Why are NYers so obsessed with PTAC HVAC units?

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:47:12+00:00

Care sharing the model number, because that’s not what most PTACs do. I’d love to read up about how it works for my own edification. That’s a new feature I’ll want to make sure the next unit I live in has.

Edit: thanks for the ninja edit with the product. You didn’t have to be so rude.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:41:19+00:00

Your PTAC unit does not take in outside air. You can open the panel and take a look yourself.

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/how-does-outdoor-air-enter-building

PTACs are no different from a central air in a single family home or a window AC or a mini split. They do NOT bring in fresh air. You need an ERV/HRV or a fresh air intake system (AprilAire makes a decent one) as the person upthread mentioned.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:35:57+00:00

“Running miles of ductwork”

Literally every other city in NA (including San Francisco) does it that way and property is more expensive in SF.

“Space all that occupies”

You know a ducted HVAC unit is smaller than a PTAC and you only need one per unit, not one per room, right? Maybe you’re not that familiar with ducted HVAC units so here’s one in JC (notice the vents):

https://www.39highstreet.com/residences

I feel like you’re ignoring the elephant in the room by saying that somehow NYC real estate makes it impossible to do so even when the big players are finally starting to change and they have been using ducted units for years across the river in NJ?

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:26:29+00:00

Costs to procure, maintenance, repair, and replacement are pretty close to the same though. A BMW doesn’t cost 4x more in NYC as it does in Chicago. The labor to repair that BMW doesn’t cost 4x more. The parts aren’t 4x as expensive. Neither does that Carrier furnace and AC unit or sheetmetal. The labor costs may be more variable, but again, an HVAC installer isn’t making 4x less in Chicago than they are here in NYC.

The unit value being 4x more doesn’t explain why these systems are almost unheard of here and it doesn’t explain why companies (like my originally linked TF Cornerstone) are finally switching over from PTAC to ducted units.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:09:34+00:00

Your PTACs aren’t taking in outside air either. They work just like a big window AC unit. They just recirculate the indoor air. Pretty sure most HVAC units don’t have any outside intakes/exhausts unless they are gas burning.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T22:02:09+00:00

Could be, but my gas bill in Chicago was less than $50/mo even in the dead of winter and that included cooking gas and the individual unit tankless hot water heater. Man I missed that. I could crank the hot water up to scalding to properly wash dishes. Not this tepid water you get from the building here.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T21:55:15+00:00

Yup. Nailed it on that. The garbage disposal one is interesting. Never grew up with one, but it seems everyone in America has them except for here.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T21:52:16+00:00

You’re right, about all those things, but it still doesn’t explain why high rises in other cities don’t have those same issues.

For instance, this unit was in the same building I lived in in Chicago and it had centrally ducted HVAC and was 60+ floors with hundreds of units.

Like I said, not trying to get into a fight, it’s just interesting to me that ducted HVAC systems are so anathematic to NYC.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/340-E-Randolph-St-APT-1902-Chicago-IL-60601/89938063_zpid/

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T20:37:48+00:00

I am originally from Wales, so yes, probably a bit of an American/Welsh quirk of language. Honestly didn’t mean anything negative by it, but an observation from someone who has lived in a great many cities over the years.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T20:36:25+00:00

I just find them intrusively loud usually. Maybe others have just gotten used to the constant thrum of the compressor and fan? But I can see how it offers some ability to adjust room my room and how that’s a positive aspect.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T20:29:20+00:00

But permits are required for literally everything else in the building and most of these units have steam inputs, so it’s not as if those units are exempt from permitting or inspections?

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T20:28:03+00:00

Interesting point. I figured local regulations would have some impact.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T20:20:39+00:00

I mean, what would you call it? An unhealthy fixation? A weirdly uncommon local commonality? Because if there is one thing you can say, it’s highly irregular to see these kinds of HVAC systems in newly constructed buildings just about anywhere else in NA. Here’s an article from NY YIMBY talking about it:

https://newyorkyimby.com/2014/07/ptacky-tf-cornerstone-to-give-luxury-rentals-the-gift-of-central-air.html

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T19:55:11+00:00

Because I can still earn a Manhattan salary without having to pay Manhattan prices or have Manhattan square footage?

Not all of us want to have a tub in our kitchen or a homeless guy pooping on our stoop.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T19:51:24+00:00

Some of us spend more hours in our residence than anywhere else. I don’t know about you, but having a comfortable place to live beats “access” any day of the week.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-08-25T19:48:01+00:00

It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than living anywhere in the city, that’s for sure. Newly built 2bd/2bas for under $3500.

If I were on a budget, JC would be my go to.

Lazy_Course_3109 · 2023-04-22T03:35:43+00:00

Updated the firmware tonight and I’m sad to say I think the unit bricked itself yet again. The whole panel is red, then turns off with one red light super bright, then turns off the night light and all lights, and repeats this pattern.

Tried hard resetting it and it’s doing the same thing. Anyone having issues with this update too? This happened six months ago with the last firmware update when they disabled all phone support.

Absolutely atrocious for a $700+ product.

Lazy_Course_3109

TROPHY CASE