Hello, Jake Here!
You know what keeps units out of trouble? Maintenance. Simple as that. Every season brings a different kind of stress for PTAC systems, and if you wait until they break, you’re already behind.
With the newer R-32 models, you've got better efficiency and performance—but only if you keep up with them. So here's my go-to seasonal maintenance checklist that I run through spring, summer, fall, and winter. Let’s stretch those unit lifespans and dodge unnecessary repairs.
Spring 🌸 — Prep for Cooling Season
Spring is all about getting ready for the hot months ahead.
Checklist:
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Remove and clean filters (replace if needed)
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Deep clean evaporator coils with R-32-safe cleaner
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Vacuum condenser coils from the back
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Check refrigerant lines for leaks with an EPA-compliant leak detector
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Confirm wall sleeve drainage is clear and angled outward
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Inspect control board for signs of moisture or corrosion
According to Energy Star, spring maintenance helps improve indoor air quality and cooling efficiency before peak load.
Spring is also a great time to educate your staff about the differences between R-32 and older refrigerants like R-410A. R-32 has a significantly lower global warming potential and requires different handling procedures. Make sure everyone on your team is trained and certified to work safely with this newer refrigerant. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) offers training resources and guidelines that align with EPA best practices.
Also, consider doing a quick audit of your PTAC inventory. Are there any older units that should be replaced? You can plan for phased upgrades before the summer load hits full throttle.
Summer 🌞 — Performance & Safety Check
Now it’s go-time. Summer's high heat can expose any weaknesses.
Checklist:
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Test thermostat responsiveness and calibration
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Monitor compressor start-up and shutoff patterns
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Check capacitor health and contactor points
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Clear out any drain line algae with a cleaning tablet
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Inspect power cord and plug for overheating or scorching
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Confirm indoor air temperature drop (should be 15–20°F below intake)
When running long hours, components can overheat fast. ASHRAE recommends checking airflow and temperature differential to catch underperformance early.
Don’t forget to check the exterior grille and ensure it’s free of any obstructions. Dirt, pollen, and even insect nests can choke airflow. These little issues are the ones that creep up mid-July and leave your guests sweating.
In addition, this is the time to ensure your wall sleeve's seal is still holding up. Moisture infiltration during summer storms can wreck internal components and lead to mold. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that water management is a critical part of AC longevity.
Fall 🍂 — Heating Readiness
The leaves change, and so does the job your PTAC needs to do.
Checklist:
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Switch unit to heat mode and verify operation
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Inspect heating element (electric) or reversing valve (heat pump)
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Check for tripped limit switches
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Clean blower wheel and housing
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Test amperage draw of heat strip
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Confirm airflow isn’t blocked by furniture or drapes
According to the Falso Service Experts, early fall maintenance avoids emergency repairs in cold weather.
Fall is also a good time to prep your replacement parts inventory. Order spare thermostats, capacitors, and backup heating strips. That way, when a unit goes down in the dead of winter, you’ve got what you need on-site.
Plus, while you're doing your heating system check, it’s smart to double check insulation around the PTAC sleeve. Poor insulation invites drafts and robs efficiency. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory has shown that even minor air leaks can reduce HVAC performance by over 20%.
Winter ❄️ — Freeze Protection
Winter may not tax your PTAC like summer does, but it still needs love.
Checklist:
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Monitor backup electric heat performance
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Test freeze sensor (if equipped)
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Check for exterior drafts around wall sleeve
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Look for signs of pest entry near sleeve or grille
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Run unit briefly every few days in vacant rooms
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Keep vents free of dust and debris
Low use doesn’t mean no maintenance. Preventive checks during the cold season ensure a smooth spring startup.
Also, take time to monitor your energy consumption reports if you’re using smart thermostats. If you notice an unexpected spike, that might point to a short cycling unit or a heat strip running longer than it should.
And finally, don’t forget safety. Install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms using PTACs with gas-powered heat. It’s rare, but even small leaks can cause big problems. The National Fire Protection Association provides great winter safety recommendations for multi-family buildings.
Jake’s Pro Tips ✅
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Use R-32 rated coil cleaners and leak detectors
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Keep spare filters on hand year-round
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Log maintenance dates with notes on anomalies
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Remind property staff not to block airflow with furniture
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Don’t ignore odd smells—they usually mean moisture buildup or dirty coils
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Add quarterly training refreshers for staff, especially when working with A2L refrigerants like R-32
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Track warranty windows—R-32 units often come with a solid 5-year parts warranty if you register them with the manufacturer
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Create a shared digital logbook (Google Sheets works great) so multiple techs can track PTAC history in real-time
Jake’s Outro
Whether you’re managing ten PTACs or two hundred, a seasonal checklist like this is your secret weapon. Skipping it means you’re chasing problems. Following it means you’re staying ahead.
If you’re still working with old refrigerant models, maybe it’s time to upgrade. Check out this lineup of R-32 PTAC units I recommend—energy-efficient, low-GWP, and easier to service. Curious about whether or not you need a permit to install your PTAC systems? Check out my guide: Do You Need a Permit to Install R-32 PTACs? What the Codes Say Today.
Every season, every cycle—do the work now, thank yourself later. Jake out.
- Jake
