Do PTAC Heat Pumps Work in Cold Climates? Performance, Tips, and Alternatives

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel in the middle of winter, chances are the warmth in your room came from a PTAC heat pump. But here’s the big question: can these compact units handle truly cold climates, or do they only work in mild conditions?

The short answer is: yes, PTAC heat pumps can provide heating in cold weather—but their performance depends on outdoor temperatures, efficiency ratings, and whether or not they’re paired with backup heating.

This article breaks down how PTAC heat pumps work in winter, what their limits are, and how you can get the most out of them in colder regions.

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How PTAC Heat Pumps Work

PTAC heat pumps use the same technology as central and ductless systems—just in a compact, through-the-wall package.

• Cooling Mode: Moves heat from inside the room to outside.

• Heating Mode: Reverses the process, absorbing outdoor heat and releasing it indoors.

The catch? As the outside air temperature drops, there’s less available heat for the system to absorb. This is where performance in cold climates becomes tricky.

👉 Learn more about how heat pumps work at ENERGY STAR: Heat Pump Technology.

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Performance in Cold Weather

The Efficiency Curve

• At 40°F and above, PTAC heat pumps perform efficiently, often delivering 2–3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity (COP 2.0–3.0).

• At 30°F–40°F, efficiency begins to drop, but most units can still handle heating loads.

• At below 25°F, PTAC heat pumps typically switch to backup electric resistance heating, which is less efficient but reliable.

Real Numbers

The ENERGY STAR Draft PTHP Specification requires that units be tested at both 47°F and 17°F outdoor temperatures. At 17°F, most PTACs rely heavily on resistance heating.

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Backup Heating: The Safety Net

Nearly all PTAC heat pumps include resistance heat strips for when the heat pump cycle can’t keep up.

• How It Works: Electric coils activate when the compressor can’t deliver enough heat.

• Pros: Reliable in any climate, no risk of freezing.

• Cons: Less efficient—operating costs rise significantly.

👉 Hotels often size electrical circuits to handle resistance heating, ensuring guests stay warm even on freezing nights.

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Tips for Cold-Climate Performance

If you live or manage property in a cold climate, here’s how to maximize PTAC performance:

1. Choose ENERGY STAR Models

Units meeting ENERGY STAR criteria must prove efficient operation at lower temperatures. 

2. Ensure Proper Installation

• Wall sleeve should slope outward to prevent condensation freezing.

• Gaskets and seals should be tight to block drafts.

3. Use Thermostats or Energy Management Systems

Smart controls can limit reliance on resistance heat by managing setpoints more efficiently. 

4. Regular Maintenance

• Clean filters monthly.

• Check coils and defrost cycles.

• Clear snow/ice from outdoor vents. (ACHR News PTAC Maintenance)

5. Consider Supplemental Heat

In very cold areas (Northern U.S., Canada), pair PTACs with baseboard, hydronic, or portable heaters.

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PTAC Heat Pumps vs. Other Systems in Cold Climates

👉 Check the DOE Climate Zone Map to see how cold your region gets and what systems are best suited.

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Real-World Examples

Hotels in Minnesota

Hotels often use PTAC heat pumps for shoulder seasons (spring/fall) and rely on resistance heating during harsh winters. Energy costs rise in January/February, but the system keeps rooms comfortable.

Apartments in New York

Landlords install PTACs for year-round flexibility. Tenants appreciate independent control, but owners budget for higher electric bills in winter months.

Sunrooms in Colorado

Homeowners add PTAC heat pumps for 3-season use. In deep winter, they supplement with a small electric fireplace or baseboard heater.

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Cost Implications in Cold Weather

• Moderate Climate (North Carolina): PTAC heat pump saves 30–40% annually vs. resistance heat.

• Cold Climate (Minnesota): Savings drop to 10–15% due to reliance on resistance heating.

• Very Cold (Alaska): PTAC may act more like a standard resistance heater much of the winter.

Still, even in cold regions, PTAC heat pumps can offer significant savings during milder days.

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Environmental Perspective

Switching from resistance heat to PTAC heat pumps reduces carbon emissions—especially in regions where electricity grids are getting greener.

• Example: A hotel in Illinois replacing 100 resistance PTACs with heat pump PTACs could cut annual CO₂ emissions by 150–200 tons, depending on climate.

👉 The BEE India Hotel Guidebook stresses the importance of choosing efficient HVAC systems for sustainability goals, noting that smarter HVAC strategies can cut 20–30% of energy use.

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Pros and Cons of PTACs in Cold Climates

Pros

• Compact, easy to install

• Year-round heating/cooling

• Energy savings in mild/cool temps

• Backup resistance heat ensures reliability

Cons

• Efficiency drops in freezing temps

• Higher operating costs in deep winter

• Noisy compared to central systems

• Limited to single-room use

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Final Thoughts

So, do PTAC heat pumps work in cold climates? Yes—but with limitations. They shine in moderate and transitional seasons, and with resistance backup, they keep spaces warm even on freezing nights.

If you’re managing a hotel, apartment complex, or even a single sunroom, PTACs offer convenience and flexibility. But if you live in a region where subzero temps are the norm, plan on supplemental heating or explore cold-climate ductless or central systems for greater efficiency.

By understanding their performance curve and planning for backup, you can enjoy comfort, savings, and peace of mind—even when the mercury drops.