PTAC vs Mini-Split: Best Unit For A Nursing Home

Nursing homes and long-term care centers require cooling and heating solutions to keep the patients and residents comfortable. If you start looking for feasible air conditioner options, you will come across several options. Two widely used options you may stumble upon are: PTAC and Mini Split.

What are these? What are their differences, and which is the best option for a Nursing home? This article has all the answers you need.

Factors You Must Consider While Choosing An Air Conditioner

While searching for a good air conditioner, administrators and facility managers should consider many factors such as convenience, ease of use, unit consumption, performance, as well as budget. Knowing your options will give you the most advantage of your money and comfort to your patients and employees alike.

That said, it is essential to understand some key features and differences between PTAC and Mini Split to ensure you make the right choice for your Nursing home. In this article, we'll talk about the differences as well as advantages of both PTAC and Mini Splits to help you make the right call. Let's start.

What Is PTAC? What Are Its Benefits?

PTAC - Package Terminal Air Conditioner is a self-contained heating and air conditioning unit. It is a commercial-level HVAC unit installed through a standard-size 42" wall. PTAC's main components such as the condenser, compressor, evaporator, expansion valve, etc., are fixed and integrated into one casing. As a reversible system, it is an ideal cooling solution for small commercial places such as nursing homes and healthcare centers.

Benefits of Installing A PTAC System

1. Increased Performance

Previously, PTACs were notoriously considered energy wasters. However, manufacturers have improved the working efficiency of PTAC over the years, making them a perfect option to cool and heat a large hall or multiple rooms.

2. Usability Over the Year

As PTACs are designed for nursing homes, offices, and large living centers, they come equipped with a heating function as well. Thus, no matter which season or time of year it is, either way, you will have a way for year-round use.

3. Ease of Installation

Unlike mini-splits and other air conditioner options, PTACs are easy and quick to install. If you're installing it for the first time, you just need to cut a hole or if you're replacing an existing system, you can just place it in the existing hole.

What Is A Mini Split? What Are Its Benefits?

A mini-split consists of two facets: An outdoor unit and one indoor unit. These are ductless split systems that provide effective cooling to specific rooms or areas. Mostly, it is designed for residential use, however, new mini split models have been designed for commercial use as well.

Benefits of Installing Mini Splits

1. More Flexible

Mini Splits are generally operated through a remote or Wi-fi giving you control over temperature change. That said, this option is more flexible and feasible for residential users.

2. Quiet & Peaceful

PTACs are a bit louder as the whole system is installed inside the room. On the contrary, the noise levels tend to be much lower in the case of Mini Splits as the compressor is located outside.

3. No Ductwork Required

Mini Splits require a much smaller wall opening and can be installed on any wall. They don't require existing ductwork in the area to cool/heat it making the installation process very easy. Mini Splits are great options for new buildings, rooms, small offices, and storage rooms.

PTAC Vs. Mini Splits: Which One Is The Best Option For A Nursing Home?

So far, you have learned a bit about the basic features of both types of air conditioners, now comes the real question: Which one is the most suitable option for a nursing home?

Well, healthcare places such as nursing homes and hospitals follow primary standards when it comes to cooling requirements. They need a cooling system that provides a healthy, hygienic, and clean indoor climate for patients and staff.

With that being said, PTAC is an ideal option for nursing homes as they pull fresh air from outside free of contaminants. Moreover, it has a number of advantages over Mini Splits when it comes to installation in a Nursing home.

Reasons Why PTACs Are Perfect For A Nursing Home:

1. More Ventilation

Mini Splits provide cooling and heating effects only. They can't be used for ventilation as they don't have access to fresh air from outside. PTAC, on the other hand, provides 3 functions: Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation as they have access to the outside air. For places like Nursing homes, ventilation is critical for the comfort of patients. Thus, PTACs are a more popular option in the healthcare sector.

2. Convenience of Maintenance

PTACs are completely ductless and much easier to maintain. They don't need much upkeep and that's what makes them ideal for a commercial property owner. When you are running a nursing home, you can't give much time to maintenance while Mini Splits, on the contrary, require constant downtime.

3. Cost-Effective

On average, PTACs are more cost-effective than Mini Splits. Installing enough mini-splits to cool down a nursing home will be much more expensive than installing multiple PTACs. Moreover, they don't require expensive HVAC installation. This fact alone can save a considerable installation and maintenance cost. If you purchase multiple systems for commercial places, their additional cost will add up making PTAC an ideal choice over mini splits.

Where Can You Shop the Best PTAC Units Online?

Based on what you have learned so far, now you're in a better position to choose a PTAC unit for a Nursing room. Wondering where to buy the best PTAC system online? ProServices Supply offers a wide range of the latest PTAC models along with installation & maintenance services. Or if you're still unsure which system is best for your needs, book a free appointment with our experts now. We're happy to talk you through and help you make the right choice.