This article shares tips on how to best maintain your units to increase their longevity.

To achieve continuing top performance and high efficiency, establish a “once a year” cleaning/inspection schedule for the unit. Take the unit out of the sleeve, thoroughly clean and rinse. Be sure to include in the yearly cleaning the evaporator coil, condenser coil, drain pan, and drain passages. Scheduled maintenance can be accomplished by either qualified local maintenance staff or by an authorized servicer. They must follow the instructions described in this article. Please note we recommend to perform maintenance every 3-6 months.

Steps to maintain your units

Note: Always turn off and unplug your unit from its power source.

Clean your Filters

The first priority is to make sure the filter stays clean. 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 mild soap in order to clean it properly. You don’t want the airflow to get blocked. (All the more reason to clean it consistently at shorter intervals.) See our page with instructions to safely remove your filter; How to Remove the Filter.

Clean your Unit

Create a water-tight seal by tightly covering the entire control panel area and fan motor with plastic. This seal prevents water from entering the control area or the fan motor and damaging the unit

Spray the condenser coil and base pan down with water. Next, spray a mild biodegradable detergent onto the condenser coil and base pan. Let set for five (5) minutes.

Rinse the condenser coil and base pan with water again.

NOTE: Ensure water pressure is no higher than that of an ordinary garden hose and the water temperature no higher than 120°F.

Cleaning Tips

• Tilt the non-compressor side of the unit up no higher than 45 degrees and allow water to drain out the other side of the unit.
• Remove excess water left in the base pan by wiping the base pan with a dry cloth.
• Remove the water-tight seal from the motor and control panel area.
• Reinstall the unit back into the wall sleeve.
• Allow the unit to dry for 24 hours before reapplying power. When power is reapplied test the unit for proper operation.
• Place a non-acidic algaecide in the base pan to inhibit bacteria growth. Ensure the algaecide is compatible with wet coil operation and is not corrosive to the coil.

Check for Air Leaks

Please inspect the area where the unit makes contact with the wall and the wall sleeve for any potential air leaks. It is essential to promptly address and repair any air leaks to ensure optimal unit efficiency and accurate temperature readings. Neglecting these leaks can result in improper unit functioning and reduced performance.

Avoid Obstructions

Always try to keep any potential obstructions away from your PTAC units—inside and in the front. On the outside, trees or shrubs could cause issues with the exhaust returning into the unt or outside debris being pulled into the unit. On the inside, curtains or furniture could impede the PTAC unit’s airflow and reduce its efficiency.

Keep a PTAC Maintenance Log

By keeping an up-to-date maintenance log, you can track problems and monitor them over time. Make sure to document the model and serial number of the PTACs as this will help with warranty and technical support team having the correct information, as there could be various brands and model series at your property.