When I first started shopping for a through-the-wall air conditioner, I thought they were all the same — plug it in, cool your room, done. But then I noticed something interesting: some models promised both cooling and heating.
That raised the big question — “Can one wall unit really handle both summer and winter?”
The answer is yes — with a twist. While some through-the-wall units are cooling-only, others use heat pump technology to reverse the process and provide warmth when the temperature drops.
Understanding the difference between these two types — and knowing which one fits your home best — can save you hundreds on energy costs and help you choose a system that actually matches your climate.
Let’s break it down the way any homeowner would want: clear, visual, and practical.
🏠 1. One Unit for All Seasons — The Comfort Question
When summer hits, a through-the-wall AC like the Amana 11,800 BTU delivers consistent, quiet cooling. But come winter, that same unit doesn’t produce heat.
So the real question isn’t can a wall unit heat — it’s which type can.
Through-the-wall systems now come in two main categories:
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❄️ Cooling-Only Models — focus solely on air conditioning (like the Amana 11,800 BTU).
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🔁 Heat Pump Models — cool in the summer and reverse cycle to heat in winter.
If you live in a mild climate, the right heat pump wall unit can truly replace separate heating and cooling systems — offering year-round comfort in one neat package.
“I used to think wall ACs were just for summer. Turns out, some models can take you through all four seasons.”
❄️ 2. How Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall ACs Work
A cooling-only through-the-wall unit works on the same principle as a refrigerator — moving heat from inside your room to the outside.
Here’s the simplified process:
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Compressor pumps refrigerant through coils.
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Indoor coils absorb heat from room air.
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Outdoor coils release that heat outside.
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Fan system circulates cooled air back indoors.
These systems are dedicated cooling machines. They don’t have extra components for heating, which means they’re simpler, cheaper, and usually quieter.
✅ Cooling-Only Unit Advantages:
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Lower upfront cost
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Less maintenance (no reversing valve or defrost mode)
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Lighter, easier installation
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Ideal for hot climates or rooms used seasonally
For example, the Amana 11,800 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall AC is built exactly for this — delivering strong cooling performance for medium to large rooms (up to ~550 sq. ft.) without the added cost of dual-mode heating.
📘 Reference: Energy.gov – Room Air Conditioners
🔁 3. How a Heat Pump Through-the-Wall Unit Works
A heat pump wall unit uses the same refrigeration cycle — but it includes a reversing valve that changes the direction of heat flow.
In cooling mode, it removes heat from inside and releases it outdoors.
In heating mode, it reverses that process — pulling heat from outside air and transferring it indoors.
Even when it’s cold outside, there’s enough ambient heat in the air for a heat pump to capture and circulate.
🧩 Key Components in a Heat Pump Wall Unit:
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Reversing Valve: Switches flow direction for heating.
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Dual-Purpose Coils: Swap indoor/outdoor roles.
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Defrost Sensor: Protects coils from freezing in winter.
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Thermostatic Expansion Valve: Regulates refrigerant pressure for each mode.
It’s a clever piece of engineering — and it means you get both cooling and heating from a single, wall-mounted unit.
📘 Reference: EPA – How Heat Pumps Work
⚙️ 4. Cooling-Only vs. Heat Pump — The Face-Off
| Feature | Cooling-Only | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Cools only | Cools and heats |
| Seasonal Use | Summer | Year-round |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Efficiency (Heating) | N/A | 2–4x electric resistance heating |
| Maintenance | Simple | More moving parts |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 9–11 years |
| Ideal For | Hot climates | Mild climates |
If you’re replacing an old window unit or adding comfort to a guest room, a cooling-only model like the Amana 11,800 BTU might make perfect sense.
If, on the other hand, you’re outfitting an office or addition that gets chilly in winter, a through-the-wall heat pump will give you both flexibility and savings.
📘 Reference: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pump Efficiency
💰 5. Cost Comparison — Purchase, Installation & Operation
Let’s look at what homeowners like Samantha actually spend.
| System Type | Approx. Equipment Cost | Installation Cost | Est. Annual Energy Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling-Only (Amana 11,800 BTU) | $700–$800 | $150–$250 | ~$80/year |
| Heat Pump (Amana 9,200 BTU) | $950–$1,100 | $200–$300 | ~$100–$120/year |
🧮 The Takeaway:
A heat pump costs more upfront, but if you use it for both cooling and heating, it can replace a space heater or furnace for small spaces — paying off in just a few years.
📘 Reference: EnergyStar.gov – Heat Pump Operating Costs
🌦️ 6. Choosing Based on Climate
Your zip code might determine whether a cooling-only or heat pump model makes the most sense.
| Region | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| South / Gulf States | Cooling-only | Minimal heating demand; cheaper operation |
| Mid-Atlantic / Coastal | Heat pump | Mild winters, balanced performance |
| North / Midwest | Cooling-only + separate heater | Heat pumps lose efficiency below 25°F |
| West Coast | Heat pump | Stable temperatures = ideal performance |
Samantha’s tip:
“Here in North Carolina, I rarely need heat. A cooling-only Amana made more sense for me — it’s efficient, quiet, and reliable through long, humid summers.”
📘 Reference: DOE Climate Zone Map
🧱 7. Installation & Wall Sleeve Compatibility
Both systems require a wall sleeve, but heat pump models can demand sturdier construction and better sealing.
🔧 Key Installation Differences:
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Wall Sleeve Type:
Amana and GE units use sleeves with specific dimensions — about 26" W × 15.5" H × 16–18" D. -
Drainage:
Cooling-only units slope downward slightly to let condensate drain outside.
Heat pumps must ensure defrost water drains properly in heating mode. -
Electrical Load:
Heating mode draws more current; a dedicated 230V line may be required.
🔋 8. Understanding Efficiency — CEER vs. HSPF
When evaluating models, you’ll see two main efficiency ratings:
| Metric | Applies To | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) | Cooling | Cooling efficiency including standby energy |
| EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) | Cooling | Cooling only, under fixed conditions |
| HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) | Heating | Heat output per unit of electricity used |
For reference:
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Amana 11,800 BTU Cooling-Only: CEER ≈ 10.5
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Amana Heat Pump (9,200 BTU): HSPF ≈ 8.5
Higher ratings mean better performance and lower operating costs.
📘 Reference: Energy.gov – Heat Pump Ratings
🌿 9. Environmental Impact — R-32 Makes a Difference
Both Amana cooling-only and heat pump models use R-32 refrigerant, replacing older R-410A.
Why this matters:
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68% lower Global Warming Potential (GWP)
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More energy-efficient heat transfer
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Requires less refrigerant per system
So, regardless of whether you choose cooling-only or dual-function, you’re buying into eco-friendly performance.
📘 Reference: EPA – Low-GWP Refrigerants
🧠 10. Samantha’s Story — Why I Stuck With Cooling-Only
When I replaced my old window unit last summer, I debated upgrading to a heat pump version. But living near Raleigh, our winters are short and mild — I barely touch my portable heater twice a year.
“I realized I’d be paying extra for a heating feature I wouldn’t use. My Amana 11,800 BTU through-the-wall AC has been the perfect fit — reliable, energy-efficient, and quiet enough to run while I work.”
Her experience mirrors many homeowners in the Southeast and South — cooling dominates the year, so simplicity wins.
🔧 11. Maintenance Differences
| Task | Cooling-Only | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Clean filter monthly | ✅ | ✅ |
| Coil cleaning twice per year | ✅ | ✅ |
| Check reversing valve | — | ✅ annually |
| Defrost cycle test | — | ✅ annually |
| Reseal wall sleeve | ✅ | ✅ |
Heat pumps demand slightly more attention, especially before winter, but both types last longest when filters and coils are kept clean.
📘 Reference: ASHRAE – Preventive Maintenance Standards
💬 12. Pros and Cons Summary
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling-Only | Lower cost, quiet, simple maintenance, ideal for hot regions | No heating capability |
| Heat Pump | Year-round comfort, space-saving, energy-efficient heating | Higher cost, more maintenance, limited cold-weather performance |
Both are dependable Amana solutions — the key is matching the unit to your needs, not the other way around.
🏁 13. Final Takeaway — Pick for Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Climate
To summarize:
| You Should Choose… | If You… |
|---|---|
| Cooling-Only (Amana 11,800 BTU) | Live in a hot or humid climate and only need cooling |
| Heat Pump Wall Unit | Want all-season comfort and live where winters stay above freezing |
| Dual Setup (AC + Heater) | Experience cold winters and want redundancy |
“Think of your wall unit like your wardrobe — choose what fits your seasons. For me, a cooling-only Amana is my summer essential.”
No matter which you pick, make sure it’s properly installed with a compatible wall sleeve, sealed correctly, and maintained regularly for years of quiet, efficient comfort.
In the next topic we will know more about: Noise, Space & Aesthetics — What to Expect from an In-Wall AC Setup
