By Eric Aiden
Key takeaways
- To order replacement PTACs, send your supplier nameplate photos, model and serial numbers, the quantity of each unit type, voltage, heat type and delivery details.
- Photograph what the nameplate says. You do not need to decode the model number yourself.
- AIDCO is supply-only. Your contractor or maintenance team does the work on site.
This guide is for property managers, facilities teams, contractors and procurement staff replacing PTACs that are already in the building. It lists what to gather and send so a supplier can match current units and quote them in writing. It is not a sleeve-fit or model-decoding guide; that technical detail belongs with your contractor and PTAC House.
Why do model numbers and nameplate photos matter?
A model number and a clear nameplate photo tell a supplier exactly what is in the wall, without anyone guessing. Together they identify capacity, voltage and heat type, show whether the original model is still made, and let a mixed fleet be sorted into one quote line per unit type. They are the most useful thing you can send.
- They remove guesswork on capacity, voltage and heat type
- They show whether a current equivalent is needed
- They flag cord, plug or connection differences before anyone is on site
- They turn a mixed fleet into a short list of configurations
What should a nameplate photo show?
A nameplate photo should capture everything printed on the plate, legibly, for each different unit type. You are recording what is there, not interpreting it. The plate is usually on the chassis; if it sits behind the front cover, ask your maintenance team or contractor to photograph it. If it is damaged, say so and send what remains.
The plate typically lists:
- Model number and serial number
- Voltage, phase and frequency
- Minimum circuit ampacity (MCA) and maximum overcurrent protection (MOP)
- Heater rating (kW), on many units
- A certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL
Plates beat memory. Do not rely only on an old purchase order or a log book.
What else should you photograph on site?
Besides the nameplate, a few wider photos keep everyone looking at the same equipment. A straight-on view of the chassis in its opening, a wider shot of the unit in the room, the thermostat that serves it, and the receptacle are usually enough for a supply quote. For vertical units, photograph the closet if it is safe to do so.
- The chassis in the wall opening, straight on
- The unit in the room, or the closet for a VTAC
- The thermostat or control serving the unit, if there is one
- The receptacle, which helps confirm voltage and amperage
What should you send for an accurate replacement quote?
Send one package that covers every unit type, quantity and delivery detail. The checklist below is the full list. You do not need every line to start, but each missing item is a question that has to be answered before the quote is final. Mark anything you do not know rather than guessing.
- [ ] Model and serial number of each different unit type
- [ ] Quantity of each model, split into urgent and later phases if that applies
- [ ] Nameplate photos and a photo of each unit type in its opening
- [ ] Receptacle photos
- [ ] Voltage and circuit amperage, with MCA and MOP from the nameplate
- [ ] Heat type: same as existing, or a move to heat pump (see PTAC or PTHP)
- [ ] Controls: unit-mounted, wall thermostat or occupancy-based
- [ ] Accessories in use, such as drain kits, subbases or power kits
- [ ] Sleeve and grille condition: reuse or replace
- [ ] Delivery city and province, timing, and any receiving limits you know about
- [ ] Number of sites, if more than one building is involved
For a portfolio, a simple table with site, unit type, quantity and urgency is enough. When the list is ready, request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the quote form and attach the photos.
What if the original model is discontinued?
That is common, because manufacturers refresh their PTAC lines. A supplier can quote a current unit that matches the original's capacity, voltage and heat type. Ask for any differences in grille, plug, controls or dimensions to be listed in writing, so your contractor and engineer can review them before you commit to the order.
The Amana G Series has been discontinued and replaced by the Amana J Series. Send the model number from your unit's nameplate to ptac@aidco.ca and we'll quote the current equivalent in CAD.
Matching the existing capacity, heater and voltage is the usual path when rooms were comfortable, because it keeps the electrical circuit unchanged. If you are open to another brand, one AIDCO quote can show two brands side by side. Browse current PTAC units or PTHP units.
How does AIDCO handle replacement orders?
AIDCO is a supply-only distributor. You send model numbers, photos and quantities; AIDCO returns a written quote in Canadian dollars, with spec sheets and submittals available on request. AIDCO delivers anywhere in Canada, can store units and release them in phases, and can label deliveries by room type on request. Your contractor does the work on site.
From single replacements to full buildings of 300+ units, AIDCO has supplied thousands of PTAC units across the GTA, and we ship orders across Canada every month.
Replacing a whole building? Read PTAC capital replacement planning. Still choosing a supplier? See how to choose a PTAC supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order a replacement PTAC with only the model number? The model and serial numbers are usually enough to start. A nameplate photo makes the match more certain. Add quantities, voltage, heat type and delivery details for a complete quote.
What if the nameplate is missing or unreadable? Say so in the request and send whatever photos you have. The supplier will tell you what else is needed before the quote is finalized.
What if my PTAC model is discontinued? Ask for a current unit that matches the original's capacity, voltage and heat type, with any differences listed in writing for your contractor and engineer to review.
Can one request cover more than one building? Yes. List each site and its unit types in the request, or send a simple table.
Does AIDCO install replacement PTACs? No. AIDCO supplies the units and accessories. Your contractor or facilities team does the work on site.
Have your nameplate photos ready? Request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the AIDCO quote form, and attach the photos and quantities.