đź“– Introduction: Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
If you’ve ever had a PTAC (packaged terminal air conditioner) quit in the middle of a hot July afternoon or a freezing January night, you know how disruptive it can be. And here’s the kicker:
👉 Most of those failures could have been prevented with seasonal maintenance.
Over my 15+ years working in hotels, apartments, and homes, I’ve seen PTAC units that lasted 10–12 years with consistent seasonal care — and others that barely made it to year 5 because filters, coils, and drains were ignored.
Hotpoint PTAC Replacement Filters (Pair of 2)
In this guide, I’ll lay out a seasonal checklist that covers:
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Filters (your first line of defense)
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Coils (the heart of heat exchange)
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Drains (the silent problem-causers)
Follow this plan, and you’ll save money on energy bills, avoid costly repairs, and keep your guests or tenants comfortable all year long.
🍂 Fall/Winter Maintenance
When the heating season rolls around, PTAC units get a workout. Here’s what to check before the first cold snap hits:
🔄 Replace or Clean Filters
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Always start with a fresh OEM filter (GE Hotpoint recommended).
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Replace filters every 30–90 days during heating use.
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Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing heaters to overwork.
đź“Ś Reference: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirms that dirty filters cause heating systems to consume more energy and reduce equipment life .
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: For hotels, I recommend replacing all PTAC filters in bulk at the start of heating season to avoid missed units.
🌀 Inspect and Clean Coils
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Check both indoor (evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) coils.
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Vacuum light dust or schedule professional coil cleaning.
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Dust buildup insulates coils, making heating less effective.
đź“Ś Reference: ASHRAE states that clean coils improve airflow, maintain system efficiency, and reduce operating costs .
đź’§ Check Drain Pans
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Look for standing water in the drain pan.
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Clear blockages to prevent mold and odors.
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Ensure the slope allows proper drainage.
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: A musty smell in winter is often traced back to dirty drain pans, not just filters.
🪟 Seal Drafts Around Units
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Check the PTAC sleeve for gaps that let in cold air.
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Seal with foam or caulk to improve comfort and reduce heating costs.
🌸 Spring/Summer Maintenance
Cooling season is when PTACs face their biggest workload. Prep them before the first heat wave hits.
🔄 Replace Filters (Again)
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Install fresh OEM filters at the start of cooling season.
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Replace monthly in high-use or dusty environments.
đź“Ś Reference: ENERGY STAR recommends checking AC filters every month during peak cooling season and replacing at least every 3 months .
🌀 Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
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Remove front covers and inspect evaporator coils for dust and lint.
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Clean condenser coils outside the building — they’re magnets for leaves, pollen, and debris.
đź“Ś Reference: AHRI warns that coil fouling from dust and debris is a leading cause of reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy bills .
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Outdoor coils clogged with leaves are one of the most common reasons for summer service calls.
🌿 Clear Outdoor Louvers
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Check that louvers are free of nests, leaves, and dirt.
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Blocked louvers = poor airflow = higher energy costs.
đź’§ Flush and Test Drains
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Flush condensate drains to prevent algae, mold, and blockages.
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Test by pouring a small amount of water to ensure flow.
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A blocked drain causes leaks, water damage, and guest complaints.
đź“Ś Reference: The EPA notes that poor condensate drainage leads to mold growth and indoor air quality problems .
🛠️ Monthly Maintenance Basics (Year-Round)
Even outside seasonal checks, a little monthly attention goes a long way.
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Inspect filters every 30 days — replace if clogged.
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Check airflow strength — weak airflow = dirty filter or coil.
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Listen for unusual noises — straining motors or rattling filters.
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Look for water leaks or ice — early warning signs of blocked drains or airflow restriction.
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: If you manage multiple PTACs, create a monthly log for each unit. This prevents units from “falling through the cracks.”
⚠️ Why Seasonal Maintenance Saves Money
Skipping seasonal care may save a little time upfront, but here’s what it costs in the long run:
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$20 filter replacement → Keeps system efficient.
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$200–$400 coil cleaning → Needed if filters ignored.
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$300–$500 blower motor replacement → Often caused by clogged airflow.
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$800–$1200 compressor failure → Usually the death of the unit.
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$700–$1500 full PTAC replacement → Preventable with simple maintenance.
đź“Ś Reference: DOE confirms that neglecting filters and coils is the #1 cause of premature HVAC system failure .
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: Think of seasonal maintenance as a low-cost insurance policy against thousands in repairs.
📝 Mark’s Seasonal Checklist
Here’s the cheat sheet I give property managers:
Fall/Winter
âś” Replace filters
âś” Inspect coils
âś” Check drain pans
âś” Seal drafts
Spring/Summer
âś” Replace filters
âś” Clean coils
âś” Clear louvers
âś” Flush drains
Year-Round Monthly
âś” Inspect filters
âś” Check airflow
âś” Listen for noise
âś” Watch for leaks/ice
🏨 Hospitality & Property Management Perspective
For hotels and multi-unit properties, seasonal PTAC maintenance is non-negotiable:
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Keeps guest complaints low (no musty smells, noisy units, or leaks).
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Prevents expensive downtime when multiple units fail in peak season.
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Extends unit lifespan from 5–7 years to 10–12 years.
đź“Ś Reference: The EPA highlights IAQ (indoor air quality) as a key factor in guest satisfaction and tenant health .
💡 Mark’s Pro Tip: I’ve seen hotels save 10–15% on utility bills just by enforcing seasonal filter swaps and coil cleaning.
âś… Why OEM Filters Are the Foundation
Every seasonal checklist starts with filters. Here’s why OEM is the only smart choice:
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Perfect fit = no dust bypass.
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Proper airflow balance = less strain on motors.
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Durable design = fewer replacements needed.
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Keeps manufacturer warranties intact.
đź“Ś Reference: AHRI warns that off-brand or ill-fitting filters cause coil fouling and energy waste .
📝 Conclusion: Mark’s Final Word
If you want your PTACs to last, you can’t ignore seasonal maintenance.
👉 Filters, coils, and drains are the big three.
Check filters monthly, replace them seasonally, keep coils clean, and clear drains before the cooling season kicks in.
I’ve seen it time and again: properties that follow this seasonal plan get longer-lasting PTACs, lower bills, and happier guests.
Spend a little time now, save a lot of money later — that’s the installer’s truth.
In the next topic we will know more about: How dirty filters reduce airflow, force the system to work harder, and shorten lifespan — with Mark’s pro tips on keeping units running like new.
