How to Choose the Right Heat Type for Your PTAC Posted on May 23, 2024 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) are a popular choice for cooling and heating residential and commercial spaces, thanks to their versatility and efficiency. When it comes to PTAC heating, however, not all are created equal. There are two different types of PTAC heating systems, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we explore both types of PTAC heating options, discuss their respective pros and cons, and provide guidance on how to select the best one for your specific needs. The 2 Types of PTAC Heating When it comes to heating, PTACs use one of two different systems: heat pumps and electric resistance heating. PTAC Heat Pump As the name suggests, some PTAC models are equipped with a reverse cycle heat pump to provide warmth through conduction. The heat pump works by reversing the flow of coolant. In doing so, it absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the home’s interior. This makes it more efficient than electric heating, but comes with a higher initial price tag. Pros: Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than electric resistance heating. They draw between 25% to 60% less wattage than electric heating units, which makes them more cost-effective in the long run. They are also more eco-friendly, since they generate less greenhouse gas emissions than electric resistance heating. Cons: Heat pump PTACs are slightly more expensive to purchase upfront compared to electric resistance units. Heat pumps are less efficient in extremely cold weather, and will switch to backup electric heat. This changeover generally happens between about 25-40° F outside depending on the unit and specific conditions. Since the heat pump draws in heat from outside, heating performance tends to be affected by external weather conditions. Keep in mind that because of the backup electric heat strip in heat pump units, you will always have heating, regardless of the outside temperature. Electric Resistance Heating The other option is electric resistance heating. In this setup, the heat is generated by passing electric current through a resistive element. This makes them simpler and less expensive, but also less efficient compared to heat pumps. Pros: Electric heating PTACs generally carry a lower price tag. They are easier to maintain. It provides quicker palpable warmth as the resistance element heats up faster than a heat pump. Emits less noise than a heat pump. Cons: Electric resistance heating is less efficient and is more costly in the long term. Its lower efficiency also means it’s less eco-friendly due to its high energy consumption. How to Choose the Right PTAC Heating System ✔ Local weather Heat pumps perform best when the outside air temperature is above freezing. Once it drops down below the 20s, their performance suffers compared to electric heat. Most heat pumps typically work best between 35-55 degrees F. For most regions of the country, that means that a heat pump will be saving you money for a good portion of the winter and will switch to electric heat when needed. ✔ Budget PTAC heat pumps carry a higher price tag than their electric heat counterparts. However, this can be offset by energy savings in the long run. ✔ Utility rates Electric resistance heating is less efficient and consumes more energy than a heat pump. If your area’s utility costs tend to be high, consider choosing the heat pump despite being more expensive. The higher initial cost will pay for itself in the long term, especially if you use the heating function frequently. ✔ Noise Electric heating is quieter than heat pumps, since it only requires a blower to disseminate the heat across the room. Heat pump units use the unit’s compressor which means it will sound the same as the air conditioner portion of the unit running. Our Recommended PTACs for Heating PTAC heat pump Budget friendly: Hotpoint AHHS12D3XXA 12000 BTU PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – R32 Refrigerant This PTAC is a versatile unit, capable of producing 12,200 BTUs of cooling as well as a 10,800 BTUs of heating with its reverse-cycle heat pump. This makes it ideal for small to medium spaces up to 550 sq. ft. As backup, it also has an integrated 3.5 kW electric heat strip for when outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump’s operational range. Designed to balance cost-efficiency with eco-friendliness, the unit utilizes R32 refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than legacy HFC-based refrigerants. This allows it to attain 10.5 EER as well as 3.2 COP ratings. This PTAC is designed to handle rugged operations, being coated with specialized freeze and frost protection to help prevent damage in extreme weather. Price: $815.00 Hotpoint AHHS12D3XXA 12000 BTU Class PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - R32 Refrigerant - 20 Amp - 208/230 Volt Hotpoint PTAC units are easy to install, simply remove the old and slide in the new! The Hotpoint AHHS12D3XXA PTAC units come with a 20 amp, 208/230 vol... View Product Premium: Friedrich PVH12K3FC 12000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology 11.5 EER PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump This PTAC model offers 11,800 BTUs of cooling capacity, as well as a reverse-cycle heat pump capable of outputting 11,500 BTUs. To ensure year-round reliability, it also has an electric heat strip for when outside temperatures drop below the heat pump’s operational limit, capable of an additional 3,500 watts of backup heat. It can service spaces up to 550 sq. ft. Designed to be an eco-friendly, cost-efficient unit, this model utilizes R32 Refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to older HFC-based refrigerants. It also boasts Friedrich’s Inverter Technology, enabling it to achieve efficiency ratings of 11.5 EER. Built for rugged operations, the unit is coated in DiamonBlue Advanced Corrosion Protection as well as aluminum plates to prolong the unit’s longevity even in the harshest environments. Friedrich’s FreshAire line are the only PTACs that meet ASHRAE 62.1-2013 requirements, delivering up to 52 CFM of conditioned, MERV 8 filtered make-up air. Price: $1,649.00 Friedrich PVH12K3FC 12000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - 20 Amp - 230 Volt - R32 Refrigerant Friedrich FreshAire Series PTAC units are the most advanced PTAC units. The FreshAire line features a fully integrated make-up air system while still offering... View Product PTAC with electric heat Entry level: Distinctions by Amana DCP093A35AA 9000 BTU Class 11.3 EER This unit offers 9,000 / 9,200 BTUs of cooling power and a 3.5 kW electric heater, providing approximately 8,900 / 10,900 BTUs of electric backup heat. It also includes a 15 amp power cord and features an EER of 11.3. It uses R410A refrigerant. Features include 3 fan speeds for cooling as well as a fan only mode, temperature display in °F or °C. The set temperature will display in the cooling mode and the room temperature will display in the fan only mode. The unit can be controlled either from the unit itself or with a wired wall thermostat. A built-in Evaporator Freeze Protection automatically turns the compressor off and the fan on when the evaporator temperature gets too low. Once the evaporator temperature is no longer too low, the system will go back on. Distinctions PTAC units also include a condensate dispersion system that “throws” excess condensation onto the outdoor coil for fast evaporation, while allowing for maximum cooling efficiency. Price: $879.00 Distinctions by Amana DCP093J35BA 9000 BTU Class 11.3 EER PTAC Air Conditioner - 3.5 kW - 20 Amp - R32 Refrigerant The DCP093J35BA is for residential and commercial use with 208 / 230 volt electricity. This unit offers 9,000 / 9,200 BTUs of cooling power and a... View Product Premium: GE AZ45E15DAB 15,000 BTU Class Zoneline PTAC with Electric Heat GE’s Zoneline electric heat resistance PTACs are more efficient than most other leading competitors in their class, cutting any building or establishment’s monthly heating costs significantly. This specific model provides 14,100 BTUs of cooling and up to 13,400 BTUs of electric heat. It has an EER of 10.5 and a dehumidification rating of 4.6 pts/hr. Features include a slide-in chassis design, electronic, 7-step temperature limiting, and heat and freeze sentinels. With a sound transmission class of 29, GE’s Zoneline units are also the quietest PTACs on the market at reducing outside noise. This is achieved by using a heavy-duty, baked-on mastic barrier, a weather barrier system seal around the perimeter, and two exceptionally quiet DC fan motors that work to reduce noise by dialing in the exact airflow needed for each heating and cooling function. Price: $1,199.00 GE AZ45E15DAB 15,000 BTU Class Zoneline PTAC Air Conditioner with Electric Heat - Power Cord Included For your convenience, we are including a required power cord of your choice with this unit. Choose either a standard power cord (included) or a hardwire kit (... View Product Complete PTAC Heating Options at Total Home Supply At Total Home Supply, we carry a wide range of both heat pump and electric heating PTAC units from top brands. We also provide expert advice on which system is better for your specific needs. Give us a call today to learn which PTAC heating works best for your home! Related articles What is a PTAC Unit? PTAC vs Mini Split: Which is Right for You? PTAC Replacement Guide Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
