When I bought my first Amana Distinctions 14,700 BTU PTAC with Heat Pump and 3.5 kW Electric Heat Backup, I thought the price tag on the product page was my full investment. I couldn’t have been more wrong. By the time I added the wall sleeve, exterior grille, power cord kit, and paid an electrician to set up the circuit, my total cost was a good deal higher than expected.
This isn’t to scare you away — the Amana PTAC has been one of the best upgrades I’ve made for my guest apartment. But if you’re budgeting for one of these units, you need to see the complete cost picture. In this guide, I’ll break down every component you should expect to pay for, from equipment to long-term maintenance, using both national averages and my personal numbers.
🏷️ Base Equipment Cost (The PTAC Unit Itself)
The first and biggest line item is, of course, the PTAC unit itself.
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The Amana Distinctions 14,700 BTU PTAC typically runs $1,050–$1,300 depending on the retailer, season, and whether you catch a sale.
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If you buy from a discount source, you might see it dip closer to $1,000, but beware of off-brand sellers with no warranty coverage.
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Reputable distributors like The Furnace Outlet and major suppliers include warranty documentation and reliable shipping, which is worth the small extra cost.
👉 Lesson Learned: Don’t get lured by the lowest online price — warranty coverage can save you hundreds in the long run.
Energy Star’s product database is a good place to compare certified models and pricing.
🧱 Wall Sleeve Cost
You can’t install a PTAC without a wall sleeve — it’s the metal box that slides into your wall opening and holds the unit in place.
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Amana sleeves typically cost $140–$200.
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Some generic sleeves fit multiple brands, but I recommend sticking with Amana’s to ensure proper fit and drainage slope.
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My mistake the first time: I considered reusing an old, rusty sleeve. Bad idea. Not only did it not line up perfectly, but the drainage was off, leading to water pooling inside the wall.
👉 Hidden Cost: If you need to enlarge or reframe your wall opening to fit the sleeve, expect an extra $150–$300 in handyman or contractor labor.
Energy.gov explains PTAC sleeve design here.
🌬️ Exterior Grille Cost
The exterior grille is more important than it looks. It protects your PTAC from rain, snow, pests, and debris while allowing proper airflow.
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Standard Amana exterior grilles cost around $70–$120.
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Aluminum grilles are more durable but slightly pricier.
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Polymer options are cheaper but may warp over time under harsh sun exposure.
👉 Lesson Learned: I bought a cheaper grille at first, but it didn’t seal properly and caused drafts. Spending a little more on a quality grille solved the problem.
🔌 Electrical Cord Kits & Circuit Requirements
Here’s where a lot of people (including me) get surprised. The 3.5 kW electric heat backup inside the Amana PTAC draws a significant load, which means:
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You’ll need the right power cord kit.
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Average cost: $65–$90.
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Available in different amperages — make sure yours matches the heater size.
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You’ll likely need a new dedicated circuit.
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Electrician labor to install a 230V/30A breaker and outlet: $250–$500.
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If your breaker panel is maxed out, costs can climb higher.
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👉 My experience: I spent about $375 for an electrician to install the breaker, outlet, and confirm voltage. Worth every penny for safety.
The NFPA’s NEC guidelines cover PTAC wiring requirements.
🛠️ Installation Labor (DIY vs. Pro)
This is the wildcard cost, depending on how handy you are.
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DIY labor cost: Free (minus your time). If you’re comfortable cutting wall openings, sealing sleeves, and sliding the unit in, you’ll save hundreds.
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Pro labor cost: An HVAC contractor typically charges $400–$800 for full installation, not including electrical.
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Hybrid approach: What I did — installed the sleeve and unit myself, but hired an electrician for the wiring. Total extra cost: about $400 instead of $1,000+.
👉 Lesson Learned: Cutting labor where you can is fine, but electrical is not the place to skimp.
HVAC.com breaks down PTAC installation options.
🧹 Maintenance Supplies & Long-Term Costs
Don’t forget the ongoing expenses. PTACs are durable but require care.
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Filters: $15–$30 each. Replace every 3–6 months (or wash if reusable).
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Coil cleaner: ~$15 per can, used annually.
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Weatherproof sealant/foam: ~$20 for touch-ups around the sleeve.
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Annual pro maintenance (optional): $100–$150 if you want a tech to do a yearly inspection.
👉 My approach: I handle filters and coil cleaning myself. My yearly cost averages $50–$75.
Amana’s maintenance guide outlines recommended upkeep.
📊 Total Cost Breakdown Example (Mark’s Real Project)
Here’s what my installation actually cost me:
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Amana 14,700 BTU PTAC Unit: $1,150
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Wall Sleeve: $160
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Exterior Grille: $90
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Electrical Cord Kit: $75
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Electrician (breaker + outlet install): $375
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DIY supplies (sealant, foam, tools): $45
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Maintenance supplies (year one): $60
Grand Total: $1,955
For comparison:
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A full professional installation (HVAC + electrician) would’ve been closer to $2,400–$2,600.
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Going all-DIY (if I’d handled electrical too) might have dropped it to $1,600–$1,700, but with serious safety risks.
👉 My payoff: Thanks to the PTAC’s efficiency, I saved about $300 annually on utilities compared to my old unit. That means the system started paying for itself in just over 3 years.
Energy Star’s savings calculator can help you run your own numbers.
✅ Final Thoughts: Budgeting Smarter for Your PTAC
If you’re considering the Amana Distinctions 14,700 BTU PTAC, here are my takeaways:
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Don’t just budget for the unit — factor in the sleeve, grille, cord kit, and labor.
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Expect 15–20% extra in hidden costs, especially for electrical work.
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A hybrid DIY + pro approach offers the best balance of savings and safety.
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Over time, the efficiency gains will offset your investment, especially if you’re replacing an old all-electric PTAC.
Would I buy the Amana again? Absolutely — but only now that I know the full cost picture.
📊 Infographic Idea
“PTAC Cost Breakdown Pie Chart”
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Segments:
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Unit (60%)
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Sleeve (8%)
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Grille (5%)
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Electrical (15%)
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Labor (7%)
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Maintenance (5%)
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Highlight: “Mark’s Tip — Always budget an extra 15–20% for surprises.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Amana PTAC Running Smooth for Years
