Heat & Cool in One Unit Benefits of Electric Heat with Your Through-the-Wall AC

♨️ What Is Electric Heat in a Through-the-Wall AC?

Many through-the-wall AC units like the Amana 11,900 BTU PBE123J35AA feature an integrated electric heat function, allowing the unit to:

  • Cool your room during summer

  • Provide supplemental heat during cooler months

  • Use a single wall sleeve and electrical connection for year-round comfort

This electric heat is typically resistance heating, which uses an electric heating element to warm the air as it passes through the unit.

For technical clarity, the U.S. Department of Energy outlines the difference between resistance heat and heat pumps, noting that resistance heat is effective for targeted, supplemental heating.


🌡️ When Should You Use Electric Heat?

Electric heat on your Amana through-the-wall AC is ideal for:

  • Shoulder seasons: Spring and fall when central heating is not yet needed.

  • Supplemental room heating: Heating only the occupied room instead of the entire house.

  • Emergency backup: If your furnace or heat pump is under repair.

It is not intended as a primary heat source for large spaces but effectively heats bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.


⚡ How Efficient Is Electric Heat?

Electric resistance heating converts nearly 100% of electricity into heat at the source, making it efficient in delivery but often more expensive per BTU than natural gas or heat pump systems.

Using your unit’s thermostat and only heating the space you are in can offset higher electricity costs by reducing whole-home heating needs, aligning with Mike Sanders’ energy-conscious homeowner approach.

The Energy Star heating guidance recommends targeted heating to reduce utility bills while maintaining comfort.


💡 Advantages of Electric Heat with Your Through-the-Wall AC

Year-Round Use: Cool in summer, heat in winter without switching systems.

Space Saving: No need for separate space heaters or additional wall units.

Targeted Comfort: Heat only the rooms you occupy, lowering energy waste.

Ease of Use: Operated by remote or onboard controls with clear temperature settings.

Safer than Portable Heaters: No tip-over risk or exposed heating coils.

Low Maintenance: No filters or burners to maintain like with gas heating.


🏡 Real-World Example: Using Electric Heat with Your Amana Unit

Mike Sanders, living in a 1,600 sq ft home in a mixed climate zone, uses the Amana PBE123J35AA in his home office (450 sq ft):

  • During fall mornings, Mike uses the electric heat for 2–3 hours to warm his office instead of turning on the central system.

  • Saves on propane heating costs during mild weather.

  • Uses the same unit for cooling during the summer.

  • Keeps consistent humidity levels with the integrated system.

This real-life use case illustrates how homeowners can reduce whole-home heating usage and maintain comfort efficiently.


🔌 Electrical Considerations

Your Amana unit’s electric heat function uses 230/208V, requiring:

  • A dedicated 20-amp double-pole breaker

  • Properly rated wall outlet or direct connection

  • An understanding of your electrical panel’s capacity

If you’re unsure, have a licensed electrician confirm your setup to safely utilize heating capabilities. Electrical Safety Foundation International offers detailed homeowner electrical safety resources.


🔧 Maintenance Tips for Electric Heat

To maintain heating performance:

✅ Clean filters monthly.

✅ Check the heating element annually.

✅ Inspect wiring and connections for wear.

✅ Ensure no airflow blockages.

Following Energy Saver maintenance practices will keep your system efficient year-round.


💲 Cost of Using Electric Heat

Estimated costs for using electric heat:

  • Power consumption: ~1.2–1.5 kWh per hour of operation

  • At $0.15/kWh: ~$0.18–$0.23 per hour

  • Daily use (4 hours): ~$0.72–$0.92

  • Monthly (30 days): ~$22–$28

This targeted heating can be cost-effective when compared to running a full-house furnace, particularly during mild seasons.


✅ Is Electric Heat Right for Your Home?

Electric heat with your Amana through-the-wall AC is ideal if you:

  • Need a secondary heat source for a specific room

  • Live in a mild or mixed climate

  • Want to lower central heating costs

  • Need easy, quick heating without additional equipment

  • Prefer space-saving, integrated solutions

It is not the best solution if you need to heat large, open areas as a primary heat source.


📲 Ready to Experience Efficient Comfort?

The Amana 11,900 BTU Through-the-Wall AC with Electric Heat (PBE123J35AA) provides reliable, efficient comfort in all seasons for practical homeowners.

Check it out here:

Amana Through-the-Wall AC with Electric Heat and Remote

If you need guidance on using electric heat efficiently, contact our team to confirm your room’s fit and your electrical setup.

This guide aligns with Mike Sanders’ practical approach, helping you get the most out of your Amana system year-round.

In the next topic we will know more about: Maintaining Your Amana Through-the-Wall AC for Long-Term Performance

Cooling it with mike

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