By Eric Aiden
Key takeaways
- Occupancy-based thermostats set heating and cooling back when a room is empty and return to the occupied set point when someone comes back.
- AIDCO is an official Verdant thermostat distributor. Verdant thermostats are compatible with the vast majority of PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units.
- Send brand and model numbers so each unit type is matched to the right thermostat. We do not publish a savings figure.
An occupancy-based PTAC thermostat is a wall-mounted energy management control for packaged terminal units. In buildings with many through-wall units, it reduces how long units run in rooms nobody is using. This post covers the purchasing decision: how the controls work, when they make sense, and what to send for a quote.
What is an occupancy-based PTAC thermostat?
It is an energy management thermostat for PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units that senses whether a room is occupied. Instead of holding one set point all day, it allows the temperature to drift within limits you choose while the room is empty, then recovers to the occupied set point when someone returns. Operators can usually also cap set points.
AIDCO supplies any Verdant thermostat, and Verdant offers stand-alone and networked configurations. Current options are listed on the PTAC thermostats collection and the Verdant thermostat product page, and the exact model is confirmed on the written quote.
How do occupancy-based thermostats reduce PTAC runtime?
A PTAC uses energy when its compressor, fan or heater runs. Occupancy-based control reduces that runtime by widening the temperature band in empty rooms and limiting extreme set points. The savings in any building depend on occupancy patterns, climate, settings and the units being controlled, so we do not publish a percentage. Ask the manufacturer for published data.
If a savings figure is ever used in AIDCO material, it should be a manufacturer-published number with its source and test conditions.
How do they compare with a standard thermostat?
A basic unit-mounted or wall thermostat holds whatever set point it is given. An occupancy-based thermostat adds sensing and automatic setback, and networked versions add central visibility. The table is a buyer-level comparison, not a model specification. Use it to decide whether to add occupancy-based controls to a quote, then confirm features per model.
| Feature | Basic unit-mounted or wall thermostat | Occupancy-based energy management thermostat |
|---|---|---|
| Set point control | Yes | Yes |
| Occupancy sensing | No | Yes |
| Automatic setback when empty | No | Yes |
| Set point limits for operators | Limited or none | Typically yes; confirm per model |
| Central monitoring | No | Networked configurations; confirm per model |
Will occupancy-based thermostats work with my units?
Verdant thermostats are compatible with the vast majority of PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units, but each unit type should still be matched before ordering. Send the brand and model numbers, heat type, the number of units, and whether you want stand-alone or networked controls. The right Verdant model is then confirmed against current product data on the quote.
- [ ] Brand and model numbers of the units to be controlled
- [ ] Heat type: electric heat or heat pump
- [ ] Wired or wireless preference, and any building network constraints
- [ ] Stand-alone thermostats or a networked, centrally managed system
- [ ] Quantity by room type or area
Your contractor or electrician handles the wiring on site. With the list ready, request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the quote form.
When does adding occupancy-based controls make sense?
They make the most sense where rooms sit empty for long stretches, such as spaces with variable or seasonal use, and when a PTAC replacement is already under way, because units and thermostats can be specified and delivered together. They can also be added to an existing fleet, subject to a compatibility check on the installed models.
- During a planned replacement. See PTAC capital replacement planning.
- Where rooms are often unoccupied for long periods.
- On an existing fleet, after a model-by-model compatibility check.
Should you pair a PTHP with occupancy-based controls?
They address different parts of heating energy, so they work well together and can be priced on one quote. A heat pump reduces the electricity needed to make heat in milder weather; an occupancy-based thermostat reduces how often heat is needed in empty rooms. Pricing both on a full replacement gives the finance team one clear picture.
See PTAC or PTHP.
How does AIDCO supply thermostats?
You send the unit list; AIDCO matches the Verdant models and returns a written quote in Canadian dollars, with spec sheets available on request. Thermostats can be ordered on their own or with PTAC, PTHP or VTAC units on the same project. AIDCO delivers anywhere in Canada and can label deliveries by room type on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is an occupancy-based PTAC thermostat? An energy management thermostat for PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units that sets temperature back when a room is empty and recovers when it is occupied.
How much energy do occupancy-based thermostats save? It depends on occupancy, climate, settings and the units. We do not publish a savings figure.
Do Verdant thermostats work with all PTAC brands? Verdant thermostats are compatible with the vast majority of PTAC, PTHP and VTAC units. Send model numbers so each unit type is matched before ordering.
Can they be added to existing PTACs? Usually, subject to a compatibility check. Send brand and model numbers of the installed units.
Does AIDCO supply Verdant thermostats? Yes. AIDCO is an official Verdant thermostat distributor and delivers anywhere in Canada.
Adding controls to a fleet? Request a quote in CAD at ptac@aidco.ca or through the AIDCO quote form with your unit list, or browse PTAC thermostats.