(Mike here—your go-to DIY homeowner voice. If you’re standing in the PTAC aisle scratching your head about whether to grab the electric heat model or spring for the heat pump version, I’ve been there. Let’s break this down in plain English, with real-world examples, cost comparisons, and some advice you can actually use.)
Amana Distinctions Model 14,700 BTU PTAC Unit with 5 kW Electric Heat
🏠 1. What’s a PTAC, and Why Heating Options Matter
A Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) is that through-the-wall heating and cooling unit you’ve seen in hotels, apartments, or condos. Unlike central HVAC systems, PTACs are:
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Self-contained — one box handles both cooling and heating.
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Individually controlled — great for single rooms, rental units, or small apartments.
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Affordable — usually less upfront than ductless or central systems.
But here’s the fork in the road: when it comes to heat, you usually get two choices:
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Electric Resistance Heat (Standard Electric)
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Heat Pump PTAC
🔌 2. Electric Resistance Heat: Simple & Reliable
Think of this like a giant space heater built into your PTAC. Electricity flows through coils, which get hot, and a fan blows air across them.
✅ Pros
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Simplicity — very few parts, nothing fancy.
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Reliability — works in any climate, no matter how cold it gets.
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Lower upfront cost — electric PTACs usually cost less than heat pump models.
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Predictable — you know what you’re getting: steady heat as long as you pay the bill.
❌ Cons
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Expensive to run — electric resistance heat is the least efficient form of heating. It converts power to heat at a 1:1 ratio.
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Higher utility bills — in colder climates, you’ll notice the difference on your bill.
Example: If your PTAC has a 5 kW electric heater, running it for 8 hours uses:
5 kW × 8 hours = 40 kWh
At $0.15 per kWh = $6 per day = ~$180/month.
🔄 3. Heat Pump PTACs: Efficiency Champs
Instead of creating heat by resistance, a heat pump PTAC works like your AC in reverse. It pulls heat from the outside air and pumps it indoors.
✅ Pros
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2–3x more efficient than electric heat in moderate climates.
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Lower monthly bills — a $120/month electric heat bill might drop to $60–70 with a heat pump.
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Green choice — uses less electricity, which reduces emissions if your grid is fossil-fuel heavy.
❌ Cons
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Struggles in cold weather — once temps drop below 30–35°F, efficiency tanks. At freezing or below, it often kicks on backup electric coils.
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Higher upfront cost — usually $100–300 more per unit.
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More parts to maintain — reversing valve, defrost cycles, compressor stress.
🌡️ 4. Climate Matters: Where Each One Wins
🔥 Warm to Mild Climates (South, Southeast, Coastal States)
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Winner: Heat Pump PTACs
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You’ll rarely need backup heat, and the efficiency savings pay off.
❄️ Cold Northern Climates (Midwest, Northeast, Mountain States)
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Winner: Electric Resistance Heat
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Heat pumps lose efficiency below freezing. Electric coils, while expensive to run, are consistent.
🌦️ Mixed Climates (Mid-Atlantic, Inland Northwest)
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Winner: It Depends
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Heat pumps can save you money during shoulder seasons (fall/spring), but you’ll lean on electric coils in winter.
🔗 Source: Energy.gov — Heat Pumps
💸 5. Upfront vs. Long-Term Costs
Factor | Electric Heat PTAC | Heat Pump PTAC |
---|---|---|
Upfront Price | $700–$900 | $850–$1,100 |
Energy Efficiency | Low | Medium–High |
Monthly Heating Bill | Higher | Lower in mild climates |
Maintenance | Lower | Higher (more moving parts) |
Best Fit | Cold climates, rentals | Mild climates, energy savers |
📊 6. Real-Life Scenarios (Mike’s Walkthroughs)
Case A: Florida Studio (500 sq ft)
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Winters = 50–70°F.
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Heat pump PTAC saves $30–40/month compared to electric.
Case B: Chicago Apartment (700 sq ft)
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Winters = below freezing.
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Electric PTAC avoids constant switchovers to backup coils.
Case C: North Carolina Rental (400 sq ft)
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Winters = mild, occasional frost.
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Heat pump PTAC gives tenants lower bills and less wear-and-tear.
🛠️ 7. Maintenance Differences
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Electric PTACs: Clean filters, check coils, that’s it.
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Heat Pump PTACs: Same chores + keep an eye on reversing valve, defrost cycles, and refrigerant charge.
If you’re a landlord, fewer moving parts = fewer late-night calls from tenants.
🔗 Source: EnergyStar PTAC Maintenance Guide
🌍 8. Environmental Impact
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Heat Pumps: Use less electricity → reduce carbon footprint.
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Electric Coils: Heavy energy users, especially if your grid is coal/natural gas.
If sustainability is part of your decision-making, the heat pump PTAC is the greener option.
🧾 9. Rebates & Incentives
Some states and utilities offer rebates on heat pump PTACs because of their efficiency. Electric-resistance PTACs rarely qualify.
🔗 Source: DSIRE — Incentives Database
🧰 10. Mike’s Quick Decision Checklist
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What’s your climate?
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Mild/warm → Heat pump.
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Cold → Electric.
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What’s your budget?
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Short-term savings → Electric.
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Long-term savings → Heat pump.
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Who’s using it?
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Tenants/guests → Electric (simplicity).
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Homeowners → Heat pump (savings over time).
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Do you care about efficiency & rebates?
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Yes → Heat pump.
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No → Electric.
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✅ Mike’s Final Take
Here’s how I look at it:
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If you’re in a place like Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas → Heat pump PTAC all day long. Lower bills, greener choice, and you won’t stress it out in winter.
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If you’re up north in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or New England → Don’t bother with a heat pump. Electric resistance PTACs are more reliable and predictable when it’s freezing.
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For landlords → Electric is often simpler. Less maintenance, fewer tenant complaints.
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For homeowners who want efficiency → Heat pump is worth the upfront bump if your winters are mild.
At the end of the day, you’re choosing between simplicity vs. efficiency. Get it right, and you’ll have a PTAC that keeps you comfortable without draining your wallet.
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Guide: What Mike Learned Installing His Amana PTAC