📖 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.
📌 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.
📌 Reference: ASHRAE states that clean coils improve airflow, maintain system efficiency, and reduce operating costs .
💧 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.
📌 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.
📌 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.
💧 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.
📌 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.
📌 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
✔ Replace filters
✔ Inspect coils
✔ Check drain pans
✔ Seal drafts
Spring/Summer
✔ Replace filters
✔ Clean coils
✔ Clear louvers
✔ Flush drains
Year-Round Monthly
✔ Inspect filters
✔ Check airflow
✔ Listen for noise
✔ 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.
📌 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.
✅ 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.
📌 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.
