Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

pixel_of_moral_decay t1_j6yj8xe wrote

Reply to comment by imaluckyduckie in Anyone ever had a PTAC unit sound like it's "groaning" in heat mode? by Delicious_Adeptness9

Agreed with this. Life expectancy on most of the parts is about 10-12. I’m not even sure I’d even attempt a repair because a tech is going to need to be paid just to look at it unless you negotiate deducting that from a replacement.

Even if you fix it, fan motor is likely almost ready to go. AC compressor not far behind. Each time that’s a couple hundred bucks.

I’d start looking at a replacement. Stock on HVAC equipment isn’t exactly great so even if you buy today might be a while before you get one installed. I know some neighbors are expecting a few months wait for replacements.

3

imaluckyduckie t1_j6yjw4q wrote

If you're in a larger building where the PTACs are all original, you could do well trying to organize a group-buy with your neighbors who are probably also looking to replace their PTACs.

4

Delicious_Adeptness9 OP t1_j6ylrb5 wrote

Dang. I'm a renter, and the owner-landlord was difficult to work with last year when the same PTAC unit stopped blowing cold air on cool mode. Knowing the units are original 15+ years old, I suggested replacing them and he nearly blew up at me! I hardly ever contact him these days, and it's been months since we've communicated, aside from sending monthly rent checks.

So, last June, first tech came and recommended replacing compressor ($1000+), but second tech came and said all it needed was a new condenser coil ($100-$200), and that worked.

3