PTAC Replacement
We have PTAC units in our apartment (gas heating/electric cooling)and can’t stand them. Is there any way to replace them with radiators or some other radiant heat system?
We have PTAC units in our apartment (gas heating/electric cooling)and can’t stand them. Is there any way to replace them with radiators or some other radiant heat system?
Same problem here – Suburban units too loud. Mostly seems like the fan is the culprit.
Anyone ever actually swap to Islandaire and have a report on noise level?
Anyone ever contact Suburban to see if there is some way to reduce the noise?
The problem is that there are only 2 viable options for gas heat/electric AC PTAC unit – Islandaire and Suburban.
These PTACs are more efficient than an all electric unit.
Eman1234 – did a condo kick your dog or something?
dynaline is the modern equivalent of the old dynavent units that slum landlords on the lower east side used to install in tenements when i first came to nyc..it always amazed me that this cheapass technology is considered a viable option for grossly overpriced apartments in brooklyn
Islandaire makes a PTAC that is designed to replace it that POS Suburban Dynaline. It is a gas/electric PTAC but supposedly much quieter than the Suburban.
Depend on the size/BTU, it is roughly $1700 to replace each PTAC ($1500 for unit and $200 for labor).
It’s a Suburban Dynaline.
Anyone have a recommendation for an HVAC contactor to give an estimate?
I have a family member switched over their PTAC (gas heat/electric AC) with another brand. While they loved the cost efficiency they hated the noise level. A different brand seems to have fixed it.
What brand is it?
JR46 – Depends on what your are considering for replacement, but sure the PTAC can be replaced. You will need an A/C contractor to disconnect the unit, pull it from the mounting and cap the gas line. They actually remove from the housing quite easily since they are technically sitting inside your unit and vent through the exterior grate. You could then decide what to do with the PTAC space and whether you would just close it up and drywall.
Regarding replacement, I’m not sure a radiator will be a solution for you since you didn’t mention the availability of space for boiler and piping. Perhaps a Mini Split system would work if you have room outside for a condenser.
I saw some of those PTAC units in a park slope building that was converted to 4 condos. I’m guessing the developer can install these hotel room style units rather than a better heating system for much less than hot water systems for individual units. The costs are easily moved to unit owners instead of a central unit or the trouble & expense of multiple boilers in the basement.
Radiators or radiant floor heating would be more comfortable and probably more efficient to operate, but would need a hot water boiler and plumbing throughout the apartment. If you were doing a big renovation and were prepared to for a 5 figure budget on your new heating system (assuming it would fly in the condo), it might make sense. But the expense that the developer avoided is probably something OP is not prepared to spend.
Think you’re stuck with it – otherwise the entire building would have to change and re-install heating and A/C throughout. And it’s amazing at how many not cheap new construction condos use them (another reason I’m not a fan of most new construction). Really only the very high-end and/or landmarked buildings that didn’t go that way (J Condo, On Prospect Park, One Hanson Pl. – maybe 580 Carroll (can’t remember)).