When Mark bought his GE 14,000 BTU 208/230 Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (model AKEQ14DCJ), he loved the idea of year-round comfort from one unit. Cool air in summer, cozy heat in winter—it sounded like the perfect solution.
But like many buyers, Mark wondered:
👉 “Can this GE wall unit really heat my space in the middle of winter—or is the electric heat just a backup?”
This guide explores the real heating performance of GE’s through-the-wall AC units with electric heat, including:
-
How electric heat in wall units actually works
-
The strengths and limitations compared to furnaces or heat pumps
-
Operating costs and efficiency in 2025
-
Climate scenarios where it works well—and where it falls short
-
Mark’s real-world experience using the GE AKEQ14DCJ in North Carolina
🌡️ How Electric Heat Works in GE Wall Units
Most through-the-wall ACs with heating, including the GE AKEQ14DCJ, use electric resistance heating.
🔹 The Basics
-
Inside the unit are electric coils that heat up when current flows through them.
-
A fan blows room air across the coils, pushing warm air into your space.
-
It’s the same principle as a space heater—but built into a larger system that also cools in summer.
🔹 How It Differs from a Heat Pump
-
Heat Pump: Transfers heat from outside air into your home (efficient, but less effective in very cold weather).
-
Electric Resistance Heat: Generates heat directly from electricity (always works, but less efficient).
👉 Mark’s takeaway: “The GE wall unit doesn’t rely on outside air for heat, so it works even when temps drop. But that means higher power bills compared to a heat pump.”
🏠 Heating Capacity of the GE AKEQ14DCJ
The GE AKEQ14DCJ provides 14,000 BTUs of cooling power, but when it comes to heating, the effective capacity is closer to 10,600–11,000 BTUs (depending on the exact model specs).
🔹 What That Means in Real Terms
-
Suitable for rooms up to 500–600 sq. ft.
-
Works best in open-plan living rooms, large bedrooms, or offices
-
Provides supplemental heat in mild winter climates
-
Struggles to act as the primary heating source in northern regions
👉 In Mark’s 650 sq. ft. living/dining room in North Carolina, it kept things warm until outside temps dropped below 30°F.
⚖️ Electric Heat vs. Heat Pump
| Feature | Electric Heat (GE AKEQ14DCJ) | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Reliability | Works in any temperature | Efficiency drops below 32°F |
| Efficiency | Lower (1:1 energy-to-heat ratio) | Higher (2–3x efficiency) |
| Best Climate | Mild winters, supplemental heat | Moderate climates, primary heat source |
| Operating Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years (unit) | 10–15 years |
👉 If you live where winters are mild, the GE’s electric heat is enough. If you face harsh winters, a heat pump or furnace is the better choice.
💵 Operating Costs
Electric resistance heating is reliable but expensive.
🔹 Power Draw
-
GE 14,000 BTU wall unit uses 1,200–1,500 watts/hour in heating mode.
🔹 Monthly Cost Estimate
Assuming $0.15/kWh electricity rate:
-
8 hours/day × 30 days = 240 hours/month
-
1.5 kW × 240 hours = 360 kWh
-
360 × $0.15 = $54/month
👉 Mark’s bills went up about $50–$60 during cold months when relying on the GE unit for supplemental heat.
🏙️ Climate Zone Performance
The effectiveness of GE’s electric heat depends heavily on where you live.
🔹 Southern & Coastal States (Texas, Florida, Carolinas)
-
Winters rarely dip below 40°F.
-
GE unit can serve as the primary heating source in apartments or small homes.
🔹 Mid-Atlantic & Midwest States (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri)
-
Works well as supplemental heat but not strong enough as the only system.
-
Best used in living spaces while the furnace carries bedrooms.
🔹 Northern States (New York, Minnesota, Michigan)
-
Struggles in prolonged sub-freezing temps.
-
Not recommended as a sole heating solution.
👉 Mark’s lesson: “Here in North Carolina, I use it as my main heater in fall and spring. In January, I let the central heat take over.”
✅ Advantages of GE Electric Heat
-
Always Reliable – Works even in extreme cold (unlike heat pumps).
-
Simple & Compact – Combines AC + heater in one unit.
-
Great for Apartments – Perfect for renters without central HVAC.
-
Supplemental Heat – Reduces strain on central systems.
⚠️ Limitations to Know
-
High Energy Cost – Less efficient than heat pumps.
-
Not Whole-Home Heat – Only effective in single rooms or open areas.
-
Slower Warm-Up – Takes longer to heat a room than a furnace.
-
No Humidity Control in Heat Mode – Unlike in cooling mode, it doesn’t dehumidify.
🧰 Mark’s Real-World Experience
Here’s how Mark used his GE AKEQ14DCJ across different seasons:
-
Fall (50–60°F outside): Unit easily kept his 600 sq. ft. living room warm.
-
Winter (30–40°F outside): Still comfortable, though bills crept up.
-
Coldest Days (25°F or below): The unit ran nonstop but couldn’t keep up—he relied on central heat.
👉 Mark’s verdict: “It’s the perfect supplemental heater. Great for shoulder seasons and backup, but not built to replace a furnace up north.”
💡 Tips for Maximizing Heating Performance
-
Seal the Sleeve Properly – Prevents cold drafts around the unit.
-
Use Heavy Curtains – Keeps heat from escaping through windows.
-
Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse – Pushes warm air back down into the room.
-
Pair with a Smart Thermostat Plug – Avoids overuse when you’re not home.
🔗 Verified References
📌 Final Thoughts
So—can the GE 14,000 BTU AKEQ14DCJ keep you warm in winter?
-
✅ Yes, if you live in a mild climate or only need supplemental heat.
-
⚠️ Not enough as a primary heating system in cold northern states.
-
💡 Best use case: transitional seasons, backup heating, and comfort control for single rooms.
👉 Mark’s advice: “Think of it as your sidekick heater. It’s great for fall mornings, spring nights, and backup in a pinch. But don’t expect it to carry you through an icy January on its own.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your GE 14,000 BTU Wall Unit Running Smooth
