The 44-Inch PTAC Sleeve: Replacing McQuay EA, MEA, and PMES Units
From the 1970s through the 1990s, the McQuay Type EA and its successors, the MEA, PMES, PMRS, PMEA, and PDAE, went into hotels, office buildings, apartments, hospitals, and schools across North America. They established a 44-7/8" x 16-3/8" sleeve. Many of those sleeves are still in the wall, and a standard 42 x 16 PTAC does not fit them without cutting into the building.
The replacement
The Applied Comfort EA PTAC matches the original EA sleeve dimensions and uses the EA-style front panel. A current-production chassis goes into a sleeve that may have been there for 40 years, with no new opening and no louver change.
Besides McQuay, the EA replaces Singer EA, Islandaire ED, Retroaire RC35 and R35, Simon-Aire SSEA, Coldpoint EA, Ice Air RSEA, and most other 44-inch PTACs.
Electric or hydronic
- EAEE: electric resistance heat, from 2.5 to 5.0 kW at 230/208V and 2.0 to 4.0 kW at 277V.
- EAWE: connects to the building's hot water system. If the McQuay EA you are replacing has pipes running to it, this is the match.
Both come in 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTU/h cooling. Rated cooling efficiency runs from 10.2 to 11.5 EER depending on size.
277V is common in EA buildings
Older commercial buildings often ran their EA units on 277V circuits. The EA Series comes in 115V (L), 230/208V (K), and 277V (R). 115V covers only the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU electric models with no heat. Check the old nameplate or the panel before ordering.
Built for ducted installs
The EA uses a high static pressure blower. That matters because EA-footprint buildings are more likely than most to have duct kits or some air distribution tied to the unit.
Controls and fresh air
Electronic touchpad controls (E) connect to an energy management system and switch to a 24V wall thermostat. Mechanical on-chassis controls (S) are available for simpler jobs. Fresh air choices are a mechanical door (M), none (N), or a power damper (P).
Refrigerant change, same fit
Current EAEE and EAWE units use R-454B. The previous EAEC generation used R-410A. The sleeve, accessories, and installation are the same, so a current unit replaces an older R-410A EA chassis directly.
Warranty
First year parts and labor, sealed system parts in years two through six, and free shipping on warranty parts.
Send the model and serial number from the old unit's nameplate, or the inside sleeve dimensions, through the contact form or call 800-866-1210. We confirm the fit before anything ships.