When you purchase a through-the-wall air conditioner with heat like the Amana 9,300 BTU 230/208V model, you’re buying more than just summer relief. You’re hoping for a reliable comfort solution that can carry you through all four seasons — cooling in the summer, heating in the winter, and efficient performance year-round.
But here’s the real question: can a wall unit like this truly keep you warm in the winter?
The short answer is: yes, but with limits. Heating performance depends on your climate, room size, installation quality, and expectations.
In this guide, I (Savvy) will explain:
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How wall units like the Amana 9,300 BTU generate heat
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The square footage this model can realistically handle in winter
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What climates it works best in
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What your heating costs will look like
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Installation factors that impact heating performance
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My personal tips to maximize comfort in cold weather
🔥 How the Amana 9,300 BTU Produces Heat
Before we decide if this wall unit works in winter, let’s look at how it heats.
Electric Resistance Heating
Unlike mini splits or furnaces, the Amana 9,300 BTU doesn’t use a heat pump or gas burner. Instead, it uses electric resistance heating:
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A built-in heating element warms up when powered.
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A fan blows air across the element and into your room.
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Works just like a large built-in space heater.
Pros of Electric Resistance Heating
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Reliable – no refrigerant lines or combustion.
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100% efficient at point of use – all electricity converts to heat.
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Fast response – warms air as soon as you turn it on.
Cons of Electric Resistance Heating
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Expensive to run compared to heat pumps or furnaces.
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Limited heating output – effective for small spaces only.
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Not suitable as whole-home heating in cold climates.
👉 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric resistance heating is best for small areas and occasional use, but not efficient as a primary heating source in colder climates
📏 Heating Capacity vs. Room Size
The Amana 9,300 BTU is rated to cool 350–450 ft². But heating requirements are different, especially in winter.
General Heating Rule
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Mild climates: 10–15 BTUs per ft²
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Cold climates: 20+ BTUs per ft²
What This Means for the Amana 9,300 BTU
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300 ft² bedroom in mild climate: needs 3,000–4,500 BTU → ✅ Amana more than enough
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400 ft² office in moderate climate: needs 6,000–8,000 BTU → ✅ Amana covers it comfortably
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450 ft² living room in cold climate: needs 9,000–12,000 BTU → ❌ Amana may struggle
👉 Bottom line: The Amana 9,300 BTU is great for small to medium rooms, but not open layouts or poorly insulated spaces in freezing climates.
🌡️ Climate Zones: Where Wall Units Work Best
Your location makes all the difference.
🌴 Mild Climates (South, Coastal, Pacific Northwest)
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Winter temps rarely dip below 40°F.
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The Amana 9,300 BTU can serve as a primary heater for bedrooms or offices.
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Cost to run is reasonable compared to installing a larger system.
🌤️ Moderate Climates (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest shoulder seasons)
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Temps dip into the 20s–30s.
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Great for fall and spring heating.
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In deep winter, you’ll want supplemental heat (space heater, baseboard, furnace).
⛄ Cold Climates (Northern U.S., Canada, Mountain States)
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Subzero temps common.
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The Amana unit cannot keep up alone.
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Best used as a supplemental heater, paired with a primary system.
👉 ENERGY STAR stresses that wall units with resistance heating are practical for mild to moderate climates, but not whole-home heating in cold regions
💰 What Heating Costs Look Like
Running costs are where electric wall units show their limits.
Power Consumption
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Amana 9,300 BTU in heat mode uses ~2,000–3,500 watts.
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Run 6 hours/day = 12–21 kWh daily.
Monthly Costs (at $0.15/kWh U.S. average)
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12 kWh × $0.15 × 30 days = $54/month
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21 kWh × $0.15 × 30 days = $95/month
In Higher Rate Areas ($0.25/kWh)
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$90–$158 per month for 6 hours/day use.
Comparison
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Mini split heat pump: ~⅓ the cost for same output.
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Gas furnace: cheaper per BTU if gas is available, but higher install cost.
👉 Consumer Reports notes that electric resistance heating is simple but among the most expensive heating options for long-term use
🧱 Installation Factors That Affect Winter Performance
Even the best wall unit will disappoint if installed incorrectly.
Wall Sleeve & Sealing
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Sleeve must fit snugly and be sealed around edges.
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Poor sealing = drafts and lost heat.
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Use caulk and foam strips for airtight installation.
Tilt for Drainage
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The unit should tilt slightly outward (~¼ inch).
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Prevents water backup that can freeze inside the unit.
Insulation
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Insulating around the sleeve reduces cold bridging.
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Without insulation, you’ll feel drafts even when the heater runs.
Exterior Placement
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Avoid north-facing walls exposed to strong winds.
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Keep snow/ice clear from outdoor vents.
👉 Home Depot emphasizes that sealing and insulating wall units are key for winter comfort
🛠️ Savvy’s Tips to Boost Winter Heating Performance
Want the most out of your Amana 9,300 BTU this winter? Try these:
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🪟 Use insulated curtains to keep heat inside.
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🌀 Run at low fan speed for warmer airflow.
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🧼 Clean filter monthly to maximize performance.
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🧰 Check seals around unit before the first cold snap.
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🔌 Use a programmable timer to preheat before you wake up.
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❄️ Cover the exterior when not in use to prevent drafts.
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Relying on a Wall Unit in Winter
Pros:
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Convenient supplemental heat
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Reliable operation
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Good for small/medium rooms
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No ductwork required
Cons:
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Higher cost per BTU than other heating systems
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Not enough for very cold climates
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Draft issues if installed poorly
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Limited to room-by-room heating
🌍 Environmental & Practical Considerations
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Electric resistance = 100% efficient at use point, but grid source matters.
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Best for apartments, small homes, or ductless setups.
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Heat pumps are more eco-friendly in the long run.
👉 The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) advises pairing resistance heaters with another system in cold climates
✅ Conclusion: Savvy’s Take
So — do wall units like the Amana 9,300 BTU work in winter?
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✅ Yes — as a primary heater in mild/moderate climates or a supplemental heater in colder ones.
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⚠️ Maybe — for mid-sized rooms, depending on insulation and usage.
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❌ No — not a substitute for a furnace or heat pump in freezing regions.
If you’re using it in a small room with mild winters, the Amana 9,300 BTU can absolutely keep you cozy. If you’re up north with icy winters, use it as backup heat and pair it with a primary system.
In the next topic we will know more about: Noise Levels & Comfort: How Quiet Is the Amana 9,300 BTU Wall AC/Heater?
