Do These Units Work in the Winter? Heating Options for Year-Round Comfort

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1. Tony’s Rule #1: “If your AC just chills in summer and quits in winter, you bought the wrong kind.”

A lot of homeowners think a through-the-wall AC is just a one-season tool — cool air in July, dead weight in January.
That’s outdated thinking.

Modern wall systems aren’t just air conditioners anymore. Many come with built-in heat pumps or electric heat kits, turning them into all-season comfort machines that handle both heating and cooling.

Tony’s take:

“It’s not about what it can’t do — it’s about what you bought it to do. The right wall unit will keep you comfortable every day of the year.”

(Energy Star — Heat Pump Technology Overview)

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2. The Two Types of Through-the-Wall Heating Systems

When you shop for a wall unit, you’ll see two main categories for heating:

1. Heat Pump Models

• Extract warmth from outdoor air (yes, even in cold weather).

• Reverse the cooling cycle to provide heat.

• Efficient and cost-effective — typically 2–3× more efficient than resistance heat.

• Great for climates that rarely drop below 20°F.

2. Electric Resistance Models

• Use built-in heating elements (like a space heater).

• Instant, direct heat — reliable but power-hungry.

• Best for backup or very small rooms.

Tony’s summary:

“Heat pumps sip electricity. Electric coils chug it. Pick your poison based on your zip code.”

(DOE — Heat Pump Efficiency Standards)

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3. How a Heat Pump Wall Unit Actually Works

You already know your AC removes heat from inside and dumps it outdoors.
In heating mode, the refrigerant cycle reverses — pulling heat from the outside air and transferring it inside.

Even when it’s 25°F outside, there’s still usable heat energy in the air.
That’s the beauty of modern refrigerants like R-32, which extract warmth efficiently even at low temperatures.

Tony’s take:

“It’s not magic — it’s science. Your wall unit’s just running the same system backward.”

(EPA — R-32 Refrigerant Guide)

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4. The Key Specs to Look For

If you want a wall unit that’ll handle winter too, pay attention to these three ratings:

For example, Amana and Friedrich heat pump models often deliver HSPF2 ≈ 8.5 and cool & heat down to 20°F.

(Energy Star — HSPF2 Ratings Explained)

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5. The Best All-Season Wall Units

If you’re shopping for comfort that doesn’t quit in November, look for these models (all available from The Furnace Outlet):

Tony’s comment:

“If your unit doesn’t have a heat pump option, you’re paying for half a system. Go all-in.”

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6. Comparing Costs: Heat Pump vs. Electric Heat

Over time, the heat pump model pays for itself through lower power bills — especially if you live somewhere like North Carolina, Tennessee, or northern California, where winters are cool but not freezing.

Tony’s advice:

“Buy once, heat twice. Don’t let the cheaper tag fool you — efficiency always wins long-term.”

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7. What Happens Below Freezing?

Even the best heat pump wall units lose efficiency below about 15–20°F.
When that happens, they automatically switch to electric backup mode, or you supplement with:

• Baseboard or space heater

• Small gas furnace

• Portable radiant heater (for garages or basements)

Tony’s strategy:

“Use your heat pump for 90% of the year. Let backup heat handle those few deep-freeze nights.”

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8. Installation Tips for Winter-Ready Wall Units

A standard install won’t cut it for year-round performance.

Tony’s Pro Install Checklist

✅ Use a fully sealed wall sleeve — no gaps = no drafts
✅ Add foam gasket insulation inside and out
✅ Slight ¼″ outward tilt for drainage (still needed in winter)
✅ Use a dedicated circuit (115V or 230V, check your unit)
✅ Seal sleeve edges with weather-resistant caulk

These steps keep out cold air and ensure your system maintains proper airflow during heat cycles.

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9. Noise & Comfort in Heating Mode

Heat pump models are remarkably quiet, even when reversing direction for heat.

Typical sound levels:

• 50–55 dB (similar to a quiet fridge)

• No compressor clunks or blower roars like window units

Pro tip: run the fan on low or auto in heating mode — continuous high fan isn’t needed unless your room is extra large.

Tony’s note:

“If you can hear it cycling, it’s probably working overtime — clean the filter or lower the thermostat.”

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10. Maintenance for Winter Performance

Heating mode adds moisture and condensation inside the unit — which means it’s time for a little extra TLC.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

• Clean or replace filters every 30 days.

• Check the sleeve for air leaks around foam seals.

• Wipe interior coils monthly to prevent mildew.

• Clear exterior grille of snow, ice, or debris.

• Run the fan-only mode for 10 minutes monthly (prevents dust buildup).

Tony’s reminder:

“If the grille’s buried in snow, you’re not heating — you’re freezing your compressor.”

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11. Efficiency Boosters for Cold Weather

Want to stretch every kilowatt? Add these:

• Smart thermostat: Keeps temperature consistent and learns your patterns.

• Insulated curtains: Reduce heat loss around windows.

• Weatherstripping: Stops drafts from nearby doors.

• Regular coil cleaning: Every 3–4 months.

You’ll get steadier temps and quieter operation all season long.

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12. Safety First: Heating Precautions

• Never block the front grille or vents.

• Keep flammable objects (curtains, paper) at least 3 ft away.

• Don’t use extension cords.

• Unplug before cleaning.

• Test the GFCI outlet annually.

And if your system ever smells like burning, shut it off immediately — that’s usually dust on the coil or wiring fatigue.

Tony’s tone:

“It’s a heater, not a toaster. Treat it with respect.”

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13. Realistic Expectations by Region

In moderate climates, through-the-wall heat pumps are all you need.
In extreme cold? Pair them with a furnace or radiant panel for complete coverage.

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14. Can You Add Heat Later?

If you already have a through-the-wall cooling-only unit, most manufacturers offer compatible heat kits you can install in minutes.

They’re plug-in modules that add 1–3 kW of resistance heat — great for shoulder seasons or emergency warmth.

Tony’s take:

“If your model’s upgradeable, spend the $80 now — you’ll thank yourself in November.”

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15. Common Problems and Fixes in Winter Mode

Tony’s advice:

“Don’t panic over a little steam — that’s your coil defrosting, not smoking.”

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16. Energy Credits and Rebates for Heat Pump Units

Thanks to 2025 federal incentives, many Energy Star-certified heat pump wall systems qualify for:

• 30% federal tax credit (up to $600) under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C)

• State-level rebates up to $200 per unit

• Utility bill credits in select regions

Tony’s line:

“If the government’s paying you to save money, grab the rebate and run.”

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17. The Environmental Edge

Heat pump wall units using R-32 refrigerant reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to electric resistance heat.
That’s equivalent to planting about 10 trees per unit over its lifespan.

And because they’re all-electric, you can pair them with solar panels or time-of-use energy programs for near-zero carbon operation.

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18. What About Noise and Smell When Switching Modes?

It’s normal for the fan to slow or pause briefly during mode changes — that’s the reversing valve working.
A slight “click” or short puff of warm air is part of the defrost process.

If you smell something metallic or burnt during the first run of the season, that’s just dust burning off the coil — harmless.

Tony’s tip:

“Run fan-only for 5 minutes before first use every winter. Clears the cobwebs and saves surprises.”

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19. How to Know You’re Using It Right

✅ You’re not cranking the thermostat past 74°F
✅ You feel steady, quiet warmth — not blasts
✅ The outdoor grille stays clear of frost
✅ The power bill doesn’t spike suddenly

If all that’s true, your wall system’s doing exactly what it was built for: quiet, steady, efficient comfort.

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20. Tony’s Final Word

Forget the myth that through-the-wall ACs are summer-only machines. The best ones heat, cool, dehumidify, and protect your investment year-round.

Tony’s closer:

“Your wall unit doesn’t take winters off — and neither should your comfort. Buy smart, maintain it right, and enjoy real 4-season control.”

In the next blog, Tony will help us with the Troubleshooting guide.