Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs) have undergone remarkable evolution since their early iterations as Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) commonly found in hotels.
Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs) have undergone remarkable evolution since their early iterations as Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) commonly found in hotels. Today's PTHPs represent sophisticated climate management systems that feature inverter compressor technology, variable speed fans, and smart controls – far outperforming their predecessors in both efficiency and comfort.
Key Benefits
- Simple Installation. These units ship as complete packages with no separate outdoor unit, fit through standard doorways, and require no specialized HVAC contractor for installation. The condensate drains directly to the exterior, and many units operate on standard 120V electrical outlets when supplemental heating isn't required.
1. Ephoca AIO Wall Installation
- Factory Sealed Refrigerant. Unlike traditional heat pump systems, PTHPs feature factory-sealed refrigerant loops, eliminating on-site refrigerant handling, brazing, and pressure testing. This dramatically reduces installation complexity and potential failure points while ensuring optimal system performance from day one.
- Variable Capacity. Each PTHP functions as a fully independent climate system with variable capacity and fan speeds. This independence allows occupants to customize their comfort environments precisely to their preferences, enhancing overall user experience while optimizing energy consumption.
- Ventilation Options. Some advanced models, such as the Ephoca AIO Wall, integrate Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) modules that bring tempered outside air into the space while conditioning the room. These units can even be equipped with MERV 13 filtration for outdoor air, providing superior indoor air quality alongside climate comfort and complying with California code for supply air filtration.
2. Ephoca AIO Wall Pro w/ERV
Design Considerations
- Aesthetics. While traditional PTHPs have been characterized by large wall-mounted units that may impact aesthetics in design-focused spaces, manufacturers have responded with sleeker models like the Olimpia Maestro and Ephoca AIO Wall. Ephoca has even developed concealed versions that install above ceilings or within slim closets for minimal visual impact.
3. Ephoca AIO Vertical Stack
4. Olimpia Maestro Pro 12
- Cold Climate Performance. In very cold climates, PTHPs experience reduced efficiency and capacity, typically requiring supplemental electric heating elements and 240V electrical connections to maintain comfort during extreme conditions.
- Envelope Penetration. PTHP require a connection to the exterior, with the penetration varying by models: basic models can require a 16”x24” hole, while higher-end models like Ephoca and Olimpia Maestro just require two 6”-8” holes. The through-wall connection required for PTHP installation presents a potential vulnerability for air leakage and thermal bridging if not properly sealed and insulated. Careful attention to this detail during installation is essential for optimal performance.
Ideal Applications
- Independent Zoning. PTHPs excel in applications requiring fully independent zonal control. Multifamily projects have successfully implemented one PTHP per bedroom plus one for common areas, providing complete flexibility between zones. Unlike multi-head split systems that cannot heat and cool simultaneously, independent PTHPs allow each zone to operate freely.
5. The Gotham Hotel
- Divergent Spaces. These units particularly shine for thermally unique spaces that might be challenging to integrate into multi-zone systems—rooms that operate contrary to the main system's heating/cooling needs, spaces with distinct occupancy patterns like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), or areas physically challenging to integrate into ducted systems such as lofted bedrooms or offices.
- Restrictive Exteriors. Urban properties with strict property line setbacks, historical preservation requirements, or homeowner association restrictions also benefit tremendously from PTHPs' self-contained design. Without external condensers requiring clearances or creating noise concerns for neighbors, these systems can serve properties where traditional heat pumps would be prohibited or problematic.
6. Historic Hotel in Croatia. Can you spot the PTHP louvers?
Looking Forward
As our industry continues to prioritize both energy efficiency and occupant comfort, PTHPs represent a versatile solution worthy of serious consideration. Their balance of performance, installation simplicity, and zonal control flexibility addresses many of the challenges designers and property owners face with traditional HVAC systems. While no single solution fits every application perfectly, the evolution of PTHP technology has created compelling options for projects where independent climate control, space constraints, or architectural considerations are paramount. The next time you're evaluating HVAC options for a residential project, consider whether a modern PTHP solution might be the ideal fit for your specific needs. Give us a shout, we’d be happy to help!
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Image Credits:
1. Ephoca AIO Brochure, https://flipbooklets.com/pdfflipbooklets/aio#page147
2. Ephoca, https://ephoca.com/aio-wall-mounted-pro/
3. Ephoca, https://ephoca.com/aio-vertical-stack/
4. Olimpia, https://olimpiasplendidusa.com/maestro-pro-inverter-12-hp
5. Ephoca AIO Brochure, https://flipbooklets.com/pdfflipbooklets/aio - page146
6. Ephoca Stories, https://ephoca.com/pied-a-terre/
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