How to Properly Install PTAC Replacement Filters: A Step-by-Step Guide

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📖 Introduction: Why Correct Filter Installation Matters

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked into a property where the PTAC unit wasn’t cooling right, only to find the filter installed wrong — upside down, jammed in sideways, or replaced with a generic that didn’t even fit the slot.

Hotpoint PTAC Replacement Filters (Pair of 2)

Here’s the truth:
👉 Installing a filter properly takes less than five minutes, but doing it wrong can choke your unit, waste energy, and shorten its life.

In this guide, I’ll give you a hands-on walkthrough of the right way to remove, inspect, and install PTAC replacement filters — whether you’re running a hotel, managing apartments, or just maintaining your home unit.

🛠️ Tools & Prep: What You’ll Need

The good news is: replacing a PTAC filter usually requires no tools. Still, I always recommend keeping a couple of things handy:

🧰 Vacuum with a hose attachment — to clear dust around the filter slot.
🪛 Screwdriver — rarely needed, but some older PTAC models may have a grille secured with screws.
🧽 Soft cloth — for wiping down dust around the intake.
📦 New OEM replacement filter — like the GE Hotpoint PTAC replacement filters designed for a snug fit.

💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Always have at least one spare set of filters on hand. That way, you’re never stuck running a unit with a clogged filter while you wait for shipping.

📌 Reference: ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly and replacing them every 30–90 days for peak efficiency .

📤 Step 1: Safely Remove the Old Filter

Most PTAC filters slide out easily from behind the front grille. Here’s the proper way to remove them:

Turn off the PTAC unit (to avoid sucking dust into the blower while you work).
Open the front panel or grille. On modern GE Hotpoint models, this usually snaps open at the top. On older models, you may need a screwdriver.
Locate the filter slot — usually right in front of the coil.
Slide the filter out carefully, holding it level to avoid dumping trapped dust into the unit.

💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Always pull the filter toward you smoothly. If you tilt or shake it, you’ll just knock dust back onto the coil you’re trying to protect.

👀 Step 2: Inspect the Filter and Unit

Once you’ve got the old filter out, take a moment to inspect:

The filter itself: Is it clogged with dust, gray with smoke residue, or torn? If yes, it’s ready for replacement.
The coil behind it: Shine a flashlight and check for dust buildup or mold spots.
The filter frame: Look for warping or damage.

If the filter looks reusable and you’re between replacement cycles, you can rinse and dry some OEM filters — but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

📌 Reference: The U.S. Department of Energy states that a dirty filter is the leading cause of restricted airflow and system inefficiency .

📥 Step 3: Install the New Filter Correctly

This is where I see the most mistakes — people shove filters in backwards, upside down, or even leave gaps at the sides. Here’s how to do it right:

Check the orientation. OEM PTAC filters are typically designed to fit one way. Look for arrows or airflow direction labels.
Slide the filter into the slot. It should glide in smoothly with no force. If you have to jam it, you’re doing it wrong.
Make sure it’s flush. The filter should sit snug against the frame with no gaps where air can bypass.
Close the grille. Snap or screw it shut, ensuring no loose edges.

💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Never cut or trim a filter to make it fit. That’s how you end up with bypass airflow and clogged coils. Always use the right size OEM filter for your model.

🧽 Step 4: Clean Around the Filter Area

Before you close up:

Use your vacuum hose to clear dust around the filter slot.
Wipe down the intake grille with a damp cloth.
Check that the coil fins behind the filter aren’t visibly clogged (if they are, schedule a professional coil cleaning).

📌 Reference: ASHRAE emphasizes that dust accumulation in PTACs can reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase energy costs .

✅ Step 5: Test the PTAC After Installation

Once the new filter is in place:

Turn the PTAC back on.
Set it to cooling mode and feel the airflow.
Confirm:
- Strong, steady airflow
- No rattling or vibrations from a poorly seated filter
- No unusual odors

If everything checks out, you’re good to go.

💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Always log the date of the filter replacement. For hotels, I recommend posting a log sheet on the back of each unit panel.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the mistakes I see most often in the field:

❌ Installing backwards: Some filters have directional airflow. Reversing them reduces efficiency.
❌ Forcing the wrong size: Air bypass kills performance and lets dust clog the coil.
❌ Using generic filters: Many don’t fit snugly or restrict airflow too much.
❌ Forgetting to turn the unit off: Can suck dust into the blower.
❌ Not replacing often enough: A “clean-looking” filter can still be clogged microscopically.

📌 Reference: AHRI warns that improper filter fit is a leading cause of coil fouling and reduced system life .

🛠️ Mark’s Pro Tips for Hotels & Property Managers

Train staff — Housekeeping can be taught to check filters while cleaning rooms.
Bulk order OEM filters — Saves money and ensures you’re never short.
Log replacements — Keep a digital or paper record to prove maintenance (important for warranties).
Pair with seasonal checks — Combine filter swaps with coil cleanings, drain inspections, and thermostat tests.

📌 Reference: The EPA highlights preventive maintenance as the key to extending HVAC system lifespans .

🌍 The Bigger Impact: Air Quality and Energy Savings

Properly installed filters don’t just protect the PTAC — they protect people too.

Cleaner indoor air for guests and tenants
Reduced allergens and dust
Less strain on the blower motor and compressor
Lower energy bills from improved efficiency

📌 Reference: The U.S. Energy Information Administration confirms HVAC accounts for a major share of commercial electricity consumption .

📝 Conclusion: Mark’s Final Word

Here’s the bottom line:

👉 Installing a PTAC filter correctly takes 5 minutes. Replacing it costs a few bucks. Doing it wrong can cost you thousands in repairs.

From my years in the field, I can tell you the properties that stay on top of filter installation and replacement are the ones that get 12–15 years out of their units instead of 5–6.

So next time you’re sliding in that replacement filter, slow down, do it right, and treat it like the piece of protective equipment it is.

Your PTAC — and your budget — will thank you.

Tags: Mark callahan