By Eric Aiden
Key takeaways
- A multi-brand PTAC supplier can quote more than one manufacturer for the same configuration, which helps with approved-equal specifications and availability.
- AIDCO is an authorized distributor of Amana and Distinctions and an official Verdant thermostat distributor. AIDCO also quotes GE Zoneline, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Applied Comfort, Islandaire and Friedrich.
- AIDCO quotes in CAD, delivers anywhere in Canada, and is supply-only.
Multi-brand PTAC supply means one supplier sources packaged terminal units, heat pumps, vertical units, controls and accessories from several manufacturers for commercial projects, and gets them to site with the documents to back them. AIDCO handles PTAC supply across Canada. This post explains how multi-brand supply works from the buyer's side. It does not rank brands; brand-by-brand technical comparison belongs on PTAC House.
What does multi-brand PTAC supply mean?
Multi-brand supply means one distributor can quote equipment from several manufacturers rather than a single product line. For a buyer, that means two brands side by side on one written quote for the same configuration, one set of documentation requests, and one delivery plan. It also gives the project somewhere to go if a first-choice line is short on stock.
- Two brands side by side on one quote for the same configuration
- One quote that can cover units, sleeves, grilles, thermostats and accessories
- One point of contact for spec sheets and submittals
- Alternatives to consider when availability is tight
Which brands does AIDCO quote?
AIDCO is an authorized distributor of Amana and Distinctions, and an official Verdant thermostat distributor. AIDCO also quotes GE Zoneline, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Applied Comfort, Islandaire and Friedrich. VTAC units come from Amana, GE Zoneline, Friedrich and Islandaire, and through-wall heat pumps (PTHPs) from Amana, Distinctions, GE Zoneline, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Applied Comfort and Islandaire.
AIDCO supplies all vertical models from those four brands, including the GE Zoneline AZ95 and AZ9V lines and all Islandaire vertical lines. Model availability is confirmed on the written quote. Browse the brands AIDCO quotes, or go straight to PTAC units, PTHP units, VTAC units and thermostats.
Why quote more than one brand on a project?
Quoting more than one brand gives purchasing and the engineer a real comparison on the same configuration. It is most useful when a specification allows "or approved equal", when the first-choice line is short on stock, or when an owner is deciding whether to standardize a building on one brand. The engineer of record decides what is acceptable.
- Approved-equal specifications: one quote can show two brands side by side, with spec sheets for each so the engineer can review the alternative. See PTAC submittal package.
- Availability: a second option can protect the schedule.
- Standardizing a portfolio: one brand simplifies spares and controls; a comparison quote helps the owner choose.
To see two brands side by side for your configuration, request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the quote form.
Should you stay with the brand already in the building?
Staying with the existing brand is often simplest when sleeves and grilles are sound and match the current line, when the maintenance team stocks parts for it, or when controls are already integrated. Changing brands can make sense when another line suits the specification or availability better. Either way, cross-brand fit must be confirmed from model numbers.
Send model numbers and nameplate photos so options can be checked against what is installed. See how to order replacement PTACs. Detailed sleeve and cross-reference information will live on PTAC House.
Where do thermostats fit in a multi-brand order?
Controls can be quoted on the same order as the units, whichever brand you choose. AIDCO is an official Verdant thermostat distributor, and Verdant thermostats are compatible with the vast majority of PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units. Send brand and model numbers so the right thermostat is matched to each unit type on the quote.
See occupancy-based PTAC thermostats.
What does AIDCO supply, and what does it not do?
AIDCO supplies PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units, thermostats, sleeves, grilles and accessories, quoted in Canadian dollars and delivered anywhere in Canada. Spec sheets and submittals are available, units can be stored and released in phases, and deliveries can be labelled by room type on request. AIDCO is supply-only and does not install, repair or maintain equipment.
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.
Choosing between suppliers? See how to choose a PTAC supplier. Planning a whole building? See PTAC capital replacement planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is AIDCO an authorized Amana distributor? Yes. AIDCO is an authorized distributor of Amana and Distinctions.
Which other brands does AIDCO quote? AIDCO also quotes GE Zoneline, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Applied Comfort, Islandaire and Friedrich. Availability is confirmed on the written quote.
Can one AIDCO quote show two brands side by side? Yes. One AIDCO quote can show two brands side by side for the same configuration. Tell us which two you want compared.
Which PTAC brand should we choose? There is no single answer. The right choice depends on the specification, fit with what is installed, controls, documentation and availability for your configuration.
Does AIDCO install the units it supplies? No. AIDCO is supply-only. Your contractor or in-house team does the work on site.
Want two brands side by side? Request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the AIDCO quote form, and ask for spec sheets for each option.