Has anyone installed a PTAC in their rentals

Question

First a PTAC is a motel type heat pump .  I just picked up a 1 bedroom built in the 1930's . It currently has a freestanding propane furnace in the corner of the living room  that works .  I have never used one in a house , ( 850 sq ft.)  It doesnt lend itself to install duct work .  Thoughts?

Matthew Paul · Answer

Yes , I will have to cut a hole , thats no big deal . I will be putting baseboard electric in the bedroom , but I want to get rid of the propane freestanding furnace. .Right now the electric barely supports a hair dryer and microwave at the same time , its a 60 amp federal pacific box , with a sub panel with fuses in it . I am having the whole house re wired .

Mark Forest · Answer

" I prefer to use DX type of mini splits in my residential applications,"

I almost bought a duplex with that.  Do they really warm small palces witout ducts?  How loud are they?

Matt B. · Answer

Do you need to cut a hole through the wall for the ptac? We have actually replaced ptac's with mini splits in some apartment buildings to get rid of the hole. The ptac's do give places that motel look.

Another option, if the electric supports it, would be baseboard electric heat. It's inexpensive and easy to install. Then just use cheap window units for a/c.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I am looking at both , with the PTAC its a easy install and plug it in (add a 220 line) , I could do it myself  in about 4 hours . The mini split , I would have to get a friend to install . The only thing is the noise .

Lee Marsteller · Answer

Matthew,

I have never installed a PTAC in a residential application before only in hospitality applications. I prefer to use DX type of mini splits in my residential applications, which are ductless as well, but they are much more efficient and a lot quieter than the PTACs. They do require line sets to be run to the indoor unit, so there can be a little bit of cutting and patching, but  to as much as a PTAC. A 12000 BTU mini split will run  you about $1000 vs $700 for a PTAC. That's for the equipment only.

I hope this helps, Lee