We ran into a similar issue at one of our facilities a few years back with PTAC units in small office/storage combos. Those hotel-style through-the-wall systems are convenient because you can swap them quickly, but finding technicians who actually want to work on them long-term can be frustrating. A lot of HVAC companies prefer larger commercial systems or full residential installs, so PTAC repairs sometimes fall low on their priority list.
One thing that helped us was working with smaller independent HVAC technicians rather than larger service companies. Some of those independent techs are much more willing to repair individual PTAC units rather than immediately recommending replacement. It also helps to standardize the units you install. If you stick with the same brand and model family across the property, it becomes easier for technicians to diagnose recurring issues and keep a few common parts on hand.
Another strategy that worked well for us was building a relationship with a contractor who services multiple trades. For example, a maintenance contractor who handles HVAC, electrical, and plumbing for several properties tends to be more responsive because they already have ongoing work at the site. At one of our locations, we actually ended up connecting with a contractor who also works with an emergency plumber in Manor for property maintenance calls, and that kind of relationship made it easier to get reliable service across different systems in the building.
Keeping spare units like you're already doing is definitely the right approach. PTAC repairs can take time if parts have to be ordered, so having replacements ready to slide in keeps tenants comfortable and avoids downtime for the office space. Some facilities even rotate units periodically so a technician can repair several at once instead of making individual service calls.
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Fred Noel
Mr
Austin
(850) 247-3379
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2025 04:54 PM
From: Steve Rogers
Subject: San Antonio PTAC Repair Source?
At one of our self storage facilities we offer small office/office-storage combinations for rent on a month-to-month basis. The offices are heated & cooled by PTACs, which are the low through-the-wall AC units typically found in hotels/motels. We keep a couple of spares so when one unit has a problem we pull it out and slide in a working unit. Our problem is the difficulty in finding someone to repair these PTAC units. Over the last 25 years we have probably been through a dozen different servicers. They are usually good for awhile, then seem to lose interest. I know this is not a big problem in self storage but if anyone in the San Antonio area has any suggestions for reliable PTAC repair I would appreciate it.
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Steve Rogers
General Manager
Alamo Mini-Storage Companies
San Antonio TX
(210) 824-7591
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