Renovating motel, install mini splits or through the wall AC/heat

Renovating motel, install mini splits or through the wall AC/heat

Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes

This motel currently has the "through the wall ac/heat" units aka TPAC units. They all seem to be working right now but while I am doing a full renovation, should I consider putting in a few mini split units instead? I am thinking about longevity and efficiency. Although it would be cheaper to keep the TPAC units in place right now instead. This would be my opportunity to change these out as ill already be redoing the exterior and interior and can remove the huge holes in the walls that the TPACs sit in. Thanks for your input! 

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  • Jared HottleBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cedar falls IA Waterloo, IA · Member since 2020 · 902 posts · 549 votes
    5y

    I think if that is what it currently has just go with it. As they break down run some cost benefit analysis and maybe talk to some HVAC guys you trust. I love mini splits but it sure is nice and quick and cheap in my experience to replace the TPAC units

  • Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes
    5y

    Thanks @Jared Hottle I appreciate the input! They are all in descent condition it seems like. I may just get them serviced. Not sure when that was done last! 

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    5y

    As a Contr. I say upgrade now regardless of the current unit's condition. I think you'll regret it later if you don't....

  • Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    As a Contr. I say upgrade now regardless of the current unit's condition. I think you'll regret it later if you don't....

    Thanks Bruce! Upgrade to mini splits? Why are you a fan of the mini split system? 

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    5y

    Since you're in a market with single rooms you lose their main benefit of being able to heat/cool rooms separately, but the other benefits are size, quietness and attractiveness. You can get them that act as picture frames....

  • Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes
    2y

    Following up on this post. I wish I would have upgraded to mini splits. These ptac units are noisy, let a lot of air though from the outside and they are constantly breaking down. I should have upgraded, now I'll know for the future! 

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y
  • Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes
    2y

    thanks @Scott Mac

  • Investor · Cannon Falls, MN · Member since 2016 · 150 posts · 55 votes
    2y

    One of the benefits of a newer ptac is they have a freeze protector built in. Leave the heat off on a mini splite and you could have a splite pipe if you have a property in your region.



  • Flipper/Rehabber · Allentown, PA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 701 votes
    2y

    @Jonathan Mueller did you replace the existing PTACs that you had, or simply have them serviced? We've recently installed a bunch of new PTACs in an apartment building, without any issues. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Park City, UT · Member since 2016 · 113 posts · 112 votes
    2y

    Yes we have replaced many of the PTACS so far, seems like I replace 2 or 3 a year, and have 1 or 2 serviced. 

    @Justin Bauer really? I have a few new units from Amana, I should look into this to see if they have it because I shut down a few of the motel rooms in the winter because our occupancy is low and just leave the PTAC heater on the lowest setting. I bet I could save some money by turning them off if they have that feature! Thanks for the insight

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