay Enersaver units used 45-50% less energy than the old units. A combination of new custom controls and higher efficiencies helped produce the large reduction in energy use.

For more info on the custom controls, see the complete article about McQuay PTAC Units = 50% Energy Savings.

Air Distributors Company, Inc. is a Factory Authorized McQuay Distributor for parts and PTAC products for KY, Southern IN, and Southern IL. Learn more about McQuay PTAC units.