11 PTAC Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability
PTACs are an excellent option for climate control. Of course, they’re already known for their long lifespans. But if you want to get the maximum return on your investment, proper PTAC maintenance is key.
Cutting corners will cause mechanical problems. Those problems can mean rooms out of service. Those rooms out of service mean less profit for hotel owners. That’s how saving a few bucks on cheap repairs suddenly becomes very expensive.
Don’t worry: there’s no need to call a professional for PTAC maintenance. It isn’t complicated, and it will save you plenty in the long run.
Here are 11 PTAC maintenance tips that will give your units long-term reliability.
1. Keep a PTAC maintenance log.
By keeping an up-to-date maintenance log, you can track problems and monitor them over time. This will help you (and any engineers you may end up calling on down the road) diagnose root causes.
2. Clean the filter.
The first priority is to make sure the filter stays clean. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many PTAC owners let it slide.
Don’t be like them. Keeping a clean filter is extremely important. If the filter gets clogged, it can lead to deeper (and more expensive) problems, poor unit performance, or even compressor failure.
But the good news is that it isn’t hard to do. Most of the time, you can just remove the filter, vacuum it, and put it back where it goes. However, if the filter is extremely dirty, you’ll probably have to go a step further and use a mild soap in order to clean it properly. You don’t want airflow to get blocked.
(All the more reason to clean it consistently at shorter intervals.)
3. Check that the features all work.
Every so often, you should double check that things like the controls, switches, and thermostats are working. Even a seemingly small problem can lead to a bigger one. If a switch goes bad, you’ll have to replace it ASAP.
4. Keep an eye on the power cords and plugs.
Don’t forget to keep tabs on the power cords and the plugs. A break in the insulation, especially on older models, can spark disaster for the unit and your property.
Make sure that all the plugs are snug in the receptacles. A loose fit could make the plug arc, potentially starting a fire.
5. Clean the outside of the PTAC unit.
Part of every PTAC unit is going to be exposed to the outdoors. You’ll have to give them all a thorough cleaning every so often.
Remove the cover and try to get at any debris trapped inside the unit. Again, as with every aspect of PTAC maintenance, even a little thing can cause big problems.
6. Advise guests not to set things on the PTACs.
Anything getting put on top of a PTAC unit is a potential for problems. In particular, drinks are a hazard. If they get knocked over and spill into the unit, you could be facing expensive repairs.
7. Check for air leaks.
Inspect the area where the unit seals against the wall. If there any air leaks, make sure that you get them repaired as soon as possible.
8. Clean the coils.
If you let the coils get particularly dirty, you may need to use a specialized coil cleaner. Whatever you use, make sure it’s right for your specific PTAC maintenance. Some cleaners may be too harsh for indoor coils, while others are designed to be used on outdoor coils.
And don’t forget to check the drain holes and pans. You’ll need to remove any buildup or debris from the holes and nearby areas. Note: always let the unit dry completely after this form of PTAC maintenance.
9. Oil the PTAC units (if applicable).
Some PTAC motors have oil ports. If yours do, make sure to keep them oiled as necessary.
Read the manufacturer’s specifications for oiling them to find out what’s needed in your case.
10. Clean the gaskets—or replace them.
Inside the sleeve/cabinet, you’ll find the unit’s drains. Check the gaskets, and clean them with an antibacterial/antifungal cleaner.
You may need to replace the gaskets every so often. If so, don’t worry: it won’t cost an arm and a leg.
11. Avoid obstructions.
Always try to keep any potential obstructions away from your PTAC units—inside and out. On the outside, trees or shrubs could cause trouble. On the inside, curtains or furniture could impede the PTAC unit’s airflow and reduce its efficiency.
PTAC maintenance doesn’t have to be hard work.
These 11 tips for PTAC maintenance will save you money and improve your units’ performance. As you can see, none of it is complicated or strenuous. With some cleaners and a bit of your time, you can give your guests efficient, effective climate control for years to come.
But how about a little extra help?
We’re rooting for you. In fact, if you’d like some expert advice on picking the right PTACs for your property, give us a call at (888) 458-7822.
Or, you can fill out this contact form, and we’ll follow up with you.