The first time I tried using my Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump (PBH113J35CC) in January, I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. I knew it could cool my living room beautifully in the summer, but heating through a heat pump in the dead of winter? That sounded like asking too much.
As it turned out, the unit handled chilly nights in the 40s with ease. But once the thermometer dipped into the 20s, I noticed it working harder, and eventually the backup electric heater kicked in. My comfort stayed steady, but my electric bill told a different story.
If you’re wondering whether the Amana 11,500 BTU is enough to keep you warm all winter, here’s the deep dive into how heat pumps work, what this model can handle, and when you’ll need backup.
🔎 How Heat Pumps Work in Heating Mode
Unlike furnaces or space heaters that generate heat by burning fuel or using resistance coils, a heat pump works by moving existing heat from the outdoors into your room.
Even on cold days, there’s still some heat in the outside air. The heat pump extracts that heat, compresses it, and transfers it indoors.
📌 The problem: As outdoor temperatures drop, there’s less heat to pull from the air. That’s why heat pumps lose efficiency the colder it gets.
👉 Energy.gov explains that while heat pumps are 2–3 times more efficient than electric resistance heating in moderate climates, their efficiency falls sharply below freezing.
🌡️ Amana’s Heating Performance by Climate
The Amana 11,500 BTU is designed for year-round comfort, but how well it performs depends heavily on your climate zone.
Here’s what I’ve found (with backup from DOE climate maps):
✅ Mild Winter Climates (40–60°F)
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Examples: Southeast U.S., Pacific Coast.
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Performance: Excellent. The heat pump runs efficiently, warms rooms up to 450–550 sq. ft., and rarely needs backup.
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My experience: At 50°F outside, my living room stayed toasty without the backup heater turning on.
⚠️ Cold Winter Climates (20–40°F)
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Examples: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic.
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Performance: Good, but efficiency drops. The heat pump may cycle more, and backup heat kicks in at night.
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My experience: At 28°F, the room was still comfortable, but I could hear the unit working harder.
❌ Very Cold Climates (Below 20°F)
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Examples: Northern Plains, New England.
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Performance: Limited. The backup electric heater takes over, comfort stays steady but bills increase.
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My experience: A few nights in the teens triggered the backup constantly, and my electric bill spiked.
👉 According to HVAC.com, most standard heat pumps, like this Amana, are not ideal as the sole heat source below freezing.
🔌 Backup Electric Heat: What You Need to Know
The Amana 11,500 BTU comes with built-in electric resistance heat for when the heat pump can’t keep up.
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Pro: Comfort is seamless—you won’t feel cold drafts when temps drop.
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Con: Resistance heat uses much more electricity than the heat pump mode.
For me, this meant:
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At 45°F → Heat pump only, bill stayed low.
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At 20°F → Backup heat ran constantly, and my bill jumped by about 20%.
👉 Backup heat is a lifesaver for comfort, but you’ll notice it in your wallet.
📊 Energy Costs: Heat Pump vs. Resistance
To put numbers to it:
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Heat pump efficiency (COP 2.5): 1 kWh of electricity = 2.5 kWh of heat.
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Resistance heater efficiency (COP 1.0): 1 kWh of electricity = 1 kWh of heat.
That’s why resistance heating can double or triple your energy costs in cold spells.
👉 Consumer Reports confirms that heat pumps save money in shoulder seasons but lose their advantage in very cold climates.
🏠 Best Use Cases for the Amana 11,500 BTU in Winter
Based on performance and cost, here’s where this unit makes the most sense:
👍 Great For:
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Apartments, condos, or small homes in moderate climates.
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Rooms up to 450–550 sq. ft. (living rooms, master bedrooms).
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Supplemental heating in larger homes (instead of running central heat).
👎 Not Ideal For:
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Homes in very cold climates where temps stay below freezing.
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Large open spaces above 600 sq. ft.
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Primary heating source in northern states without backup.
⚖️ Comparing Winter Heating Alternatives
When I evaluated my heating setup, I compared the Amana to other options:
| System | Winter Efficiency | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amana 11,500 BTU Heat Pump | High in mild winters, low in freezing temps | Mid ($1,200–$1,400 installed) | Low–medium (varies by climate) | Moderate climates |
| Mini Split Heat Pump | High efficiency, works better in cold | High ($3,000–$5,000) | Low bills | Year-round whole-home use |
| Electric Space Heater | 100% efficient but costly to run | Low ($30–$200) | High bills | Spot heating only |
| Gas Furnace | Reliable in freezing temps | High ($4,000+) | Medium bills (gas dependent) | Primary heat in cold climates |
👉 My conclusion: The Amana works great for shoulder seasons and moderate winters, but it’s not meant to replace a furnace in Minnesota or Maine.
🛠️ Tips to Maximize Winter Comfort with the Amana
Here are the tricks I use to get the most out of my unit in winter:
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Seal Around the Sleeve
Drafts kill efficiency. I used weatherstripping and caulk to seal mine tight. -
Use Thermal Curtains
Close them at night to reduce heat loss, open them in the day for free solar gain. -
Set a Consistent Temperature
Don’t keep raising and lowering the thermostat—it makes the backup heater kick on more. -
Pair with a Space Heater (Strategically)
On very cold nights, I used a small ceramic heater just for my seating area, so the Amana didn’t have to carry the full load. -
Clean the Filter Monthly
Dirty filters strain airflow and make the unit less efficient.
🌀 Samantha’s Real-World Experience
Here’s how my first full winter with the Amana 11,500 BTU played out:
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October–November (40s–60s): The heat pump kept up easily. My bills were actually lower than running my old central system.
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December (20s–40s): Still comfortable, but I heard the unit cycling more, and the backup heater ran on colder nights. Bills increased slightly.
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January (teens–20s): The backup ran almost nonstop. My comfort stayed the same, but my electricity bill was about 20% higher than fall.
👉 My conclusion: It’s a fantastic supplemental heater in my Mid-Atlantic climate. But I wouldn’t rely on it as my only heat source if I lived further north.
✅ Final Verdict
Does the Amana 11,500 BTU handle winter heating?
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Yes—in mild to moderate winter climates, it’s efficient and reliable.
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Yes, but with higher costs—in colder climates, the backup heater keeps you warm but raises bills.
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No—as a sole heating system in very cold regions.
If you’re like me and live in a mixed climate with chilly but not brutal winters, this Amana unit provides solid year-round comfort. Just be prepared with a backup plan for extreme cold.
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Guide: What Samantha Learned About Putting in the Amana 11,500 BTU Wall Unit
