TL;DR: Choosing the best PTAC (packaged terminal air conditioner) units for your hotel can improve guest comfort, reduce maintenance issues, and lower long-term energy costs.
This PTAC buying guide explains how hotel owners can evaluate PTAC sizing, efficiency ratings, and smart features when comparing top PTAC manufacturers. Key points include:
- Proper PTAC sizing helps prevent uneven temperatures, humidity issues, and energy waste
- Heat pump PTAC units can improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
- Features like WiFi controls, occupancy sensors, and quiet operation enhance guest satisfaction
- Corrosion protection and makeup air systems are valuable for coastal or high-humidity properties
- GE and Amana offer some of the best rated PTAC units for hotels and hospitality spaces
The Best PTAC Unit is the Right Sized Unit
Are some PTAC units better than others for certain use cases? Sure. Do some offer more features than others? Also yes. But even the most upscale, feature-packed PTAC unit is wrong if it’s not correctly sized for the room it’s in.
Proper PTAC sizing is incredibly important for both guest comfort and cost to the hotel, and the way to evaluate sizing is to look at British Thermal Unit ratings (BTU).
Most hotel PTAC units fall into these common BTU ranges:
- 7,000–9,000 BTU for smaller guestrooms
- 9,000–12,000 BTU for standard hotel rooms
- 12,000–15,000 BTU for suites or larger spaces
These are general guidelines. There are various factors that actually influence the ideal PTAC size for a given room include:
- Square footage
- Ceiling height
- Climate conditions
- Sun exposure
- Insulation quality
- Occupancy levels
Key Features to Look for in the Best Rated PTAC Units
When it comes to PTAC units, choosing the proper BTU rating is essential. But it’s just a first step. You also have to consider a unit’s feature set. Today’s PTAC systems offer so much more than simple heating and cooling capabilities.
The best rated PTAC units now include features designed to improve guest comfort while helping hotels reduce operational costs. Here are some of the key features to watch for:
Energy Efficiency
Features like variable inverter technology, programmable thermostats, occupancy sensing, and smart fan controls can help optimize performance while creating an improved guest experience during every stay.
Some GE models, for example, offer SmartHQ™ connectivity for remote monitoring and system management.
Indoor Air Quality Features
Hotels are increasingly prioritizing not only a more comfortable experience for guests, but also indoor air quality for guests and workers alike. Many newer PTAC units offer features such as the following to help improve air quality:
- UV-C technology
- MERV filtration
- Makeup air systems
- Humidity management
GE Zoneline systems with UV-C light technology, for instance, are designed to help reduce airborne contaminants within the unit.
Energy Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, PTAC and PTHP systems are subject to federal energy conservation standards designed to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. This helps decrease not only environmental impact, but also the impact on your hotel’s bottom line.
Quiet Operation
The last thing you want as a hotel is endless complaints from guests surrounding PTAC operation and noise levels. That’s why, when it comes to PTAC systems, the quieter they are, the better.
Comparing Major PTAC Manufacturers: GE vs. Amana
GE PTAC systems are popular for:
- Quiet operation
- Smart controls
- Makeup air capabilities
- UV-C air quality options
- Energy-efficient heat pump models
Looking for advanced features and remote management capabilities? A GE unit might be worth considering.
Amana PTAC systems, on the other hand, are known for:
- Reliable performance
- User-friendly controls
- Durable construction
- Energy-efficient operation
- Strong hospitality reputation
Amana therefore remains a popular option for hotels focused on long-term dependability and straightforward operation.
Get Help Finding the Right PTAC
In sum, before purchasing a PTAC unit, you should evaluate:
- Proper BTU sizing for each room type
- Energy efficiency ratings
- Noise levels
- Indoor air quality features
- Smart thermostat compatibility
Corrosion protection for coastal properties, warranty coverage, and heat pump vs. electric heat options are also important considerations.
Choosing the right PTAC system can have a major impact on hotel operations, guest comfort, and long-term profitability.
Ready to upgrade PTAC systems in your hotel? Shop all options available at Hospitality1 here.
