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
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
Contact Us
Got a question, or need more info on the products listed on this page? Use the contact form below and someone will respond during regular business hours.
Applied Comfort EA PTAC Specifications
EAEE — Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (115V and 230/208V)
EAEE 115V and 230/208V — Selected Models
| Model | Voltage | Cooling BTU/Hr | Cooling EER | Resist. Heat BTU/Hr | Resist. Heat kW | Indoor CFM (High) | Net Wt. (lbs) |
| EAEE09L00_6 | 115 | 9,500 | 11.5 | N/A | — | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09L00_7 | 115 | 9,500 | 11.5 | N/A | — | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12L00_7 | 115 | 12,900 | 10.9 | N/A | — | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09K00_6 | 230-208 | 9,500 | 11.5 | N/A | — | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09K25_6 | 230-208 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 8,700 | 2.5/2.1 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09K34_7 | 230-208 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 11,800 | 3.4/2.8 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09K50_8 | 230-208 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 17,200 | 5.0/4.1 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12K00_6 | 230-208 | 12,900 | 10.9 | N/A | — | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12K25_6 | 230-208 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 8,700 | 2.5/2.1 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12K34_7 | 230-208 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 11,800 | 3.4/2.8 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12K50_8 | 230-208 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 17,200 | 5.0/4.1 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15K00_6 | 230-208 | 14,700 | 10.2 | N/A | — | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15K25_6 | 230-208 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 8,700 | 2.5/2.1 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15K34_7 | 230-208 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 11,800 | 3.4/2.8 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15K50_8 | 230-208 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 17,200 | 5.0/4.1 | 330 | 143 |
EAEE — Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (277V)
EAEE 277V — Selected Models
| Model | Voltage | Cooling BTU/Hr | Cooling EER | Resist. Heat BTU/Hr | Resist. Heat kW | Indoor CFM (High) | Net Wt. (lbs) |
| EAEE09R00_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | N/A | — | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09R20_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 7,000 | 2.0 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09R30_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 10,400 | 3.0 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09R34_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 11,800 | 3.4 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE09R40_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 13,800 | 4.0 | 300 | 143 |
| EAEE12R00_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | N/A | — | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12R20_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 7,000 | 2.0 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12R30_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 10,400 | 3.0 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12R34_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 11,800 | 3.4 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE12R40_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 13,800 | 4.0 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15R00_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | N/A | — | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15R20_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 7,000 | 2.0 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15R30_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 10,400 | 3.0 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15R34_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 11,800 | 3.4 | 330 | 143 |
| EAEE15R40_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 13,800 | 4.0 | 330 | 143 |
EAWE — Air Conditioner with Hydronic Heat (115V and 230/208V)
EAWE 115V and 230/208V — All Models
| Model | Voltage | Cooling BTU/Hr | Cooling EER | Indoor CFM (High) | Net Wt. (lbs) |
| EAWE09L00_6 | 115 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 300 | 143 |
| EAWE12L00_7 | 115 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 330 | 143 |
| EAWE09K00_6 | 230-208 | 9,800 | 11.5 | 300 | 143 |
| EAWE12K00_6 | 230-208 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 330 | 143 |
| EAWE15K00_6 | 230-208 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 330 | 143 |
EAWE — Air Conditioner with Hydronic Heat (277V)
EAWE 277V — All Models
| Model | Voltage | Cooling BTU/Hr | Cooling EER | Indoor CFM (High) | Net Wt. (lbs) |
| EAWE09R00_2 | 277 | 9,500 | 11.5 | 300 | 143 |
| EAWE12R00_2 | 277 | 12,900 | 10.9 | 330 | 143 |
| EAWE15R00_2 | 277 | 14,700 | 10.2 | 330 | 143 |
Reading EA Series Model Numbers
EA Series model numbers follow this structure: EA = product family; E/H/W = heat type (electric/heat pump/hydronic); E = design version (R454B); 09/12/15 = nominal cooling BTU; K/L/R = voltage (230-208V / 115V / 277V); 25/34/50/00 = electric heat kW; E/S = controls (electronic/mechanical); 6/7/8 = cord amp rating; M/N/P = fresh air configuration; LN/24 = hydronic valve type (hydronic models only).
Accessories
The following accessories are available for the EA Series PTAC. Contact Air Distributors for availability and pricing.
Part Number | Description |
ACCEASLEEVE | EA Series wall sleeve — 44-7/8″ wide |
ACCEAOUTLETGRILLE | EA Series outlet grille |
ACCEAAGRILLE_ANODIZED | EA Series anodized aluminum architectural grille |
ACCEAFTCOVER_PREMIUM | EA Series premium front cover — retrofit kit for existing installations |
ACCEA_EXTENDAIR | EA Series ExtendAir duct extension kit |
What Does the EA Series Replace?
| Original Brand | Models Replaced |
| Coldpoint | EA |
| Ice Air | RSEA |
| Islandaire | ED |
| McQuay / AAF-McQuay | Type EA, MEA, PMES, PMRS, PMEA, PDAE |
| Retroaire | RC35, R35 |
| Simon-Aire | SSEA |
| Singer | EA |
| Other | Most 44″ wide PTAC units — verify sleeve dimensions before ordering |
Sleeve dimensions: 44-7/8″ wide x 16-3/8″ high. If your existing unit has a different sleeve dimension, contact Air Distributors — we carry Applied Comfort replacements for other legacy sleeve sizes.
FAQ
Is the Applied Comfort EA Series a direct replacement for the McQuay Type EA?
Yes. It’s built to the original McQuay EA sleeve spec: 44-7/8″ wide by 16-3/8″ high, with an EA-style front panel. No sleeve modification, no louver changes, no new wall opening. The EAEE and EAWE install the same way the original McQuay chassis did. And if the original front cover is worn, the ACCEAFTCOVER_PREMIUM retrofit kit handles that without touching the sleeve.
What is the difference between the EAEE and EAWE models?
The EAEE uses electric resistance heat. The EAWE connects to the building’s central hot water system instead. If you’re replacing a McQuay EA hydronic chassis in a building with existing hot water heating infrastructure, the EAWE is the right call. Both models are available in 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTU cooling capacities.
What refrigerant does the current EA Series use?
Current EA Series units — EAEE and EAWE — use R454B refrigerant. This replaced R410A as part of the EPA AIM Act phaseout of R410A for new commercial HVAC equipment, effective January 1, 2025. The refrigerant change is internal to the chassis and does not affect sleeve compatibility. R454B is an A2L-classified refrigerant (mildly flammable) — technicians should confirm equipment and certification compatibility before servicing.
What voltage options are available for the EA Series?
115V, 230/208V, and 277V. The 115V configuration covers 9,000 and 12,000 BTU electric heat only. The 230/208V and 277V configurations cover the full BTU and heat range. The 277V option matters specifically for older commercial buildings where McQuay EA units were frequently installed on 277V circuits. L = 115V, K = 230/208V, R = 277V in the model number.
What BTU sizes are available?
9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTU nominal, in both EAEE and EAWE configurations. Actual cooling outputs from the brochure: 9,500 BTU at 9K nominal, 12,900 at 12K, and 14,700 at 15K. Those are at 230/208V. The EAWE 9,000 BTU at 230/208V shows 9,800 BTU actual.
Does the EA Series work with building EMS systems?
Yes, on the electronic touchpad control (E suffix) models. Those are switchable to a 24V remote wall thermostat and support EMS connection. If your building management system needs to communicate with individual units, specify the E control configuration. Mechanical control (S suffix) models don’t support this.
Can existing McQuay EA sleeves and louvers be reused?
Yes. The EA Series uses the original EA-style front panel and sleeve dimensions, so existing sleeves are compatible. If the original sleeve or cover has deteriorated, Applied Comfort offers a replacement sleeve (ACCEASLEEVE), anodized architectural grille (ACCEAAGRILLE_ANODIZED), standard outlet grille (ACCEAOUTLETGRILLE), and a premium retrofit front cover (ACCEAFTCOVER_PREMIUM). A duct extension kit (ACCEA_EXTENDAIR) is also available.
What was the McQuay Type EA, and why does it matter today?
The McQuay Type EA — also called the Incremental — established the 44-7/8″ x 16-3/8″ sleeve standard for commercial PTAC installations across North America. It was installed in volume in hotels, office buildings, multifamily housing, healthcare facilities, and schools from the 1970s through the 1990s. McQuay sold it under several successor model names: MEA, PMES, PMRS, PMEA, PDAE. Many of these units are still running in buildings built during that era. When they need chassis replacement, a standard 42 x 16 PTAC won’t fit. The Applied Comfort EA was built specifically to solve that.
Air Distributors is an authorized distributor for Applied Comfort, carrying the EA Series since 1995. We stock units and accessories for contractors and facilities teams, with nationwide shipping. We also stock Applied Comfort parts for immediate shipment.
To confirm compatibility with your existing McQuay EA sleeve or to get pricing on individual units or bulk orders, call 800-866-1210 or use the contact form. Have your BTU size, voltage, heat type, and fresh air configuration ready and we’ll get you a quote fast.