🌟 Why This Question Matters
When I first installed my Amana J-Series 17,000 BTU PTAC with 5 kW electric heat, my biggest concern wasn’t cooling — it was winter comfort. I live in a climate that gets chilly, but not Minnesota-level cold. So naturally, I asked: “Is 5 kW of electric heat really enough to keep me warm when temperatures dip?”
This is one of the most common questions homeowners, landlords, and even hotel managers ask about PTACs. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on room size, climate, insulation, and expectations.
Let’s dive deep into what 5 kW of electric heat actually means — and whether it can be your primary heating solution or just a backup.
🔥 How 5 kW Electric Heat Works in a PTAC
Unlike heat pumps, which pull heat energy from outside air, a 5 kW PTAC uses electric resistance heat strips. Here’s what that means:
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5 kW = ~17,000 BTUs of heat output per hour.
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That’s about the same heating capacity as a small space heater fleet, but integrated into your PTAC system.
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It provides instant warm airflow — no waiting for coils to “ramp up” like with heat pumps.
👉 Samantha’s Note: Electric resistance heat is simple and reliable, but it’s also one of the least energy-efficient ways to heat. Every kilowatt consumed = one kilowatt of heat delivered.
📖 Reference: U.S. Department of Energy – Electric Resistance Heating
🏠 Room Size & Heat Coverage
A 5 kW PTAC isn’t meant to heat an entire house. It’s designed for zone heating:
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Up to ~700 sq. ft. in moderate climates.
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Best suited for hotel rooms, apartments, offices, or single rooms in homes.
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For larger open-concept spaces, you’ll either need multiple PTACs or supplemental heat.
💡 Samantha’s Rule of Thumb: Heating needs are more demanding than cooling. A room that’s fine with a 17,000 BTU cooling load may still feel chilly in deep winter on just 5 kW of electric heat.
📖 Reference: Energy Star – Sizing Room Air Conditioners & PTACs
🌡️ Climate Considerations
This is where PTAC heating lives or dies.
Mild Winter Climates (South, Mid-Atlantic, West Coast)
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Nighttime temps rarely fall below 40°F.
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A 5 kW PTAC can absolutely be your primary heat source.
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Think: North Carolina, Georgia, coastal California.
Cold Winter Climates (Northeast, Midwest)
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Dips into the 20s or lower.
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PTAC will run continuously and may still feel underpowered.
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Works best as supplemental heat alongside baseboard or central heating.
Harsh Winter Climates (Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, New England)
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Sub-zero temps are common.
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A 5 kW PTAC cannot serve as your only heat source.
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You’ll need a furnace, boiler, or high-capacity heat pump system.
💡 Samantha’s Example: In my Northeast home, my Amana PTAC kept the guest room warm into the mid-30s. Once temps dropped below freezing, I noticed it struggled, and I was glad I had a backup baseboard heater.
📖 Reference: DOE Climate Zones
⚡ Energy Costs & Efficiency
Electric resistance heating is 100% efficient at the point of use — all electricity converts to heat. But compared to gas or heat pumps, it’s pricey.
Example Calculation
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5 kW = 5,000 watts per hour.
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At $0.15 per kWh, running full blast for 10 hours = $7.50/day.
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A month of continuous cold = $200+ in heating costs for one room.
💡 Samantha’s Tip: In mild climates, costs stay reasonable since the unit won’t run continuously. In very cold climates, expect higher bills.
📖 Reference: U.S. Energy Information Administration – Electricity Data
✅ When a 5 kW PTAC Works Well
A PTAC with 5 kW of electric heat is ideal if you:
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Live in a mild-to-moderate climate.
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Need heating for hotel rooms, apartments, or offices up to ~700 sq. ft.
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Want supplemental heating in a larger home.
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Prefer low-maintenance heating (no fuel, no venting required).
❌ When You’ll Want Backup Heat
Relying on a PTAC as your sole heat source won’t cut it if you:
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Live in a region with long, harsh winters (Minnesota, Maine, Montana).
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Have large open layouts that exceed 700 sq. ft.
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Live in an older, poorly insulated building.
👉 Backup options include:
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Baseboard heaters.
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Central furnace or boiler.
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Ductless mini-split heat pumps.
🔄 PTAC with Heat Pump vs. Electric Heat
Some PTACs are available with heat pump + electric backup. How does that compare?
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Heat Pump PTACs: Efficient down to ~35°F, then capacity drops.
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Electric-Only PTACs (5 kW): Steady output no matter the outdoor temp, but higher costs.
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Best of Both Worlds: A PTAC with both — heat pump runs in mild cold, electric strips take over when temps plunge.
💡 Samantha’s Verdict: If you’re in the South, electric-only is fine. If you’re in the Northeast or Midwest, a dual unit is worth it.
📖 Reference: ACCA – Heat Pump Performance
🛠️ Tips to Maximize Warmth
Even if you stick with a 5 kW PTAC, there are ways to stretch its heating comfort:
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Seal around the wall sleeve. Drafts make the unit work harder.
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Use thick curtains. Keep heat from escaping through windows.
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Run fan-only mode occasionally. Helps circulate warm air evenly.
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Set a smart thermostat. Prevents overuse while maintaining comfort.
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Clean filters monthly. Dirty filters choke airflow, reducing heating power.
📊 Quick Reference: Can a 5 kW PTAC Keep You Warm?
| Climate | Up to 700 sq. ft. | Larger Spaces | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (40°F+) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Maybe | Works as primary heat |
| Moderate (30°F–40°F) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | May need backup below freezing |
| Cold (<30°F) | ⚠️ Supplemental | ❌ No | Needs backup system |
| Very Cold (<0°F) | ❌ No | ❌ No | Not viable alone |
📝 Final Thoughts
So, can a PTAC with 5 kW electric heat keep you warm in winter?
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✅ Yes, if you’re in a mild-to-moderate climate and heating a single room.
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❌ No, if you expect it to be your only heating system in freezing climates.
For me, it’s the perfect solution in my guest room — reliable, quiet, and enough to keep visitors cozy. But when January blizzards hit, I’m grateful I also have backup heat.
👉 My advice: Match your PTAC to your climate. If winters are mild, 5 kW will serve you well. If winters are harsh, use it as a supplement, not a savior.
