NYC’s PTAC Performance Battle: How Ice Air Dominates the Competition in 2024’s Harsh Climate Conditions

New York City’s unforgiving climate presents unique challenges for building heating and cooling systems, making the choice of PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) units critical for property owners and managers. In 2024, as extreme weather events become more frequent and energy efficiency requirements tighten, selecting the right PTAC system can mean the difference between comfortable tenants and costly repairs.

Ice Air: Leading the Pack in Cold Climate Performance

Ice Air’s PTACs are designed for ultra-high efficiency and comply with LEED criteria in a durable, user-friendly package. New construction units feature EERs to 12.0, with whisper-quiet sound levels, commercial grade construction and balanced air flow. What sets Ice Air apart from competitors is their specialized focus on cold climate performance, particularly relevant for NYC’s harsh winters.

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA), analyzed the electrical energy consumed and thermal energy delivered by 12 ccPTHPs installed in a new multifamily building in Brooklyn, NY. Manufactured by Ice Air, LLC, these ccPTHPs represent a viable solution for electrifying space heating in new construction. This real-world testing in NYC conditions proves Ice Air’s superior performance in challenging climates.

During extreme cold conditions, OATs between 15℉ and 20℉, room temperatures averaged approximately 75℉. Supply air temperatures dropped below 80℉ for approximately 43% of the operating time; however, room temperatures rarely fell below 70°F, even during periods with low supply air temperatures.

The Competition: Islandaire and McQuay

While Ice Air leads in performance, other manufacturers compete for market share in NYC. Islandaire designs and manufactures a vast selection of thru-the-wall packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps (PTAC & PTHP). These models can be used for direct replacements or for new construction projects in industries including hotel, healthcare, schools/universities, and modular designs.

However, the landscape changed significantly when In 2014, Daikin Applied(formerly McQuay) announced it was discontinuing it’s legacy PTAC product line. Unfortunately this left the McQuay owners with no easy option for a replacement. This created an opportunity for manufacturers like Ice Air and Islandaire to capture market share.

NYC’s Climate Challenges in 2024

New York City’s climate presents unique challenges that make PTAC selection critical. The harsh winter climate of New York City can pose significant challenges for residents, making access to adequate heat and hot water crucial for their well-being. The NYC Heat Law serves as a protective measure against potential hazards associated with extreme cold, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory issues. By maintaining indoor temperatures within the specified range, the law mitigates health risks and ensures that residents can enjoy a comfortable living space year-round.

The city’s heating season runs from October 1st to May 31st, requiring PTAC units to perform reliably through months of challenging conditions. In NYC, 311-calls reporting power outages are clustered in under-resourced communities and often occur during the warm season (June, July, and August). An important consideration is that with the electrification of residential energy, the peak load on the electric grid will shift from the summer to the winter as building heating systems are electrified and we start to use more electricity in the winter than in the summer. Currently, the city’s peak power demand is 42% higher in the summer than in the winter. The shift is projected to occur around 2035–2040.

Performance Comparison: Key Metrics

When evaluating PTAC performance in NYC’s harsh climate, several factors distinguish Ice Air from competitors:

• Energy Efficiency: Ice Air units feature EERs to 12.0, outperforming many traditional PTAC models
• Cold Climate Operation: Proven performance down to 15°F outdoor temperatures
• Noise Levels: Whisper-quiet sound levels crucial for residential applications
• Durability: Commercial grade construction designed for NYC’s demanding conditions

Why Choose Ice Air Through Brothers Supply

For NYC property owners seeking reliable PTAC solutions, partnering with an experienced distributor is crucial. As a locally owned and operated business for over 50 years, we have deep roots in the community, and we’re committed to serving our neighbors with integrity and care. Count on us around the clock. We offer 24/7 emergency services, so you’re never left in discomfort when HVAC issues arise.

We specialize in servicing and supplying Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) units, a crucial component for many businesses. Brothers Supply’s extensive experience includes working with Ice Air, McQuay, Bosch, Midea, Fujitsu, Friedrich, PTAC, Free Joint Multi, Fan Coil Units, and Water Source Heat Pumps, making them uniquely qualified to help customers choose the right system for their needs.

When considering PTAC options for NYC properties, Ice Air PTAC NYC solutions through Brothers Supply offer the perfect combination of proven cold-climate performance, energy efficiency, and local support. Our extensive knowledge and experience gives us the ability to handle the unique needs of hospitals, hotels, rehabilitation and nursing facilities, real estate organizations, schools and universities. Whether your project is large or small, Brothers Supply has the right solution for your HVAC requirements. Through one-on-one consultation and custom evaluations we help our customers find the system that will provide them with the optimal service they need at an affordable price.

The Bottom Line

In 2024’s challenging climate conditions, Ice Air PTAC units consistently outperform competitors in NYC applications. Their proven cold-climate performance, superior energy efficiency, and reliable operation make them the smart choice for property owners who refuse to compromise on tenant comfort or operational costs. When combined with Brothers Supply’s five decades of local expertise and 24/7 support, Ice Air represents the gold standard for NYC PTAC installations.