7 Essential PTAC features to reduce noise complaints
As you well know, a good night’s sleep is the top priority of most guests staying at your hotel. You can help ensure your guests sleep more soundly by tackling one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of dreamland – noisy AC units.
Leading the pack in complaints, loud sounds from packaged terminal room air conditioners (PTACs) can greatly detract from a guest’s overall experience. How can you make sure that your units are as quiet as can be? Here are the top 7 considerations to take into account to avoid noise complaints.
1) SOUND INSULATION
Look for PTAC units that include insulation for additional noise reduction. For example, all GE Zoneline PTACs offer a heavy-duty mastic barrier that encases the back of the unit for optimal sound control. This baked-on insulation mastic significantly deadens sounds coming from the SMC bulkhead (the sheet-molded compound partition separating the indoor and outdoor sides of the unit).
2) QUALITY FANS
Two independent fans, each powered by a DC fan motor, can help reduce noise by maintaining the specific airflow required for every heating and cool level. A large cross-flow blower can also enhance airflow to balance and lower sound.
3) EXTERNAL NOISE BLOCKING
Look for a PTAC design that includes a well-made perimeter lining to effectively seal the unit in its place. For example, GE Zoneline PTACs offer an extra weather barrier system seal around the outside edge to block sounds from the outside.
4) VIBRATION PREVENTION
Loose, rattling screws in a PTAC can torment even the soundest sleeper. Examine spec sheets for prospective PTAC models to make sure they use anti-vibration grommets that isolate components. For example, rubber isolation grommets in DC fan motors can absorb vibrations while keeping harder pieces from touching.
5) CORROSION PROTECTION
If your properties are located in unforgiving climates, look to reduce the wear and tear on PTACs that can cause irritating noises. Many PTAC models offer special panels, wall sleeves, and coatings on parts to protect them from the elements and keep them working in top form for longer.
6) SIMPLICITY AND EFFICIENCY
Choose PTACs that do more with less. Machines like GE Zoneline PTACs are designed with fewer parts to boost reliability, efficiency, quiet operation, ease of installation, and maintenance.
7) WHITE PAPERS AND TESTING RESULTS
Many companies offer extensive studies detailing the sound performance of their PTAC units. These tests measure various aspects of sound output and acoustics, including A-weighted sound power level (dBA or Bels), A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA), noise criteria (NC), and how well they block outside noise with two sound transmission loss measurements: sound transmission class (STC) and outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC). The quietest units will have results with low operating noise and high sound insulation, represented by high STC and high OITC ratings.
Equipped with this knowledge, you will be able to source the quietest PTAC model available on the market today.