Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a PTAC unit? You have probably encountered one in some hotels, offices, or houses. When installing one, you should be aware of the issues that you might encounter and know when to take action when something troublesome happens with it. Here's what we've looked up for you to stop your PTAC unit from tripping the breaker.
If the breaker is tripping in the PTAC unit, the problem may originate from the unit itself. There could also be problems with the wiring inside the unit. Excessive wear and tear or severe mishandling could have caused damage.
However, if there is insufficient airflow through the venting system because it has clogged or become otherwise blocked, this will hinder proper heat distribution and may cause the PTAC unit to trip frequently. If wiring is the issue, you might need to call an electrician to fix it.
A tripping breaker in a PTAC unit is a common problem. Constant tripping on the breaker can harm equipment and might cause a fire, so be careful when using it. If you'd like to know more about PTAC units, keep scrolling as we have prepared useful information below.
Common Issues and Things to Do when PTAC Unit Trips Breakers
If there is a problem with the wiring inside the PTAC unit, this can result in unexplained stops and starts from tripping the breaker. The correct gauge for the wall socket should be the power cord, and you should make sure all wires are properly installed and none of them are corroded.
Excessive wear and tear or mishandling could also be the reason why the breaker keeps on tripping. The damage that develops over time in a PTAC unit can be reasonably expected to occur.
However, it could affect the unit if it has reached beyond its limits. So keep in mind that taking care of your PTAC unit is important.
Lastly, having insufficient airflow through the venting system is one of the most common causes of a tripping breaker because most people fail to clean the air filter, which causes clogging.
One of the most common causes of poor airflow is a clogged air filter. It could restrict your airflow and cause issues with the unit. Specks of dirt in the air could contaminate your filter. As much as possible, clean the filter regularly or replace it with a new one.
Choosing the Best PTAC Unit For Your Home
PTAC units are created differently, and not all of them are compatible with any household. If you're planning to purchase or replace your PTAC unit, here are some guides on how to tell if they are good by just checking the specifications and the factors to consider while shopping.
The first thing to consider is your location, whether it's hot or cold all year round, and if a PTAC unit is suitable. For example, if you are living in a place where four seasons occur, look for PTAC units that work for heating or cooling.
But if your place rarely has cold weather, it's time to purchase a unit that offers cooling functionality.
When you start looking for PTAC units, find out how many square feet the room has, because this will determine how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) the unit needs to efficiently cool or heat the space.
The larger the room, the more BTUs you will need. By investing in the appropriate amount of power for your space, you may improve the comfort of your environment.
Make sure your PTAC unit will stand the test of time before purchasing one. Read customer reviews thoroughly, and find out how long the company's warranties cover the product.
The rating of the Energy Efficiency Ratio denotes how energy efficient a PTAC unit is. The more efficient your device is, the higher its EER rating. As a result, you will have lower running costs.
How Do PTAC Units Work?
PTAC units function for heating and cooling. It's either a fresh air intake or a traditional refrigerant is used to cool the air inside the room. A condensing coil that faces the exterior and an evaporator coil that faces the interior that needs to be cooled make up the PTAC unit.
The PTAC unit needs to connect to the building's water system, which produces warm air. This process is reversed to create heat by pumping refrigerant to heat the cools, which draws in cold air and pushes warm air into its place.
There's a resistive electric heater in every PTAC unit. It requires hot wires and a blow dryer-like fan that blows air over them. However, some PTACs also incorporate a reverse-cycle heat pump. Many PTACs just use resistive electric heat.
Importance of Maintaining PTAC Units
They say that things survive longer when people take good care of them. Regardless of how durable your PTAC unit is, regular maintenance is still necessary to guarantee a long service life and effective performance.
Keeping your PTAC unit in good condition is easy by doing preventive maintenance regularly.
Maintenance Tips For PTAC Units
Check the filter for dirt to ensure that the unit runs efficiently. Clean it regularly to prevent clogging, which could lead to compressor failure. The only things you'll do is remove the filter, vacuum it, and then put it back again.
Use specialized coil cleaners when cleaning the unit's coil and check the cleaners to make sure they are for indoor and outdoor coils. It is important to let your PTAC unit dry after cleaning it.
Maintaining the PTAC unit includes keeping tabs on the plugs and power cords. A break in the insulation might result in a sparked disaster, so make sure that the plugs are protected in the receptacles to avoid starting a fire.
When installing one, take a good look at whether all the features of your PTAC unit function well. Before it could lead to further damage, take action immediately if there's anything that needs to be repaired.
The Best PTAC Brands for You
When planning to purchase a PTAC unit, you might want to consider this list that we've created. These units are the perfect solutions for convenient, energy-efficient climate control.
Friedrich
Friedrich PTAC units have a wide selection and a variety of features. This brand receives good feedback from customers. They are designed to deliver a powerful energy-efficient cooling and heating performance while operating quietly.
Check out this Friedrich PDH15K5SG PTAC unit on Amazon.
Amana
Amana PTAC units have a good reputation in the PTAC market for their durability, quiet operation, and efficient climate control. The energy efficiency of Amana PTAC units is very popular. They are often a good choice for households and even in hotels.
Check out this Amana PTAC 15,000 BTU Heat Pump Unit on Amazon.
LG
This brand of PTAC unit is people's best choice for apartments and hotels. It has a reputation for producing quiet, efficient PTAC units, and they're known for its reasonable prices and minimal energy expenditures.
Check out this LG LP123HD3B PTAC Unit on Amazon.
How does a PTAC unit drain?
Since PTAC units are entirely self-contained, drain piping is unnecessary. Every drop of condensed water is directed to the condenser coil's surface, where it evaporates and is expelled through the wall vent.
How to Reset a PTAC Unit?
Although troubleshooting the PTAC unit is inevitable, a quick reset can be the quickest solution to your issue. Lift the front plastic cover and pull it. Make sure the PTAC unit is plugged in. Under the control panel, turn off the master power switch and leave it for 5 minutes. Turn the switch on while pushing and holding both heat and cool buttons. The off button has a red light that appears next to it, and it indicates that the PTAC unit has been successfully reset.
How long does a PTAC unit last?
PTAC units may last longer than ten years with proper maintenance, but due to advancements in energy efficiency and smart technology, customers may be encouraged to replace them every 5-7 years. Maintenance is required to keep it from being used in dangerous situations.
In Closing
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