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Prices expire 2/29/2012

GE Zoneline has been the industry standard in PTAC units since 1961.

In June , 2011 , GE issued a recall of certain models of GE Zoneline PTAC units due to a fire risk. In certain units, wiring to a component that regulates the PTAC heater can fail, resulting in a potential fire hazard. GE and Sharp (the manufacturer) have voluntarily recalled over 90,000 PTAC units built from January 2010 to March 2011. Of those units, there have been 4 reports involving smoke and/or fire. No injuries have been reported. GE has decided to voluntarily recall and repair these units free of charge to customers.

Only PTAC’s with the following model and serial numbers are included in the recall:

Brand: GE
Model Number Begins With: AZ41, AZ61
Serial Number Begins With: AT, DT, FT, HT, LT, MT, RT, ST, TT, VT, ZT, AV, DV, FV

To determine if your unit is part of this recall, visit the Zoneline recall site. This site will explain where to locate the model/serial number. It also has a form to input your model/serial number to verify the recall status. Until the repairs are made, customers should not use the  unit in heat mode.

For the past several weeks GE Zoneline units have not been available. We expect unit to be available beginning late July or early August.

Features include:

• Electronic Touch Controls with LED Display
• 3.6 Dehumidification (pts/hr)
• 290/240 CFM Indoor Fan (High/Low)
• 75/45 Vent CFM
• Electronic 7-Step Temperature Limiting To Prevent Overcooling or Overheating of Room
• Heat Sentinel
• 29 Sound Transmission Class (STC)
• Warm Grey Beige

See a sample AZ29E12DAB Quick Specs.

The units in questions are the Remington and McQuay “ComfortPac” Package Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) and Package Terminal Heat Pump (PTHP). The following models are included in the recall:

• PTAC12B208 KXBA and KXCA
• PTAC12B265 MXBA and MXCA
• PTHP12B208 KXBA and KXCA
• PTHP12B265 MXBA and MXCA
• PTAC15B208 KXBA and KXCA
• PTAC15B265 MXBA and MXCA
• PTHP15B208 KXBA and KXCA
• PTHP15B265 MXBA and MXCA

The recalled units also have the following numbers on the power cord: 105575703 (208/230V) and 105575803 (265V).

For more information on this recall, go to consumeraffairs.com or contact McQuay at (800) 235-2152, M-F, 9 am – 4:30 pm ET.

Learn more about McQuay Parts or McQuay PTAC units at www.airdistributors.com.

The units in question were manufactured between 2002 and 2005. 7000, 9000, 12000, and 15000 BTU units in 208/230 or 265 voltage are affected. Users are advised to NOT use the heat mode until the unit can be inspected and necessary repairs made.

For more information, Carrier has set up a web site with detailed info: carrierptacrecall.com.

Original story posted at recallreports.com

Here are some things to do on a monthly basis:

1. Clean the filter. Sounds simple, but the fastest route to compressor failure or poor performance from your PTAC equipment is air flow restrictions. A clogged filter can reduce air flow to almost nothing. Vacuum the filter and replace. If it’s really dirty, more thorough cleaning with mild soap and water may be necessary.
2. Check the switch, thermostat, and other functional controls on the unit. Most PTAC units have unit mounted controls, and things get spilled, push buttons break, and knobs disappear. Replacing knobs and buttons and making sure switches and thermostats operate easily will prevent users from using improvised tools to push and turn.
3. Check the power cord for breaks in the insulation, especially on units that do not have the new LCDI cords. Also make sure the plug fits snug in the receptacle. A loose plug can arc and be a fire hazard or cause problems for other electrical components.
4. Remove anything from the top of the unit that might cause problems, such as liquids that can spill into the unit.

On an annual basis , a more thorough inspection and cleaning may be necessary. Since PTAC units are directly exposed to the outdoors, they tend to get debris and other undesirable things inside them. For the annual cleaning, do everything in the monthly list plus:

1. Clean out any debris (leaves, lint, paper, the occasional dead critter). Check where the unit seals against the wall sleeve for air leaks and repair as needed. Being directly exposed to the elements, a PTAC that does not seal properly will give the appearance of not functioning properly.
2. Clean the coils. Clean out large debris with a vacuum or compressed air. Use a commercial coil cleaner to get the really stubborn dirt. Be careful when cleaning the evaporator coil to use a coil cleaner designed for the indoor coil. Some of the cleaners for outdoor coils are acid based and are caustic. Clean the drain pan, clear any drain holes or hoses, and let the PTAC unit dry.
3. Check the fan blades and blower wheels and shrouds for mold or fungus. Also check any insulation for same. Treat with an antibacterial/antifungal cleaner, rinse and let dry thoroughly.
4. A PTAC normally has one or two fan motors. Some of the motors have oil ports. Oil the motors as necessary per manufacturers specifications.
5. Clean the inside of the PTAC sleeve/cabinet. Remove any obstructions from drains, check and repair any gaskets, and clean with an antibacterial/antifungal cleaner.
6. Finally, check for anything near the PTAC unit, both inside and outside that might impede performance. Trees or shrubs on the outside may need to be trimmed, mulch pulled back, etc. Inside, boxes, desks or other items too close the unit may cause airflow problems. Move these away as necessary.

Following these simple maintenance suggestions should help extend the life and performance of you PTAC units. For new installations, Air Distributors Company, Inc. recommends the GE Zoneline PTAC unit. The GE Zoneline is the industry standard PTAC unit, and has been providing comfort in a variety of applications for many years. Air Distributors Company, Inc. has been offering GE Zonelines to the commercial and residential market for nearly 20 years.

Click here to get a quote!

The GE Zoneline is available in 7, 9, 12, or 15000 BTU cooling capacity with either electric resistance heat (2800 series) or heat pump (3800 and 5800 series) configuration. Premium 5800 Series Zoneline units are equipped with microcomputer touch controls. This feature gives the user finer control over the temperature with a touch pad and an LED readout. All Zoneline units are compatible with GE® wall-mounted remote thermostats. Mechanical, digital and programmable thermostats are available. Two interchangeable up-front filters, easy to remove and reinstall, may be cleaned without opening or removing the room front. Clean filters by brushing, vacuuming or back-flushing under faucet or shower head.

For your next room addition or patio room project, tell your contractor you want the GE Zoneline PTAC. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the Zoneline PTAC can be installed without the need for an HVAC mechanic, because the system is sealed and self contained. All you do is mount the sleeve in the wall, slide the unit in, secure it, put the front cover on, plug it in, and get ready for comfort. GE Zoneline units are the perfect patio room air conditioner. Click here to get a quote!