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FRIEDRICH PDH12K3SG and AMANA PTH123J, figure by figure
Two PTAC heat pumps in the same class, one refrigerant generation apart: R-410A for the FRIEDRICH ZoneAire Premier, R-32 for the AMANA J series. Their sleeves have almost the same dimensions, and both switch to electric heat based on the temperature of their outdoor coil. Here is what their manufacturers publish, under the same test conditions.
ZoneAire Premier PDH12K3SG
PTAC heat pump · R-410A · 230/208 V
PTAC brochure 2020 (model PDH12K) · manual 9830 1000_00 (01/15)
See the product page
PTH123J**AXXX
PTAC heat pump · R-32 · 230/208 V
Brochure CB-DPTAC4 09-2025 · catalog MC-DPTAC 10-23 · manual IO-933A
See the product pageWhat 1 kWh of electricity gives you in heat
PTACs are rated at a single test point (AHRI 310/380): an EER in cooling and a COP in heating at 8.3 °C. They have no SEER2 or HSPF2, so our cost-per-season method does not apply. At that test point, each kWh becomes this.
COP at 8.3 °C, 230 V: 3.4 per the FRIEDRICH 2020 PTAC brochure (model PDH12K); 3.3 per AMANA brochure CB-DPTAC4 09-2025. Both documents also publish 3.4 and 3.3 at 208 V. Neither publishes a COP at any other temperature.
Two 42 in. sleeves: 1/16 in. apart in height, 3/8 in. in depth
In an apartment building, the sleeve is often already in the wall. Here are both, drawn to the same scale from the documents: front view (width × height) and side view (depth).
16 in. high × 42 in. wide × 13 3/4 in. deep. Manual 9830 1000_00 calls for a sleeve no deeper than 13 3/4 in. Opening: 16 1/4 × 42 1/4 in.
16 1/16 in. high × 42 in. wide × 14 1/8 in. inside depth, per catalog MC-DPTAC 10-23.
1/16 in. in height · 3/8 in. in depth · 0 in width
Close dimensions do not guarantee that one brand’s chassis fits the other’s sleeve: grille, gaskets and fasteners differ. AirGreen checks the sleeve on site.
Slide the temperature: which one still heats as a heat pump?
Room 101 has a FRIEDRICH; room 102 has an AMANA. Both manufacturers describe the same kind of rule: the switch to electric heat depends on the temperature of the outdoor coil, which is colder than the outdoor air while heating. The threshold is not the same.
Schematic floor plan, not to scale. FRIEDRICH, manual 9830 1000_00 (01/15), p. 24: when the outdoor coil drops below 30 °F (−1.1 °C) for more than 2 minutes, the unit heats with the electric heater and not the compressor; the compressor restarts when the coil reaches 45 °F (7.2 °C). AMANA, manual IO-933A (12/2022): switchover when the coil is below 20 °F (−6.7 °C) or when the heat pump can no longer keep up. While heating, the outdoor coil is colder than the outdoor air; the documents do not publish that gap. Between the threshold and 8.3 °C, the only published heating point, the state therefore depends on the coil and cannot be pinned down more precisely.
Below the switchover, the heater chosen at purchase
Neither FRIEDRICH nor AMANA publishes the heat pump capacity below 8.3 °C. Once it stops, the electric heater warms the room, and its output does not depend on the outdoor temperature.
FRIEDRICH: 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 kW heaters per manual 9830 1000_00 (table 2); the 2020 brochure does not give each heater’s output in BTU/h, hence the calculation shown (kW × 3,412). AMANA: output published in catalog MC-DPTAC 10-23, at 230 V. Hatched bars: heat pump at 8.3 °C, for reference.
Same test conditions, same voltages
Each pair of bars compares the same measurement, at the same voltage, under the AHRI 310/380 conditions both manufacturers state.
What each document names
FRIEDRICH : LED display of set point or room temperature, constant fan mode, compatible with a front-desk central control, optional FriedrichLink thermostats. AMANA : built-in Bluetooth and RF, mobile app, wired or wireless wall thermostat.
FRIEDRICH : if the room drops to 40 °F (4.4 °C), the fan and the electric heater start; enabled at the factory. AMANA : automatic emergency heat from the electric heater.
FRIEDRICH : digital thermostat that monitors the outdoor coil, electronic defrost. AMANA : the brochure and catalog consulted do not describe defrost.
FRIEDRICH : fresh-air damper, airflow not stated in the brochure. AMANA : 65 to 95 CFM of ventilation air, 95 with the optional booster fan.
FRIEDRICH : stainless steel end plates, DiamonBlue protection on the outdoor coil. AMANA : filter-drier and high-pressure switch; UL 2-40 materials.
FRIEDRICH : two fan motors, vibration-isolated compressor, high-density insulation; no published rating. AMANA : STC 29 rating for the line, tangential blower.
What people ask about these two PTACs
R-410A or R-32: what changes?
They are two generations of refrigerant. R-410A has a global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088 and R-32 of 675, per the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report; R-410A is class A1 and R-32 class A2L (mildly flammable) under ASHRAE 34. They do not mix: a unit is designed for one or the other.
Is the FRIEDRICH PDH12K3SG still available?
The documents consulted for this page describe the PDH12K3SG with R-410A. The exact model AirGreen offers, and its refrigerant, are confirmed at quote time.
Which one keeps heating as a heat pump longer?
Both rules are based on the outdoor coil. AMANA’s threshold (20 °F, −6.7 °C) is lower than FRIEDRICH’s (30 °F, −1.1 °C, for more than 2 minutes). The documents do not publish what air temperature these thresholds correspond to.
Can their COPs be compared?
Yes, at 8.3 °C: 3.4 for the FRIEDRICH and 3.3 for the AMANA, at 230 V as at 208 V, per their manufacturers. It is the only heating point both publish.
Can one chassis go into the other brand’s sleeve?
Both sleeves are 42 in. wide; they differ by 1/16 in. in height and 3/8 in. in depth per the documents. That is not enough to conclude: the outdoor grille, gaskets and fasteners are specific to each brand. AirGreen checks the sleeve on site.
What about the warranty?
This page does not compare warranties. The warranty documents for the unit chosen come with the quote.
Every published value, at 230 V and at 208 V
Manufacturer values at AHRI 310/380 conditions. “Higher” only for the same measurement, at the same voltage.
| Measurement | FRIEDRICH PDH12K3SG | AMANA PTH123J |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Cooling capacity at 230 V | 11,800 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Cooling capacity at 208 V | 11,600 BTU/h | 11,600 BTU/h |
| EER at 230 V | 11.6 | 11.5 |
| EER at 208 V | 11.6 | 11.5 |
| Dehumidification | 2.7 pints/h | 1.7 pints/h |
| Heat pump heating, 8.3 °C | ||
| Heating capacity at 230 V | 10,600 BTU/h | 11,000 BTU/h |
| Heating capacity at 208 V | 10,400 BTU/h | 10,800 BTU/h |
| COP at 230 V | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| COP at 208 V | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Switchover to electric heat | Outdoor coil below 30 °F (−1.1 °C) for over 2 minrestarts at 45 °F · 9830 1000_00 | Coil below 20 °F (−6.7 °C)or heat pump not keeping up · IO-933A |
| Air, refrigerant and construction | ||
| Indoor airflow, high / low, 230 V | 400 / 325 CFM | 330 / 245 CFM |
| Refrigerant | R-410A, 36 ozGWP 2,088 (IPCC AR4), class A1 | R-32GWP 675 (IPCC AR4), class A2L |
| Wall sleeve | PDXWS: 16 × 42 × 13 3/4 in. | WS900E: 16 1/16 × 42 × 14 1/8 in. |
| Dimensions with front panel | 16 × 42 × 21 1/2 in. | Front panel 7 5/8 in. deep |
| Net weight | 122 lb | 108 lb |
| Electric heaters offered | 2.5 · 3.5 · 5.0 kW | 1.5 · 2.5 · 3.5 · 5.0 kW |
“Higher” marks the higher value of the same measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Sources: FRIEDRICH, 2020 PTAC brochure (PDH12K) and manual 9830 1000_00 (01/15); AMANA, brochure CB-DPTAC4 09-2025, catalog MC-DPTAC 10-23 and manual IO-933A.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To replace a PTAC in an existing sleeve, bring its brand and measurements: that is what decides the model.
Where every figure comes from
Data verified on November 9, 2026. Capacities, EER and COP: manufacturer documents, at the AHRI 310/380 conditions they state. The AHRI directory was not consulted for this page.
Trademarks. FRIEDRICH and ZoneAire are trademarks of their respective owners; AMANA is a trademark of Maytag Corporation or its related companies, used under license. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a dealer for both brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturers.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us at sales@airgreen.ca: every reported figure is checked again.