If you’re shopping for a PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner), one of the biggest choices you’ll face is whether to go with a model that uses electric resistance heat or one that has a heat pump. Both cool your space the same way, but when it comes to heating, the differences are significant in terms of efficiency, cost, and comfort.

Amana Distinctions Model 7,200 BTU PTAC Unit with 2.5 kW Electric Heat

Savvy buyers like you want more than sales jargon—you want the real math, pros and cons, and a clear answer for your specific situation. This guide will compare electric heat vs. heat pump PTACs in detail so you can make a confident decision.

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🧰 How PTAC Heating Works

A PTAC is basically a self-contained heating and cooling system that sits inside a wall sleeve. While both electric heat and heat pump PTACs provide cooling using a standard refrigeration cycle, the difference lies in how they produce heat.

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⚡ Electric Heat PTACs: How They Work

An electric resistance PTAC uses metal coils that heat up when electricity passes through them—much like a toaster or space heater. The fan then blows air across these coils to warm the room.

🔹 Pros of Electric Heat PTACs

• Reliable in all climates: Works regardless of how cold it is outside.

• Lower upfront cost: Cheaper to buy than heat pump models.

• Simple design: Fewer parts = less that can break.

• Faster heat: Delivers hot air quickly after turning on.

🔹 Cons of Electric Heat PTACs

• Less efficient: Every watt of electricity only produces one watt of heat.

• Higher operating costs: Can be 2–3 times more expensive to run compared to heat pumps.

• Best as backup heat: Not ideal for heavy daily use in large spaces.

📚 Reference: Energy.gov – Electric Resistance Heating

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🌡️ Heat Pump PTACs: How They Work

A heat pump PTAC works by reversing the refrigeration cycle: instead of removing heat from your room and dumping it outside, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it indoors.

🔹 Pros of Heat Pump PTACs

• Highly efficient: Can deliver 2–3 units of heat per unit of electricity.

• Lower operating costs: Saves money long-term, especially in mild climates.

• Eco-friendly: Uses less electricity, reduces carbon footprint.

• Quieter heating cycles: Runs longer, steadier cycles vs. short bursts.

🔹 Cons of Heat Pump PTACs

• Less effective in very cold weather: Efficiency drops below ~25–30°F.

• Higher upfront cost: More expensive to buy than electric-only models.

• More parts to maintain: Reversing valves and coils require seasonal care.

📚 Reference: Energy.gov – Heat Pumps

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💰 Cost Breakdown: Electric vs. Heat Pump

One of the biggest differences is operating cost. Let’s run the numbers.

Assumptions:

• PTAC = 7,200–12,000 BTU capacity.

• Electricity = $0.15 per kWh (national average in the U.S.).

• Usage = 8 hours/day, 30 days/month.

🔹 Electric Heat PTAC

• Draws ~2.5 kW when heating.

• 2.5 kW × 8 hours = 20 kWh/day.

• 20 kWh × $0.15 = $3/day.

• ~$90/month for continuous daily use.

🔹 Heat Pump PTAC

• Draws ~1 kW for same heating output.

• 1 kW × 8 hours = 8 kWh/day.

• 8 kWh × $0.15 = $1.20/day.

• ~$36/month for continuous daily use.

👉 That’s a savings of $54/month per unit. Over a year, a heat pump PTAC could save $400–600 in operating costs.

📚 Reference: Energy Star – Room AC Efficiency

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❄️ Climate Considerations

Your local climate is one of the most important factors when choosing between electric heat and heat pump PTACs.

🔹 Cold Climates (Northeast, Midwest, Canada)

• Heat pump efficiency drops as outdoor temps fall.

• Electric resistance heat is more reliable in sub-freezing weather.

• Many buildings in cold regions use electric backup heat strips even in heat pump models.

🔹 Mild/Moderate Climates (South, Pacific Coast)

• Heat pumps shine here.

• Operating costs are much lower.

• Electric heat is overkill unless it’s only used occasionally.

🔹 Hot Climates (Southwest, Florida)

• Cooling is the priority.

• Heat pump PTACs handle mild winters efficiently.

📚 Reference: U.S. DOE – Regional Climate Efficiency Standards

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🛏️ Comfort & Noise Differences

Noise and comfort aren’t the same for these two PTAC types.

• Electric Heat PTACs:

  • Deliver quick bursts of hot air.

  • Slightly louder fan cycles when coils heat up.

  • Air feels hotter but can cycle on and off frequently.

• Heat Pump PTACs:

  • Run longer, steadier cycles.

  • Quieter during operation since compressor runs consistently.

  • Air feels warm, not hot—more gradual heating.

👉 Savvy Tip: “If you prefer instant warmth when you flip the switch, electric heat feels hotter. If you value consistent, quiet comfort, a heat pump may be better.”

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🛠️ Installation & Maintenance

Both PTAC types install the same way—through a wall sleeve with an exterior grille—but maintenance differs.

• Electric Heat PTACs:

  • Simple design = fewer repairs.

  • Minimal seasonal maintenance beyond cleaning filters and coils.

• Heat Pump PTACs:

  • Require coil cleaning twice a year (indoor + outdoor).

  • Reversing valve can fail over time, requiring professional repair.

  • Slightly higher service costs but offset by energy savings.

PTAC Maintenance

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📉 Cost Comparison: Upfront vs. Long-Term

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🧮 Real-World Scenarios

Scenario A: Studio Apartment in Texas

• Winters mild, summers hot.

• Heat pump PTAC = best choice, saves on winter heating bills.

Scenario B: Guest Room in Vermont

• Used occasionally in winter by visitors.

• Electric PTAC = simpler, reliable for sporadic use.

Scenario C: Hotel in Georgia

• Dozens of rooms, year-round use.

• Heat pump PTACs = significant savings on operating costs across all units.

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✅ Savvy’s Takeaway

👉 “If you live in a mild or moderate climate, go heat pump. You’ll spend more upfront but save hundreds every year in electricity. If you’re in a cold climate or only use the PTAC occasionally, electric heat might make more sense—it’s simple, reliable, and does the job.”

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🎯 Final Verdict

• Choose Electric Heat PTAC if:

  • You live in a cold climate.

  • You only use the PTAC occasionally.

  • You want a lower upfront cost.

• Choose Heat Pump PTAC if:

  • You live in a mild or moderate climate.

  • You want lower monthly bills.

  • You plan to use the unit daily (e.g., in hotels or studios).