Amana K-Series 12,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump Review: Quiet, App Connected and Built in the U.S.A.
Amana's K-Series PTH123K35AXXX is a 12,000 BTU PTAC heat pump with a 3.5 kW heater, Bluetooth and RF connectivity, an Amana app, STC 29 sound rating and up to 550 sq ft of coverage.
The Amana K-Series 12,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump is a 12,000 BTU PTAC heat pump with a 3.5 kW heater, Bluetooth and RF connectivity, an Amana mobile app, a Sound Transmission Class of 29 and coverage up to 550 sq. ft. For more models, see our Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners with Heat page.
Our Verdict
The K-Series is the PTAC to buy for rentals and bedrooms where a quiet room and a tamper resistant unit matter. Amana redesigned it to keep compressor and outdoor noise out of the room, and it is designed and assembled in the U.S.A.
There is no control pad on the unit, so you must add a wired or wireless wall thermostat for it to work. Factor that, and the sleeve and grille, into the total cost.
Amana K-Series 12,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amana |
| Model | K-Series PTH123K35AXXX |
| Cooling | 12,000 BTU |
| Heat | Heat pump with 3.5 kW electric backup |
| Coverage | Up to 550 sq ft |
| Controls | Wall thermostat or Amana app over Bluetooth |
| Sound | STC 29 |
| Power | 230V, 6-20P cord |
| Built | Designed and assembled in the U.S.A. |
| Weight | 120 pounds |
Design
Amana removed the user-operated control pad for a cleaner, more modern front in a new Quiet White color. That also stops guests and tenants from changing settings on the unit itself.
The chassis measures 21 by 42 by 16 inches, weighs 120 pounds and fits a standard PTAC sleeve of 42 by 16 1/16 by 14 1/8 inches. New installations require a sleeve and a rear grille, which are not included.
Controls
You control the unit from a wired or wireless wall thermostat, which is required, or through the Amana mobile app over Bluetooth. The app also gives access to troubleshooting and diagnostics.
The Bluetooth and RF connectivity cuts setup and configuration time, which helps when you install several units. Amana says the new series can reach an EER of up to 14.0. Power is 230V through a 6-20P cord.
Placement Tips
A PTAC lives in a sleeve through an exterior wall, so placement is decided when the opening is cut. Keep the indoor face clear of beds, sofas and long curtains so the unit can draw in room air and throw conditioned air across the room, and avoid corners where the airflow hits a side wall straight away.
Outside, the grille needs open air: no shrubs, fences or stored items pressed against it. The sleeve should sit level side to side and tilt very slightly outward so condensate drains outside, and the unit needs its own 208/230V circuit with a receptacle that matches its plug.
Running Costs and Care
Running cost depends on your electricity rate, your climate and the heating type. Cooling costs are similar to a window unit of the same size, while heating is where models differ most: a heat pump uses far less electricity than an electric strip in mild weather, and every PTAC falls back on its strip on the coldest days.
Wash the front filters every few weeks in heavy use, keep the exterior grille clear of leaves and debris, and slide the chassis out once a year to clean the indoor and outdoor coils, or have a technician do it. A clean unit heats and cools faster and lasts longer.
How It Compares
Against Amana’s J-Series, the K-Series shares the Bluetooth app and STC 29 rating and lists more coverage for its size.
Against the Distinctions by Amana heat pump, the K-Series costs more and needs a wall thermostat, but it is quieter by design, connects to an app and is built in the U.S.A.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quieter design, STC 29 | Requires a wall thermostat |
| Bluetooth app with diagnostics | Premium price |
| Designed and assembled in the U.S.A. | Sleeve and grille extra |
| Up to 550 sq ft | 120 pounds |
| Tamper resistant front | No Wi-Fi listed |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Landlords and property managers | Buyers who want buttons on the unit |
| Light sleepers | Tight budgets |
| Buyers who want U.S. assembly | Homes without a 230V circuit |
| Multi-unit installs | Shoppers who want Wi-Fi |
For more options, see our picks for the best PTAC heat pumps and the best smart PTAC units.
Final Verdict
The Amana K-Series 12,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump is a quiet, app connected PTAC heat pump built in the U.S.A., ideal for rentals and bedrooms once you add a wall thermostat. You can check the current price and details for the Amana K-Series 12,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Amana K-Series need a thermostat?
Yes. It has no control pad, so it requires a wired or wireless wall thermostat.
Does it have an app?
Yes, the Amana mobile app connects over Bluetooth and includes troubleshooting and diagnostics.
How large an area does it cover?
Amana lists up to 550 sq. ft.
Where is it made?
It is designed and assembled in the U.S.A.
What plug does it use?
A 6-20P power cord on 230V.

