This article highlights the use of the foam kit to help improve a unit's efficiency and other benefits.
Generally, the foam will help improve guest comfort, save on electricity costs, and increase unit lifespan. With the low cost of the foam and the major benefits it can add to the PTAC, it is a recommended investment and should be always checked at routine maintenance checks. See below for a more detailed description and benefits. Part#: GCDM01FM-JT
Description: Genuine Comfort - Accessory - Replacement Insulation Tape / Foam Kit for DM (32") wall sleeve - Includes (4) foam pieces - (2) Side pcs. 17" x 2" 11/16" , (1) Top pc. 32" x 2" 11/16" , (1) Bottom pc. 32" long x 1" deep x 1/2"
- The foam has adhesive to allow for easy on-site installation.
- It is installed within the 32” DM style PTAC wall sleeve. There is a top, bottom, and 2 side pieces.
- The foam is a polyethylene material with a higher density than most standard insulation foams making it a rigid material.
- The purpose of the foam is to create an air seal on all sides from the outside.
- Benefits or issues to avoid using the foam are:
- Avoids cold air from coming inside the room from the outside causing drafts.
- Drafts can cause guest discomfort.
- Cold air drafts can mislead the temperature sensor on the PTAC unit, turning on the heat prematurely and causing the room to overheat. In some dramatic scenarios, the draft can cause the unit's “room freeze protection” feature to trigger.
- Higher efficiency in insulation will contribute to the PTAC's efficiency.
- The wall sleeve insulation, the PTAC unit will run more efficiently, providing lower energy costs.
- The lower run times due to energy efficiency, will also contribute to a longer lifespan for the PTAC unit, reducing replacement costs.
- Avoid hot air and high humidity from coming inside the room from the outside.
- Similar to avoiding cold air, drafts can cause guest discomfort.
- Humidity will increase within the room causing it to feel hotter.
- With the higher humidity inside the room, the condensation the PTAC generates will increase. As condensate is a normal operation for the PTAC unit, having more condensate can always contribute to negative effects. Increase the possibility of rusting, outside wall staining, and interior water leaks.
Below is an example of an older sleeve with the old foam still intact. We can see the bottom, top, and 2 side pieces near the back of the sleeve. If these are ripped, loose, or degraded in any form, they should be considered to be replaced.
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