HVAC Upgrades Bring Air Conditioning to the 21st Century
If you have ever stayed in mid-segment hotels, you have probably had the unpleasant experience of being woken up by the clattering and humming of an outdated “through-the-wall” air conditioning unit. Trying to figure out the location and operation of the air conditioning controls at 2 AM just adds to a guest’s unpleasant experience.
With today’s innovative and efficient PTAC units (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning units) and self-contained split systems, HVAC upgrades to guestrooms during renovations and conversions are much simpler, less expensive, and will bring the guest’s heating and air-conditioning experience back into the 21st century.
Today’s PTAC units and self contained “split systems” incorporate numerous features that rival much more expensive guestroom fan coil unit systems, including remote digital thermostats, self-contained humidity control, air purification features, central control capabilities, internal condensate removal system (eliminates the need for condensate lines or drains), lifetime filters, and temperature limiting. One manufacturer has even found a way to mask the guestroom diffuser as artwork.
PTAC Amana
And more importantly, from a guest’s perspective, today’s latest generation of PTAC and split systems are light years ahead of the noisy 20th century units. They are extremely quiet, with sound baffling, quiet and efficient motors, and don’t have the loud humming every time the condenser kicks in. You would be hard pressed to tell the noise difference between a PTAC unit and a top line fan coil unit.
In fact, Hyatt is successfully switching out the wall units in the conversion of their AmeriSuite brand to Hyatt Places, using the LG “through-the-wall” units.
Here are a few tips when considering upgrading PTAC or split system units:
- Confirm the heating/cooling capacity matches the guestroom square feet, including the bathroom and entry vestibule.
- Match the power requirements for the new units with the existing circuitry/capacity.
- Keep in mind some units require a condensate line. If a condensate line is not preferred, go with a product that eliminates its condensate internally.
- When specifying a split system, find an unobtrusive location for the exterior equipment, and keep in mind that piping will need to be run into the interior component.
- Coordinate an exterior wall mounted PTAC unit with the drapes, along with coordinating the exterior grill color and design with the building exterior.
- If installing in a conversion, check the PIP or standards for brand acceptability.
Pros
- Quiet and easy to operate
- Easy replacement, installation and maintenance
- Lower energy costs
- Less expensive to install than typical fan coil unit systems
- Can be ducted to serve suite configurations
- Split systems can be mounted anywhere in guestroom (walls, ceiling, etc), with nosier equipment mounted outside
Cons
- Some models require exterior condensate lines
- Typically not approved for use in upper tier hotels
- Some models require exterior grills
- Conflict with drapes when mounted below window
- Split systems require exterior space for heat pump equipment
Manufacturer:
Carrier
www.residential.carrier.com
Amana
www.amana-ptac.com
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