ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC
#1 in 12,000 BTUFull review
The most efficient PTAC at its size here, for rooms used most of the year where running cost matters. Register it for the compressor warranty.
Amazon $1,199$1,199
The ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC is the better PTAC unit overall, rated 4.0 to 3.3. The ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC leads on value, efficiency and features. The ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC costs $390 less ($1,199 vs $1,589).
Friedrich ZoneAire 12,000 BTU PTAC
#4 in 12,000 BTUFull review
A complete kit from a long-standing PTAC maker for a new wall opening. It costs the most, but the sleeve, grille and two year full cover are included.
Amazon $1,589$1,589
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC for value ($99.92 per 1,000 BTU ($1,199, 12,000 BTU) vs $131.32 per 1,000 BTU ($1,589, 12,100 BTU)), efficiency (12.8 EER, 23.1% above the 10.4 federal minimum vs 11.6 EER, 11.9% above the 10.4 federal minimum) and features (remote, inverter compressor vs sleeve and grille included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 12,000 BTU PTAC unit; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC | Friedrich ZoneAire 12,000 BTU PTAC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 53 $99.92 per 1,000 BTU ($1,199, 12,000 BTU) | 17 $131.32 per 1,000 BTU ($1,589, 12,100 BTU) |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 12.8 EER, 23.1% above the 10.4 federal minimum | 79 11.6 EER, 11.9% above the 10.4 federal minimum |
| Heating 15% | 100 heat pump, 3.8 COP | 87 heat pump, 3.4 COP |
| Features 10% | 45 remote, inverter compressor | 15 sleeve and grille included |
| Warranty 20% | 50 1-year parts, 7-year compressor or sealed system | 55 2-year parts, 5-year compressor or sealed system |
Specifications
| ACiQ 12,000 BTU Inverter PTAC | Friedrich ZoneAire 12,000 BTU PTAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Cooling at 230V | 12,000 BTU | 12,100 BTU |
| Cooling at 208V | - | 11,900 BTU |
| EER | 12.8 | 11.6 |
| Federal minimum EER | 10.4 | 10.4 |
| Inverter compressor | Yes | No |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 |
| Heating | ||
| Heat type | Heat pump | Heat pump |
| Heat pump heating | 12,000 BTU | 10,900 BTU |
| Heat pump COP | 3.8 | 3.4 |
| Electric heater | 3.5 kW | 3.5 kW |
| Controls and install | ||
| Remote included | Yes | - |
| Sleeve and grille included | - | Yes |
| Indoor noise, high fan | 46 dB(A) | - |
| Voltage | 208/230 V | 208/230 V |
| Weight | - | 119 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year parts, 7 years compressor | 2 years parts, 5 years compressor |