Aug 13, 2018 | PTAC Units
Midea’s new foray into the world climate-control products is a breath of fresh air in the PTAC industry as a whole. With a bold new approach from teams of expert designers, Midea is making it clear they’re here to give the likes of GE and Amana a run for their money.
Who exactly is Midea?
Well, if you didn’t know them already, Midea is a Fortune 500 company and the largest producer of major appliances in the world. Beyond that, they’re the worldwide No. 1 brand of kettles, rice cookers, and—perhaps most importantly for you—air-treatment products and air coolers.
Midea is headquartered in Southern China, but there’s no doubt they’re a global company, boasting over 100,000 employees and operations in more than 200 countries. With 21 production facilities and 260 logistics centers worldwide, they’re nothing short of a juggernaut.
But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Midea. It’s founder, He Xiangjian, started out with only CN¥5,000, opening a workshop in 1968 for the production of bottle lids. Since then, he’s turned his project into one of the most successful private companies in China.
After an initial period of manufacturing car parts and bottle lids, Midea switched focus to the manufacture of fully finished goods. Beginning in 1980, electric fans became their primary product.
But then, five years later, they produced their first air conditioner, changing their mission forever. Air conditioners have remained the core component of Midea’s business to this day. They’ve gradually expanded into a wide variety of other electrical home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves—but climate control has never lost its place at the heart of their focus.
Today, after 50 years of continued growth, Midea generates annual global revenue of more than $22 billion USD.
And all of that production hasn’t gone without recognition, either. Every single year, Midea wins more than 40 design awards across a variety of reputable global design shows, such as the Red Dot, iF, and Good Design Awards, among others.
During the last decade, Midea has landed a number of increasingly high-profile projects, peaking with the most recent wins: installing large-scale HVAC solutions in all 12 stadiums of the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil, as well as 9 of the 12 stadiums for the 2014 World Cup, also in Brazil.
Now they’re ready to change the PTAC industry forever.
Until recently, Midea designed and manufactured air conditioners for other companies. Now, however, they’re establishing their own brand of quality climate-control units, using the knowledge they’ve gained through years of collaboration with industry giants to create custom models with the best of all worlds.
Midea has taken note of the successes and failures of brands like Amana and GE and put what they’ve learned to good use.
PTAC Crew’s VP of Business Development had this to say about a visit to their lab:
“Stop #2 was a meeting at Midea offices and lab with Rob Lafleur. Rob showed me their lab and how they’re making improvements to Midea’s units to become comparable in quality and features with Amana and GE. (They had Amana and GE units in their lab for comparative purposes.) We discussed some of the common problems we encounter when installing alternate brand units into competitors’ sleeves. We also talked about t-stats and suggested design improvements for their 42” and 26” units. Midea seems to be making great strides in bringing their units in line with premium brand standards.”
Exciting news for the PTAC community!
So what makes these Midea custom PTACs so special?
Well, just for starters:
- Every unit boasts extra large ventilation doors to keep any environment fresh. These vents cycle in more fresh air, thoroughly circulating it for maximum comfort.
- A choice of 3 fan speeds gives users total control of the airstream while in operation.
- All units are designed for the utmost in easy, user-friendly control. A large LED and digital display offers full, easy-to-read details of all settings in use.
- The units even come with an intuitive, easy-to-use remote control. Anyone can adjust their ideal temperature setting and fan speed from anywhere within range—all at the touch of a button.
- A handy automatic defrosting feature prevents evaporator freezing and maintains the device’s dehumidifying effect even at the lowest temperatures.
And that’s just the beginning of the treats Midea is offering through their fresh line of PTACs and other climate-control solutions.
It’s time to make yourself at home.
Midea recently launched a new motto: “Midea—make yourself at home.”
If the innovative advances of their products so far are anything to go on, they mean to make it easy for anyone to do just that.
Aug 8, 2018 | PTAC Units
When to Trade Out Your PTACs
How long do PTACs really last? The average lifespan of a PTAC unit is about seven years—ten years if it is maintained well. Unfortunately, most hotel owners wait longer than that to trade out their PTACs, especially if their old units still seem to get the job done.
Operating outdated PTAC units can cause problems, not to mention lead to more maintenance headaches and higher utility bills. Even though there’s no definitive guideline for replacing PTAC units, your old units will begin to show three tell-tale signs as they near the end of their life cycle.
Sign #1: The unit is not as efficient as it once was.
Newer PTAC models are known for their energy efficiency, and they can be retrofitted to replace older models. That’s why buying an updated model is usually a more energy-efficient choice than buying the old, identical model.
Pay close attention to the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER rating). The EER rating measures how efficiently the unit converts electricity into output energy. This article from Green Lodging News compares the EER ratings of a new unit and a ten-year-old unit. When new, the unit’s EER rating hovers around 5.0, but as the years go by, it’s typical for the EER rating to drop to 3.0.
If the EER of your PTAC units has dropped, then it’s time to invest in newer units with an EER of 10 or higher. Because they use less energy, new units offer the double benefit of being an eco-friendly choice and saving hotel owners on utility bills. They eventually pay for themselves!
Sign #2: The unit is not EPA compliant.
The majority of units do well by EPA standards. But if yours is ancient or hasn’t been properly maintained with environmentally friendly coolant, there’s a chance you may be in danger of no longer being compliant or of harming the environment.
Currently, R-22 coolant, commonly known as freon, is being phased out of production. There is no need for concern, however. There is enough freon already produced to supply running PTACs for decades to come, and PTACs that use freon can use an alternative eco-friendly coolant instead.
However, it’s always a good idea to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We can make sure all previous coolant is properly disposed of for you and that your new or refurbished PTACs are earth friendly.
Sign #3: The unit makes excessive noise.
Some PTAC units are noisier than others, but older units can be especially prone to squeaks, whistles, and rattles. And what’s the number one thing that guests seem to complain about? Loud, malfunctioning air conditioners.
By investing in a quieter unit, perhaps with a dual fan system, you can accommodate sensitive guests, receive fewer complaints, and lose less revenue to refund requests.
Hoteliers often don’t realize they have loud units until a guest complains or leaves a negative review on TripAdvisor. If you are receiving repeated complaints of temperature extremes, of poor air circulation or quality, or of broken, noisy, or inefficient air conditioners, then replacing your PTACs is a reliable way to keep guests happy. After all, PTAC units are an essential part of a positive, comfortable experience.
If you have any questions about the quietest, most energy-efficient, or most reliable PTACs, email us at info@ptaccrew.com or call (888) 458-PTAC. We sell all the major brands and can offer unbiased advice.
Aug 8, 2018 | PTAC Units
An unfavorable TripAdvisor review of a hotel from June 2017 had this matter-of-fact title: “Bad Timing to do Maintenance on AC: End June.” Midsummer is certainly an inconvenient time for hotel PTAC units to fail. And the truth is, if your maintenance is affecting your guests and causing them to leave negative reviews, then you probably waited too long.
Preventative maintenance is most effective when it happens on a regular basis. When you have the opportunity to handle PTAC issues discretely before they can disturb guests, seize it!
Here are some common tips for keeping hotel PTAC units in top condition.
1. Make regular inspections.
Consistency is key here. Scott Schaedle, founder and president of Quore, told Hotel Management that “one big mistake hotels make is not evenly or consistently doing preventative maintenance.” He went on to explain that making only one inspection per quarter allows at least 90 days to pass between inspections, and up to 180 days. And that wide span of time, Schaedle said, is “where real damage can be done.”
Jeff Tucker, director of retrofit solutions at the Climate Control Group, suggests that in addition to quarterly inspections, open communication with hotel staff is also necessary to ensure that routine maintenance happens. A Hotel Business article shared a good example of this in action: La Quinta and New Castle properties both allow housekeepers to adjust PTAC settings when rooms are unoccupied.
2. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
Mismatched replacement parts create problems. Mike Milburn, of La Quinta Corp., advises hoteliers to actually listen to manufacturers: “To ensure efficiency, it is most important to follow the suggestions of the manufacturer of the unit because they have done all of the testing and know what is best.”
3. Clean coils and filters.
George Hunt, senior technician at Carrier, recommends that air filters be cleaned every 30 days and units cleaned at least once a year. Dirty filters can clog the machine, put more stress on compressors, and cause more extensive damage. It is also possible for filters to tear.
Additionally, Hunt warns that environmental factors, such as pollution and construction, may necessitate more frequent filter replacements.
The other inner components that require the most preventative maintenance are the inner coil and the condenser coil. Ron Bench, of Carrier Corp., explains that coils are being built with a higher density of fins. This newer design, though more efficient, requires more cleaning. “Just a little bit of dirt and blockage can create stress on the compressor.” He advises pretreating the coils and then cleaning them from the inside out with a low-pressure washer.
4. Inspect pans, gaskets, and exteriors.
All other parts of hotel PTACss also need regular inspection and cleaning to operate at high efficiency. Base pans, exteriors, and gaskets should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s instructions. This will not only keep the units functioning well but also prevent unsightly stains or sloppy aesthetic.
5. Leave it to the professionals.
You can certainly scour the Internet for instructions on how to clean, repair, or replace PTAC parts yourself, but you’re usually better off delegating preventative maintenance to trained professionals.
Hotel PTAC experts will free you up to focus on higher-leverage tasks, and regular preventative maintenance will keep PTAC issues from disturbing your guests. In short, preventative maintenance helps to keep your guests happy, and happy guests leave better reviews.
Aug 8, 2018 | PTAC Units
PTAC heating and cooling units are an affordable and convenient solution for hotels. If installed correctly, a PTAC can help to provide guests with a pleasant experience for years. However, neglecting your property’s PTAC heating and cooling units can result in problems with humidity, mold, and temperature extremes.
Humidity and mold are more than just unsightly. Damp and moldy conditions make guests incredibly uncomfortable, and they may be motivated to not return.
These conditions can pose health risks as well. You wouldn’t buy a house with mold problems, and you certainly wouldn’t want to sleep in a room with a mold problem either.
Fortunately, you can take several steps to ensure that your PTAC heating and cooling units don’t cause maintenance headaches and refund requests.
1. Make regular inspections.
Don’t skimp on inspecting your property’s PTAC heating and cooling units regularly. Regular maintenance prevents customer service nightmares before they happen. By sticking to a defined inspection schedule, you are less likely to lose track of time or wait until problems have compounded.
2. Use your senses.
Hotel staff may not notice changes like subtle shifts in air pressure or a moldy odor that grows over time. Guests, however, will notice those sensory details right away. Staying in touch with your senses will help you and your staff pick up on cues and recognize irregularities before mold and mildew can seriously affect your guests’ experience.
Consider checking rooms after you’ve been out of the hotel for the day to make sure you haven’t acclimated to odors and visible issues.
3. Invest in a hygrometer.
ServPro of Lakeland recommends testing indoor air quality with a hygrometer. A hygrometer will display the relative humidity of an area by measuring the water vapor in the air.
If your property is located in a geographic area with a humid climate, a hygrometer can help you notice when the humidity is truly out of the ordinary. Significant changes in your hotel’s humidity put more stress on your PTAC heating and cooling units, and they may require extra attention in order to function at maximum efficiency.
4. Keep an eye on windows and vents.
It’s usually best to catch mold before it becomes clearly visible. Look closely around windows and vents for color and texture differences. Those are the places where moisture is most likely to work its way inside. Meanwhile, windows and vents should be properly sealed and inspected on a schedule as well.
5. Waterproof at any wall penetrations.
“Wall systems would work great, if it weren’t for all the holes we put in them.” This observation from the Buildings.com “Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Guide” is especially true when waterproofing is involved. Units that fit inside of the wall may have a certain appeal, but you must take extra care to ensure that moisture from the unit doesn’t seep into the wall around it.
Installation should, of course, be left to professionals. Make sure your contractor includes safe waterproofing practices as part of the installation. The use of proven water-resistant barriers like unperforated asphalt felt or rubberized asphalt membranes, as well as sloping surfaces, will help water drain away from the unit properly. Another good rule of thumb is to avoid units without wall membranes altogether.
Oversized or dysfunctional PTAC heating and cooling units can certainly cause mold and moisture problems, but if you take the proper precautions, your PTACs should provide pleasant heating and cooling while keeping humidity at acceptable levels.
Aug 8, 2018 | PTAC Units
Have you ever booked a hotel room online only to find that the pictures on the booking site made it look nicer than it actually was?
The experience usually goes something like this: You walk into the lobby after a long day of travel. You take a deep breath. Something smells off. Maybe you notice a stain on the carpet or water marks on the ceiling. Signs of wear and tear are everywhere you look, and the PTAC system in your room has a weird (and annoying) rattle.
Moments like these demonstrate why maintenance is a core component of hotel management—one that directly affects the guest experience. In your first 60 seconds in the hotel, you have already formed an impression. And it’s not positive.
In an article for Mintek, Stuart Smith explains that “the maintenance gauntlet” begins as soon as guests enter the hotel. Though hotel staff may have grown accustomed to odors, stains, and shabby furniture, such details are often the first thing that guests notice.
How can savvy hotel owners keep guests from forming these negative perceptions? Stay on top of maintenance! Try to anticipate what is most likely to fail in your hotel and compare notes with other hoteliers you know. Come up with your own list of the usual suspects.
In the meantime, here are 8 common aspects of hotel maintenance that can make or break guest experience:
- Curb Appeal – The hotel exterior is the first place you can make a good impression. Landscaping, clear signage, and even the condition of the parking lot all contribute to an aesthetic that will draw guests in and keep them satisfied.
- Safety Equipment – Nothing ruins a good night’s sleep faster than a smoke detector beeping and begging for batteries.
- Flooring – Maintaining flooring isn’t just about keeping things clean. Make sure that from the beginning, your floors can withstand the onslaught of luggage carts and foot traffic. Keep a running list of unsightly chips, bumps, or stains. Alert your maintenance team and ask them to fix the problems on a specific timeline.
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Appliances – If your hotel rooms have amenities like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers, make sure that your routine maintenance plan includes testing these appliances. Maintaining appliances will help to prevent some of the most common hotel complaints—including everything from noisy refrigerators to worn-out hair dryers. No one ever enjoys seeing mold in the ice machine!
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Electric Outlets – Make sure all of the electrical outlets in your hotel function properly Guests now plug in more devices than ever! Testing the outlets, circuit breakers, panels, and plugs can also help maintenance staff detect electrical problems before they arise.
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Lighting – Lillian Connors, Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Bizzmark, explains to Hospitality Net that “a missing or flickering light bulb does not give the impression of efficacy.” Insufficient lighting will make a space look dark and dismal, and overzealous lighting looks too harsh. Connors suggests keeping lights dim earlier in the day and increasing intensity as it gets dark.
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Plumbing – Plumbing issues represent some of the most costly and unsightly maintenance failures. That’s why you must inspect your plumbing systems regularly and check ceilings and floors for water damage. Also, make sure housekeeping staff have a reliable way to report any possible plumbing malfunctions or water damage they may notice upon guest check-out.
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HVAC/PTAC – Finally, make sure your PTAC system is operational and up-to-date. Stuart Smith tells Mintek that 40%–60% of the total operating costs of a hotel are energy related, and PTAC systems are responsible for a lot of that energy use. Inefficient or broken PTAC units are not only expensive to replace but they also directly affect a guest’s experience and overall impression of the property.
From poor lighting to a deficient PTAC system, avoiding these common maintenance mistakes will keep guests impressed while saving you a fortune in upkeep and repairs. Preventative maintenance may seem like a huge investment at first, but ultimately it pays for itself by keeping customers happy, comfortable, and loyal!
Aug 8, 2018 | PTAC Units
How do you respond when a PTAC unit on your hotel property breaks or malfunctions? Do you call up a PTAC repair service or jump straight to replacing it?
Many hotel owners are quick to search for the most affordable repair solution, but the best approach to PTAC maintenance often depends on the unit’s age.
Like other machines, PTAC units lose efficiency over time, but if you stay on top of maintenance, you can extend your units’ lifespan by several years. Each PTAC unit’s longevity varies based on how you approach maintenance issues as they arise—even the seemingly minor ones.
Your PTACs will change as they age. However, by staying organized and tracking small details, you can ward off the need for PTAC repair or replacement as long as possible.
Here are two best practices to keep PTACs healthy for as long as possible and get more bang for your buck.
1. Keep a maintenance log.
An up-to-date maintenance log serves as a symptom journal for the machine. It can help track problems, monitor them over time, and help to diagnose the root cause. Jeff Tucker, director of retrofit solutions at Climate Control Group, recommends checking engineers’ maintenance logs when it comes time to decide whether to salvage a unit or invest in a new one.
Checking maintenance logs allows you to see if previous issues were repaired adequately or if your maintenance personnel used what Tucker calls “band-aids”—that is, hasty efforts to fix things as fast as possible. The band-aid approach to repairs often does more harm than good. Cheap, short sighted, or hasty repairs can push a unit to the point of no return faster.
Tucker also recommends against making repairs with a hodgepodge of parts. Each replacement part should meet the exact specifications and regulations of the original.
Cutting corners will cause units to malfunction. More problems mean more rooms out of service. More rooms out of service mean less profit for hotel owners. That’s how saving a few bucks on cheap repairs suddenly becomes very expensive.
When you’re repairing an older PTAC unit, proper replacement parts are harder to find. You’re probably better off buying a new unit rather than counting on mismatched parts!
2. Keep up with technology.
Though your older units may be doing a decent job, technology advances quickly. The benefits of many newer units are hard to ignore.
Douglas Mackemer, the national director of parts, services, and specialized equipment at Carrier Enterprise, told Hotel Management that, in most cases, a PTAC unit is worth fixing. However, he added that some advancements, such as sealed bearings and better motors, are worth the investment.
A few years’ difference between units can mean major differences in the units’ technology and efficiency. Before you invest in repairs, stop and consider: Will the older unit be on par with your newer units even after you invest in repairs? A newer unit can quickly recoup its cost in energy efficiency and durability.
Other features on newer units can add value to your property. Older units can be hard on the eyes. Better materials prevent unsightly water streaks and mold from developing on the walls. They also enhance the guest experience and overall impression of your property. Sabby Sabharwal, of Friedrich, explains that modern features like painted base pans or stainless steel plates are often worth the investment for the aesthetics alone.
When It’s Time to Let Go
Maybe your old PTAC units have served you well, but are steady repairs and maintenance costing you more than a replacement and upgrade?
Make sure you consider all of your options. For PTAC units near the end of their lifecycle, band-aid solutions can become very costly! Sometimes it’s better to go ahead and replace your unit rather than invest in further PTAC repair.
