Electric Heat vs. Heat Pump PTACs: What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Choose? 

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Introduction — Mike Here: Let’s Clear Up the PTAC Heating Confusion

If you're shopping for a PTAC unit (those hotel-style heating and cooling systems), you’ve probably run into two types of heating:

• Electric heat PTACs

• Heat pump PTACs

On the surface, they look identical. They slide into the same wall sleeve. They cool the room the same way. They install the same way. And to be honest, most websites do a terrible job explaining the real differences.

But here’s the truth — choosing the wrong one can make your winter heating bills skyrocket, or leave you freezing on a January night.

So today, I’m breaking down the real-world difference between these two PTAC heating systems in plain English. No jargon. No engineering terms. Just what homeowners, landlords, and property managers actually need to know.

Let’s get into it.

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1. PTAC Heating Basics: Electric vs Heat Pump — What’s the Actual Difference?

Most PTAC units cool identically, but how they produce heat separates them completely.

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Electric Heat PTACs

These use electric resistance heating, the same technology found in:

• Space heaters

• Toasters

• Electric baseboards

• Old portable heaters

Inside the PTAC, an electric heating coil heats up, and a fan blows warm air into the room.

The result?

Fast, strong heat — but not very efficient.

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Heat Pump PTACs

These use refrigerant technology to move heat, not generate it.

They pull heat energy from the outside air and transfer it inside — yes, even in cold weather.

This is the same tech used in modern home heat pumps, which the DOE calls “the most energy-efficient heating system available in many climates.”
👉 DOE – Heat Pump Systems

The result?

Super efficient, much cheaper heat — but performance drops in very cold temperatures.

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The Quick Difference (Mike’s Version)

There. Simple.

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2. How Electric Heat PTACs Actually Work

Let’s break down electric heat in a way that’s not boring.

An electric resistance heater works by pushing electricity through a coil, causing it to heat up. A blower fan pushes air across that coil, and boom — you’ve got warm air.

Why Electric Heat PTACs Are So Common

• They’re reliable

• They work in any temperature

• They’re durable

• They’re inexpensive upfront

• They require very little maintenance

This is why hotels in cold regions use electric heat PTACs — they never worry about coil freeze-ups.

But there’s a catch…

Electric Heat = High Utility Bills

Electric heating is one of the least efficient ways to heat a room.

The EPA notes that electric resistance heat can use up to 3–5 times more electricity than heat pumps for the same amount of heat.
👉 EPA – Home Heating Efficiency Basics

If you plan to run heat for long stretches (like in northern climates), your power bill will feel it.

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3. How Heat Pump PTACs Work (Without Getting Technical)

Heat pump PTACs don’t create heat — they transfer it.

Here’s the simple analogy:

Electric heat is like boiling water with a fire.
Heat pumps are like moving hot water from one pot to another.

One uses energy to create heat.
One uses small amounts of energy to move heat.

That’s why heat pumps are so efficient.

Why Heat Pump PTACs Are Becoming Popular

• 2–3× more efficient than electric heat

• Lower monthly bills

• Better year-round performance

• More environmentally friendly

This matches the ENERGY STAR guidance on high-efficiency heat pump systems.

Do Heat Pump PTACs Work in Cold Weather?

Yes — but only to a point.

Most PTAC heat pumps:

• Work best above 40°F

• Lose efficiency between 20–35°F

• Switch to backup electric heat in freezing temps

So they’re incredible in warm or mild climates… but in harsh winters, they need help.

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4. Real-World Heating Performance: Which PTAC Actually Keeps You Warm?

Heating output matters a lot more than people realize.

Let’s compare.

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Electric Heat PTAC Heating Performance

Strengths

• Provides strong, immediate heat

• Great for very cold climates

• Works in freezing temperatures

• Simple design = fewer failures

Weaknesses

• Expensive to run

• Draws a lot of electricity

• May require dedicated breakers

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Heat Pump PTAC Heating Performance

Strengths

• Extremely efficient in mild-to-warm climates

• Lower monthly bills

• Quiet operation

• Delivers steady, comfortable heat

Weaknesses

• Weaker heat below 35–40°F

• Needs backup electric heat

• Slightly higher upfront cost

The DOE recommends heat pump systems for climates with fewer freezing days — which applies directly to PTAC heat pumps.
👉 DOE – Climate-based Heat Pump Guidance

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5. Installation Requirements — Both Are Easy, But There Are Key Differences

Both electric heat and heat pump PTACs install the same way:

1. Cut a wall opening

2. Install the wall sleeve

3. Slide in the PTAC

4. Add electrical wiring

5. Seal the exterior

But here’s where things differ.

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Electric Heat PTAC Installation Needs

• Often requires 20A or 30A circuits

• May require a dedicated breaker

• Higher amperage = higher electrical cost for wiring

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Heat Pump PTAC Installation Needs

• Typically 15A–20A

• Lower operating wattage

• Usually cheaper electrical install

The ASHRAE safety guidelines emphasize proper wiring and circuit sizing for PTAC installations, especially for high-amperage electric-heat units.

6. Energy Efficiency — The Most Important Difference (And Your Power Bill Will Prove It)

This is where the numbers paint the whole picture.

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Electric Heat Efficiency

• COP ≈ 1.0

• Means: 1 unit of electricity = 1 unit of heat

• Very low efficiency

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Heat Pump Efficiency

• COP = 2.5 to 3.2 (varies by model)

• Meaning: 1 unit of electricity = up to 3 units of heat

The AHRI rates heat pump systems at much higher heating efficiencies than electric-resistance systems.
👉 AHRI – Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings

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Translation (Mike’s voice):

Switching from electric heat to a heat pump PTAC can cut your winter heating bill by 30–60% in many regions.

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7. Operating Costs — What You Actually Pay Each Month

This is the part no one tells you until after you buy the wrong system.

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Electric Heat PTAC Operating Cost

Let’s assume:

• A 12,000 BTU electric PTAC

• Running 8 hours per day

• At the national average electric rate

You can easily spend $60–$150+ per month in winter.

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Heat Pump PTAC Operating Cost

Same conditions, but heat pump design:

• Costs around $25–$55 per month

Savings:
$40–$100 every month.

Over a winter season?
You’re looking at hundreds of dollars saved.

The Energy.gov heating cost analysis reinforces the huge difference between electric heat and heat pump technology.
👉 Energy.gov – Heating Cost Comparisons

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8. Maintenance Differences — One Is Easier Than the Other

Electric Heat PTAC Maintenance

• Clean filter

• Dust heat element

• Check electrical connections

Simple.

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Heat Pump PTAC Maintenance

• Clean filter

• Clean coils

• Keep outdoor airflow unobstructed

• Monitor refrigerant performance

More parts = more things to maintain, but still simple compared to a full HVAC system.

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9. Lifespan & Reliability — Which One Lasts Longer?

This might surprise you.

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Electric Heat PTAC Lifespan

• 8–12 years average

• Fewer moving parts

• High reliability

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Heat Pump PTAC Lifespan

• 7–10 years average

• More components

• Compressors run more hours

Electric heat units tend to win on longevity.

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10. Best Use Cases — Mike’s Real-World Recommendations

This is where I give you the straight, no-nonsense advice based on climate and use.

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✔ Choose Electric Heat PTAC If You:

• Live in a cold northern climate

• Have freezing temperatures in winter

• Want maximum reliability

• Need strong backup heat

• Are heating a garage, sunroom, or rental unit

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✔ Choose Heat Pump PTAC If You:

• Live in a warm or mild climate

• Want lower electric bills

• Need year-round heating + cooling

• Want quieter, more efficient heat

• Are installing in a frequently used room

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✔ Landlords:

• Electric heat = fewer repairs

• Heat pump = happier tenants + lower bills

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✔ Airbnb Owners:

• Heat pump = efficiency + comfort

• Electric backup = reliability

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11. Cost Comparison — Upfront & Long-Term (2025 Pricing)

Upfront Cost

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Long-Term Cost

Heat pumps pay for themselves over time.

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12. The Final Verdict — Mike’s Honest, Real-World Take

Here’s the truth:

If you live in a cold climate:

Buy electric heat PTAC — a heat pump will struggle in freezing temperatures, and you’ll wind up using expensive backup heat anyway.

If you live in a warm or mild climate:

Heat pump PTAC all day long. Lower bills, quieter heat, more comfort.

If you’re a landlord or property owner:

• Use heat pump PTACs in warm regions

• Use electric heat PTACs in cold regions

If you’re on a budget:

Electric heat PTACs are cheaper upfront, but heat pump PTACs save more over time.

There is no “one winner.”
There is only the right PTAC for your climate and usage.

In the next blog, Mike will tell us how efficient PTAC units are.