Applied Comfort EA PTAC 

EAEE & EAWE Replacement Units

The Applied Comfort EA PTAC is a 44-7/8-inch by 16-3/8-inch packaged terminal air conditioner engineered as a direct replacement for McQuay Type EA, MEA, PMES, PMRS, PMEA, PDAE, and compatible legacy units in the EA sleeve footprint — including equipment from Singer, Islandaire, Retroaire, Simon-Aire, Coldpoint, and Ice Air. Current EA Series models — the EAEE (electric heat) and EAWE (hydronic heat) — use R454B refrigerant.

Air Distributors is an authorized Applied Comfort distributor offering wholesale pricing on EA Series units and accessories. Our team can confirm compatibility with your existing sleeve, identify the correct model for your voltage, heat type, and BTU requirements, and provide pricing for individual units or bulk orders. Call 800-866-1210 or use the contact form below.

The McQuay EA — Why This Sleeve Size Still Matters

The McQuay Type EA established the 44-7/8" x 16-3/8" sleeve as the standard for a generation of commercial PTAC installations in hotels, office buildings, multifamily housing, healthcare facilities, and schools across North America. The EA and its successors — MEA, PMES, PMRS, PMEA, PDAE — were installed in large quantities from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Many of those units are still running. When they finally need chassis replacement, the problem is straightforward: the original manufacturer stopped producing EA series units long ago, and a standard 42 x 16 PTAC won't fit without cutting into the wall.

The Applied Comfort EA PTAC was built specifically for this situation. It matches the original McQuay EA sleeve dimensions exactly. A current-production, R454B-compliant chassis installs into a sleeve that may have been in the wall for 40 years, with no structural work required.

R454B Refrigerant in the EA Series

Current EA Series units — the EAEE and EAWE — use R454B refrigerant. R454B is a low-GWP refrigerant meeting EPA AIM Act requirements that took effect January 1, 2025, phasing out R410A for new commercial HVAC equipment production. Previous-generation Applied Comfort EA units (EAEC) used R410A.

For facilities managers replacing existing EA-footprint units, the refrigerant transition is internal to the chassis and does not affect the installation process. The EAEE and EAWE are dimensioned identically to previous EA Series units and use the same sleeve and accessories. No sleeve modification is required when replacing an older R410A unit with a current R454B chassis.

Applied Comfort EA PTAC Features

Direct Replacement — No Sleeve or Louver Modification Required

The EA Series is dimensioned to the original McQuay EA sleeve specification (44-7/8" x 16-3/8") and uses the EA-style front panel. No new wall opening, no louver changes. A retrofit front cover kit (ACCEAFTCOVER_PREMIUM) is available where the original cover needs updating.

Electric and Hydronic Heat

The EAEE uses electric resistance heat. The EAWE connects to the building's existing hot water system. If you're replacing a McQuay EA hydronic chassis in a building with central hot water heating, the EAWE is the direct match. Both models are available in 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTU cooling capacities.

Voltage Options: 115V, 230/208V, and 277V

Three voltage configurations are available. 115V covers 9,000 and 12,000 BTU electric heat models only. 230/208V and 277V cover the full BTU and heat range. The 277V option is relevant for older commercial buildings where McQuay EA units were often installed on 277V circuits. Model suffix: L = 115V, K = 230/208V, R = 277V.

Electronic and Mechanical Controls

Controls come in two options. Electronic touchpad (E suffix) supports EMS connection and is switchable to a 24V remote wall thermostat — useful for hotels and commercial properties with centralized building controls. Mechanical on-chassis controls (S suffix) are also available for simpler applications.

Fresh Air Options

Three configurations: mechanical fresh air door (M), no fresh air door (N), or power automatic damper (P). The power damper enables motorized ventilation control for building automation setups.

High Static Pressure Blower Design

The Applied Comfort EA PTAC uses a high static pressure blower design. That matters for installations with duct kits or some degree of air distribution built into the original system — more common in EA-footprint commercial buildings than in standard PTAC applications.

Low Noise Operation

Noise-reducing materials and an optimized blower design reduce operating sound levels compared to the original McQuay EA. Guest rooms, patient rooms, and open-plan offices benefit the most from this.

Warranty

• 1st year: parts and labor
• 2nd through 6th year: sealed system parts
• Free shipping on warranty replacement parts

Additional extended warranty available for purchase

Documents

Applied Comfort EA PTAC Specs

EA PTAC Replaces

Singer EA
McQuay EA/MEA/PMES/PMEA/PDAE
Islandaire ED
Retroaire RC35, R35
Simon-Aire SSEA
Coldpoint EA
Ice Air RSEA
Most other 44" PTAC units