When shopping for a new HVAC solution for apartments, condos, or multi-family housing, vertical PTACs (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners) are an attractive option. Unlike the familiar through-the-wall hotel units, vertical PTACs (VPACs) are installed in a closet with short ductwork, quietly serving multiple rooms.
GE Zoneline 17,400 BTU Package Vertical Air Conditioner with Electric Resistance Heat
They’re efficient, discreet, and provide long-term comfort. But the big question most homeowners and property managers ask is:
👉 “How much does a vertical PTAC really cost—including installation and long-term operation?”
In this Savvy guide, we’ll break down:
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Equipment costs for GE Zoneline, Amana, and Friedrich units
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Installation expenses (closets, ducts, electrical, drainage)
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Operating costs in real-world climates
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Long-term ROI and how VPACs compare to alternatives
📦 Equipment Costs: What You’ll Pay for the Unit
The unit itself is the core expense.
🔹 GE Zoneline Vertical PTAC
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Range: $1,600–$2,800 depending on BTU size (9,000–24,000 BTUs).
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Example: A 17,400 BTU Zoneline averages around $2,100–$2,400.
🔹 Amana Vertical PTAC
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Range: $1,700–$2,600.
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Known for durability, often used in hotels and extended stay housing.
🔹 Friedrich Vertical PTAC
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Range: $2,200–$3,200.
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Premium efficiency models with higher EER ratings.
🔹 Accessories & Add-Ons
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Wall grilles: $75–$150.
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Thermostats: $100–$300 depending on smart features.
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Filters: $20–$50 each (replaced several times a year).
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Condensate pumps (if needed): $150–$400.
👉 Savvy Tip: Always budget for add-ons. A bare unit price isn’t the full story—you’ll likely spend an extra $200–$600 on accessories.
🔨 Installation Costs: Setting Up Your Vertical PTAC
Unlike standard PTACs, which slide into a wall sleeve, vertical PTACs require more setup.
🔹 Closet Framing & Ductwork
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Most installs require framing a utility closet with space for the unit and ducts.
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Ductwork typically serves 1–3 rooms.
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Cost: $500–$1,000 depending on materials and layout.
🔹 Electrical Setup
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Requires 208/230V dedicated circuit.
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Breaker size: 20–30 amps depending on unit BTUs.
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Electrical labor + parts: $300–$800.
🔹 Drainage Setup
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Gravity drain (if sloped correctly): $150–$300.
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Condensate pump install (if gravity not possible): $200–$400.
🔹 Professional Labor
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HVAC contractor installation fee: $600–$1,200 per unit.
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Total install (including all the above): $1,500–$2,500.
👉 Savvy Estimate: Combined with equipment, the total installed cost of a vertical PTAC averages $2,500–$4,300 per unit.
⚡ Operating Costs: Monthly Utility Bills
How much will your unit cost to run?
🔹 The Formula
🔹 Example: GE Zoneline 17,400 BTU (EER 10)
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Power draw: 1,740 watts (1.74 kW).
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At $0.15/kWh (U.S. average):
Mild Climate (120 hrs/month @ 4 hrs/day) → $31/month
Average Climate (240 hrs/month @ 8 hrs/day) → $63/month
Hot/Humid Climate (480 hrs/month @ 16 hrs/day) → $125/month
🔹 Heating Costs
Most GE Zoneline verticals use electric resistance heating:
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COP ~1.0 (uses 1 watt electricity for 1 watt heating).
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Much less efficient than a heat pump (COP 2.5–4.0).
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Winter bills in cold climates can double or triple.
👉 Savvy Tip: VPACs with heat pump options save significantly in moderate climates.
📊 ROI & Long-Term Value
Why pay more upfront for a vertical PTAC?
🔹 Lifespan
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Vertical PTACs last 10–15 years with maintenance.
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Standard PTACs often only last 7–10 years.
🔹 Tenant Comfort & Satisfaction
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Quieter (closet install).
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Hidden (no visible grille in the room).
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Balanced airflow with duct distribution.
🔹 Property Value Boost
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Adds long-term resale/rental appeal.
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Easier to market to tenants who dislike noisy hotel-style units.
🔹 Maintenance Savings
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Easier to access for filter and coil cleaning.
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Centralized location in closet means less exposure to dirt/damage.
👉 Savvy ROI: A $3,000 investment today can save $500–$800/year in operating + maintenance costs over a decade, paying for itself in comfort and property value.
💡 Cost Comparison with Alternatives
| System | Upfront Cost (Installed) | Operating Cost | Lifespan | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PTAC | $1,100–$1,700 | Higher (less efficient) | 7–10 yrs | Hotels, single rooms |
| Vertical PTAC | $2,500–$4,300 | Medium | 10–15 yrs | Multi-family, condos |
| Mini Split | $4,000–$8,000 | Lowest (high SEER2) | 12–20 yrs | Homes, premium condos |
| Central HVAC | $5,000–$12,000 | Medium–Low | 12–20 yrs | Whole-home comfort |
📌 Key takeaway: Vertical PTACs strike the middle ground—higher upfront than wall PTACs, but far cheaper than ductless or central systems, especially in multi-room apartment layouts.
🧭 Savvy’s Take: When Vertical PTACs Make the Most Sense
Choose a Vertical PTAC if:
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You’re managing apartments, condos, or multi-family housing.
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You want multi-room comfort without full central HVAC.
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Quiet operation and aesthetics matter.
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You’re planning to hold the property long-term (ROI grows with time).
Skip Vertical PTACs if:
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You’re cooling a single small room → a standard PTAC is cheaper.
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You’re in a very cold climate → electric resistance heating gets costly.
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You want highest efficiency possible → consider ductless mini splits.
✅ Conclusion: Budget Now, Save Later
So, how much does a vertical PTAC cost?
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Unit price: $1,600–$2,800.
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Installed cost: $2,500–$4,300.
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Monthly operating cost: $30–$125 depending on climate.
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Lifespan: 10–15 years with maintenance.
👉 Final Savvy Tip: Think beyond the sticker price. Vertical PTACs pay back their higher upfront cost with quiet comfort, long lifespan, and property value ROI. For the right project, a GE Zoneline Vertical PTAC is not just an expense—it’s a smart investment.
