The new kid on the block for Heat and Cool Air Conditioners is the VTAC. Vertical Terminal Air Conditioners let you optimize floor space and leave windows accessible by being installed in a closet with venting through an outside wall. This makes the room more aesthetically pleasing, no large unit on the floor or blocking a window. It also means your usable square footage is increased and the noise level is decreased.
VTACs are much smaller than PTAcs, measuring approximately 24" x 24", but come in unit sizes larger than PTACs. VTACs come in sizes of 9,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU units and use a 220V line. They have a top air discharge which can be mounted into a single room or multiple rooms, and is controlled by a wall-mount thermostat. Heating is provided by either Electrical Resistance Heat or as a Heat Pump Unit. Some units can also be adapted for hydronic steam heat.
Since the unit installs in a closeted area, the use of a plenum is necessary to contain and separate the outdoor air paths, and hold water in the bottom without leaking into the wall. The plenum is the first component to be installed. An installation platform is positioned against the plenum, with the plenum centered on the edge of the platform, which is then secured to the floor. A sleeve is positioned on the platform and the unit is installed. The return air from the room to the unit requires either a louvered door, a wall-mounted access panel or a return air grille. An exterior grill covers the exposed side of the unit.
The General Electric AZ75E129DAC GE Zoneline unit offers 17,200 BTUs for cooling and 15,500 BTUs when used as a heat pump. This unit features the Quick Heat Recovery System, where the heat pump incorporates a two-stage heat/one-stage cooling thermostat which utilizes resistant heat to bring the room temperature within 2 degrees of the thermostat set point, before initiating the heat pump operation. This brings the room up to temperature quickly, allowing warmer air to be discharged when the heat pump kicks in.
Possible uses for VTACs include Hotels, Motels, Assisted Living Centers, Offices, Apartments, Single-Family Dwellings, Home Conversions, Residential Add-Ons, External Classrooms and more. If the positioning for this type of unit can be utilized in your project, the smaller footprint of the Vertical Terminal Air Conditioner might be a perfect alternative to the much larger, exposed PTAC unit.
is it necessary to have a drip pan with an insulation sponge? Mine is dirty (moldy) and ten years old.
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