While cleaning most parts of a PTAC system is fairly simple, cleaning the heating and cooling coils is not. This process usually requires that the PTAC system be removed from the wall and taken to a remote work area. The chemicals used to clean coils can be toxic. If they are applied to the PTAC system in a guest room, the chemicals could get onto carpeting, curtains or upholstered surfaces. This could be dangerous for future guests and it could damage the fabric. While some companies sell products that they claim make it easy to clean the coils in the guest rooms, hotel operators should take every precaution to ensure health and safety. This usually means removing PTAC systems from guest rooms prior to cleaning so that the chemicals can be applied and discarded safely. Removal of the systems from the wall requires care to ensure that electrical cords and other PTAC components are not damaged. Removal of PTAC units typically requires two people because PTACs can weigh 150 pounds or more. Ecolab&v=cb">Ecolab, a Choice Hotels qualified vendor, provides a coil-cleaning solution called Heavy Duty HVAC Coil Cleaner. The solution is mixed with water and sprayed onto the coils. For effective cleaning, the coils should be saturated with the solution. When cleaning is complete, the solution can be rinsed off with tap water. | Although the process is not complex, extreme caution is required. The solution should only be used in areas with adequate ventilation. Safety goggles and impervious gloves are required, and a protective suit should be worn to protect clothing. Complete safety guidelines are included with the product. Hotels with large engineering or maintenance staffs typically handle PTAC cleaning themselves. Smaller properties often hire contractors because the hotels may not have the equipment or personnel necessary to move and clean the systems properly. When PTACs are removed from guest rooms for cleaning, the rooms are unusable for at least one day, sometimes longer. When the systems are returned to the guest rooms, the maintenance staff should check for anything near the PTACs that could restrict airflow. Trees or shrubs on the outside of the hotel may need to be trimmed, and mulch or debris may have to be removed. Inside the room, furniture should not be positioned too close to the system. These simple maintenance suggestions should help franchisees extend the life and performance of their PTAC systems. Guests will have more comfortable visits and owners can reduce their operating costs. Proper PTAC maintenance is a winning proposition for everyone. For more information on PTAC cleaning, contact Ecolab. | 
