The Goodman 2 Ton R-32 Compatible Wall-Mounted Air Handler (Model AWST24SU1308) comes with an optional 8 kW electric heater kit. For some homeowners, this backup heat source is a must-have. For others, it may never be used.
So how do you decide if it’s worth the investment?
Mark, our DIY-minded homeowner, has been through several HVAC setups—from all-electric heat pumps in the Southeast to hybrid systems with gas furnaces. His advice is straightforward:
“Think of the heat kit like a spare tire. You might not need it often, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it.”
This guide explains what the 8 kW heater does, when it’s useful, when it’s overkill, and how to make the right decision for your home.
❄️ What Is an Electric Heat Kit?
An electric heat kit (sometimes called “heat strips”) is a resistance heating element that installs directly inside the air handler.
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Works like a giant toaster coil: electricity flows through resistance wires, creating heat.
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That heat is then blown into your ductwork by the air handler’s blower.
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Typically used for:
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Backup heat when the heat pump can’t keep up.
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Emergency heat if the outdoor unit fails.
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Rapid warm-up in very cold mornings.
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👉 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) explains that electric resistance heating is 100% efficient at point-of-use but more costly to operate than heat pumps or furnaces (DOE Heating Systems Guide).
⚡ How Much Heat Does 8 kW Provide?
1 kW = 3,412 BTUs/hour.
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8 kW = 27,296 BTUs/hour.
That’s roughly the heating output of a 2.25-ton system.
In practice:
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The heat kit doesn’t replace your heat pump—it supplements it.
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On very cold days, the heat pump provides the bulk of the heating, while the strips “top off” the load.
🏠 When You Might Need the 8 kW Heater
1. Cold Climate Homes
If you live in the Northeast, Midwest, or Mountain West where winter temps dip below 20°F, your heat pump will struggle to extract enough heat from the outside air. The heat kit ensures your home stays warm.
Mark recalls:
“In Ohio, my heat pump ran fine until January. Once it hit the teens, I could feel the air coming out lukewarm. The strips kicked in and saved the day.”
2. All-Electric Homes
If you don’t have a gas furnace or wood stove as backup, the electric kit is your only insurance against bitter cold.
3. Large Temperature Swings
In areas with unpredictable cold snaps—like Texas during winter storms—the heater ensures comfort even if the cold snap lasts a week.
4. Peace of Mind
Even if you rarely need it, many homeowners prefer the security of knowing their system can handle emergencies.
🌡️ When You Might Skip It
1. Mild/Moderate Climates
In places like Florida or coastal California, temps rarely drop low enough for the heat pump to struggle. The strips may never turn on.
2. Hybrid Systems
If you already have a gas furnace handling heating, the 8 kW kit is unnecessary.
3. Energy Cost Concerns
Electric resistance heat is more expensive to run. If used often, expect higher utility bills.
👉 According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity averages 3–5 times the cost per BTU of natural gas in most U.S. regions (EIA Energy Use Data).
📊 Pros & Cons of the 8 kW Heater
✅ Pros
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Reliable emergency heat
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Provides comfort in extreme cold
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Quick warm-up on freezing mornings
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Essential for all-electric homes
❌ Cons
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Adds to system cost ($200–$400 installed)
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Increases electric bills if heavily used
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May be unnecessary in mild climates
Mark explains his trade-off:
“In North Carolina, I see the strips come on maybe two weeks a year. But when they do, I’m glad they’re there. For me, it’s worth the cost of a nice dinner out.”
🔧 Installation & Compatibility
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The 8 kW kit is factory-approved for the AWST24SU1308.
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Installed inside the air handler—no extra space needed.
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Requires proper wiring (higher amp breaker).
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Should be installed by a professional to ensure code compliance and warranty validity.
👉 The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) lists matched system ratings with and without heat kits for efficiency compliance (AHRI Directory).
💲 Cost Breakdown
Upfront Costs
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Heater kit: $200–$400
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Installation labor: $150–$300
Operating Costs
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8 kW running at full power = 8 kWh per hour.
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At $0.15/kWh (U.S. average): $1.20/hour.
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Running 6 hours/day during a cold snap = $7.20/day.
In a cold-climate home, this could add $50–$100/month during the coldest weeks.
🪟 Climate Zone Guidance
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Zone 1–2 (Florida, South Texas): Likely unnecessary.
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Zone 3–4 (Mid-Atlantic, Southern Midwest): Helpful for cold snaps.
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Zone 5–6 (Northeast, Upper Midwest): Highly recommended.
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Zone 7 (Northern Plains, Rockies): Essential.
👉 The DOE climate zone map is a useful guide for homeowners deciding on HVAC add-ons (DOE Climate Zones).
🚨 Emergency Heat Mode
If your outdoor condenser fails, the 8 kW strips can carry the full heating load temporarily. It won’t be cheap, but it ensures your home doesn’t freeze while you wait for service.
Mark tells his story:
“Our heat pump failed one January. The strips kept the house at 68°F for three days until the tech arrived. The electric bill that month was ugly—but it beat freezing pipes.”
📌 Infographic Idea
“Do You Need an 8 kW Heater Kit?”
Flowchart format:
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Do you live in a climate with freezing temps? → Yes → Get it.
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Do you already have gas/wood backup? → Yes → Skip it.
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Want emergency heat peace of mind? → Yes → Get it.
💡 Mark’s Final Takeaway
Mark sums it up best:
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“If you live somewhere cold or don’t have another backup heat source, the 8 kW kit is worth every penny. If you’re in Florida? Save your money. For everyone in between—it’s about peace of mind.”
The Goodman AWST24SU1308 was designed to be flexible. Adding the 8 kW kit is all about tailoring that flexibility to your climate, your energy costs, and your comfort needs.
In the next topic we will know more about: Clearance & Placement: Will the Goodman 2-Ton Wall-Mounted Air Handler Fit in Your Space?
