This Amana PTAC Guide is a detailed review of Amana packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps. You’ll find Amana PTAC reviews and top models, technical specifications for the units and pros and cons of Amana packaged terminal ACs compared to other HVAC options.
You can also read our Amana AC review. While you can primarily use Amana PTAC units in commercial settings, they are an option for some homes too.
Amana PTAC Brand Overview
The Amana Corporation was founded in Amana, Iowa in 1934 during the Great Depression. It soon became one of America’s iconic brands. Amana was purchased by the Goodman Company in 1997. In turn, Goodman and the Amana brand were acquired by global HVAC leader Daikin in 2012. Amana PTAC units are manufactured in:
- 9 AC models designated PTC in the model numbers;
- 8 Heat pump models designated PTH.
Amana PTAC units are assembled in plants in Tennessee and Texas using domestic and foreign parts.
Amana PTAC Technical Specifications
- The Amana PTAC AC-only and heat pump models are available in capacities of 7,000, 9,000, 12,000, 15,000 and 17,000 Btu/hour;
- AC-only PTACs have a 3.5kW electric heat coil option. It provides inefficient electric resistance heating for emergencies and occasional cold weather;
- Amana PTAC heat pump models circulate refrigerant to move heat from inside out in AC mode and outside in when heating;
- You can use the PTAC heat pumps in hydronic heating systems to heat water that circulates through in-floor or baseboard heat systems;
- Both 208-volt models for residential/light commercial and 265-volt models for heavy commercial use are available in AC-only and heat pump units;
- The Amana DigiSmart PTAC energy management system (EMS) can reduce energy use with wireless control of commercial units from a central location. It also includes occupancy sensors that automatically turn down the system when the room is empty;
- Amana makes complete PTAC installation accessories. These include wall sleeves, outdoor grilles, condensate drain kits and sub-base kits;
- Amana brand wired and wireless thermostat models are available to control PTAC units;
- You can place wireless thermostats using antennae communications at a distance from the unit and use them with the DigiSmart EMS system.
Pros and Cons of Amana PTAC Units
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Amana PTAC heating and cooling systems.
Amana PTAC Pros
- The range of capacities from 7,000 to 15,000 Btu give you size options for small rooms to large spaces and suites;
- AC with electric resistance heat and heat pump models allow you to choose the right units for your climate;
- Amana PTAC have in their design commercial-grade parts for outstanding durability;
- Wireless thermostats and the ecofriendly DigiSmart system have the potential to reduce energy consumption and cost by 35%;
- DigiSmart’s web-based monitoring allows for control of all a building’s PTAC units from an offsite, front desk or home office location. Then, the system sends PTAC maintenance reminders;
- Occupancy sensors progress through temperature setbacks of up to 8 degrees over three hours when the room is unoccupied;
- The most efficient Amana PTAC heat pump is the PTH093G with a 12.0 EER rating. This is an efficiency level competitive with top brands like LG and Friedrich;
- The most efficient AC-only units are the PTH073G and PTC074G 11.7 EER units;
- Amana’s packaged terminal air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant. It is less damaging to the environment than older refrigerants like R-22;
- Room Freeze Protection in Amana PTAC units activate the resistance heat coil or hydronic heat. This happens when room temperature drops to 40 degrees F;
- Compressor limiting switches prevent short-cycling that can lead to mechanical failure;
- On heat pump models, if the compressor fails, the unit will automatically switch to electric backup heat;
- Constant fan-on mode allows for continuous fan operation for air circulation or to improve dehumidification when the unit is in AC mode;
- Amana PTACs start at less than $700. So, they’re more affordable than central AC systems and ductless systems.
Amana PTAC Cons
- The most efficient model has an efficiency of 12 EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). But the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is not high enough. So no Amana PTACs qualify as Energy Star products with the potential for energy credits and rebates;
- In general, PTAC units are not as energy-efficient as central air conditioners or ductless split systems like those from Mitsubishi;
- Amana’s warranty on its PTAC is full coverage the first year. Functional parts and sealed system coverage in years two through five is average but not exceptional within the industry.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Amana PTAC
These are primarily designed as commercial units that offer better efficiency and control than traditional room air conditioners and quieter operation in rooms and small spaces.
If winters are mild in your location, an AC Amana PTAC with an electric resistance heat backup that you will use in the occasional cold snaps is a cost-saving choice over the more expensive heat pump models. Where winters are cold, a heat pump PTAC is the better solution. This is because heat pumps are far more efficient than resistance heat sources.
A PTAC might be a cost-effective choice if you’re a homeowner who wants to spend less on the equipment. This is in comparison with the cost of a traditional split HVAC system or a ductless system, but only if:
- You’ve got a small space to heat and cool such as a room addition or garage converted to living space;
- You live in a temperate climate such as coastal California, Hawaii or low-mountainous regions of New Mexico, Colorado or North Carolina that requires little heating or cooling.
Saving Money on PTAC Units
Sales and installation of PTAC units is competitive. But this is only if you receive multiple estimates and let the bidders know that’s what you’re doing. Request estimates from commercial HVAC contractors with a track record of quality installation and prompt customer service.
We trust our Amana PTAC review has allowed you to research this leading commercial HVAC brand. If it’s been helpful, others would likely benefit from the information too if you’ll pass it along on social media.
