How to Switch Between Heating and Cooling on Your Amana Wall Unit
Hi there — Samantha here! If you’ve got an Amana through-the-wall heat pump and want to use it year-round, you’re in luck. These units are built for comfort in every season — warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and energy-smart in between.
But if you’ve ever pressed “Mode” a few times and wondered why the air feels lukewarm or why nothing’s happening, you’re not alone. The good news? Switching between heating and cooling on your Amana wall unit is easy once you understand what each button does.
Today, I’ll walk you through:
✅ Step-by-step instructions using the remote control
✅ Tips for tricky in-between seasons
✅ Common mistakes that cause “why isn’t this working?” moments
Let’s make sure your system is running exactly how you want — all year long.
1. Meet Your Remote: The Basics
Before we press any buttons, let’s get familiar with what you’re holding. Your Amana remote has a few key icons:
🌡️ Temp — Adjusts the temperature setpoint (up or down).
🔁 Mode — Cycles between Cool, Heat, Fan, Energy Saver, and sometimes Dry modes.
🌬️ Fan — Controls fan speed (Auto, Low, Medium, High).
Depending on your model, you might also see icons like:
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❄️ Snowflake → Cooling mode
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☀️ Sun → Heating mode
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💨 Fan blade → Fan-only
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💧 Droplet → Dehumidify / Dry mode
Pro tip: The Amana 9,200 BTU 230/208 V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat Pump and Remote uses clear mode icons, so you can easily tell which mode you’re in from the screen.
2. How to Switch Between Heating and Cooling
Here’s the step-by-step process you can use on most Amana through-the-wall heat-pump models.
🧭 Step 1: Turn the Unit On
Press the Power button. Wait about 3–5 seconds — some models have a soft start delay to protect the compressor.
⚙️ Step 2: Press the “Mode” Button
Each press of “Mode” cycles through:
Cool → Dry → Fan → Heat → Energy Saver → back to Cool
Keep pressing until your display shows the mode you want.
| Icon | Mode | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ | Cool | Uses compressor to cool room to set temp. |
| ☀️ | Heat | Reverses refrigerant flow to provide warm air. |
| 💨 | Fan | Circulates air only — no heating or cooling. |
| 💧 | Dry | Dehumidifies without major temp change. |
| ♻️ | Energy Saver | Automatically cycles fan/compressor for efficiency. |
Tip: Give the unit about a minute to switch over after changing modes. You may hear a click — that’s normal.
🌡️ Step 3: Set Your Target Temperature
Use the Temp ▲/▼ buttons to set the temperature.
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In Cool mode: lower number = cooler room.
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In Heat mode: higher number = warmer room.
Make small changes (2 °F at a time) to prevent over-cycling.
🌬️ Step 4: Choose Fan Speed
Press the Fan button to pick your speed:
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Auto: Unit adjusts airflow automatically.
-
Low/Medium/High: Manually set fan speed.
Auto mode saves energy and helps balance comfort.
3. Pro Tips for Transitional Seasons 🌷🍂
Spring and fall can be tricky — some days are cool mornings, warm afternoons, then chilly nights. Instead of constantly switching modes, use these strategies:
✅ Use “Energy Saver” Mode
This mode lets your Amana automatically cycle fan and compressor for balanced comfort.
🌡️ Adjust Gradually
If it’s 68 °F in the morning and you just need a light warm-up, try Heat mode at 70 °F — not 78 °F. Small tweaks prevent overshooting your target.
🌬️ Run the Fan for Air Circulation
Sometimes air just feels stale — not hot or cold. Switch to Fan-Only (💨) for gentle air movement without changing temperature.
🌙 Use Timers
Set the unit to pre-heat before waking or pre-cool before bedtime. You’ll save energy and stay comfortable.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, pre-conditioning spaces during off-peak hours can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually.
4. Common Mistakes and Easy Fixes ⚠️
Even the best Amana units can seem “stuck” if you miss a setting. Here’s what usually causes confusion:
❌ Mistake #1: Mode vs. Fan-Only
If your unit is running but no temperature change happens, check the Mode setting — you might be on Fan (💨), not Cool or Heat.
❌ Mistake #2: Setting Both Temp and Fan Too Low
When in Heat mode, if your target temperature is below room temperature, the compressor won’t start — it thinks it’s already warm enough!
Example: Room = 72 °F, set temp = 70 °F → no heating happens.
❌ Mistake #3: Rapid Mode Switching
If you jump between Heat and Cool too quickly, the compressor’s safety lockout may delay restarting for 3–5 minutes. This protects your unit from pressure damage.
Wait at least 5 minutes before switching back if you just changed modes.
❌ Mistake #4: Blocked Airflow
If airflow feels weak, check that furniture, drapes, or dust buildup aren’t blocking the front grille or filter. Clean filters monthly for efficiency. (EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide)
5. When to Use Each Mode
Here’s a quick seasonal cheat-sheet for your Amana wall unit:
| Season | Best Mode | Ideal Set Temp | Extra Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | ☀️ Heat | 70–74 °F | Close doors to trap warmth; clean filters often. |
| Spring | 💨 Fan / ♻️ Energy Saver | 68–72 °F | Alternate modes for mild days. |
| Summer | ❄️ Cool | 72–76 °F | Keep curtains closed on sunny windows. |
| Fall | ☀️ Heat / ♻️ Energy Saver | 70 °F | Let the fan circulate during mild afternoons. |
(Temperature range based on ASHRAE comfort standards)
6. Advanced Tips for Year-Round Efficiency 🌎
Here’s how to get the most from your Amana heat pump wall unit:
🧼 Keep It Clean
A dirty filter or coil reduces efficiency by up to 15%. Clean filters monthly and vacuum the intake vents. (Energy Star Maintenance Guide)
🧯 Seal Around the Sleeve
Drafts around the wall sleeve can undo your heating gains in winter. Add foam or silicone sealant if you feel cold air leaks.
💡 Use Curtains Strategically
Open them during sunny winter days for free solar warmth; close them during hot afternoons to keep out heat.
📱 Remote / App Use
If your model supports Wi-Fi or programmable settings, pre-set temperature profiles for weekdays vs. weekends.
7. Troubleshooting at a Glance
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Unit runs, but no heat/cool | Wrong mode selected | Cycle Mode until ☀️ or ❄️ shows |
| Blowing air but not cooling | Set temp too high | Lower set temp 2 °F increments |
| Clicking, delay after mode change | Compressor safety lockout | Wait 3–5 minutes before retrying |
| Weak airflow | Clogged filter / blocked vent | Clean filter, clear area |
| Cold drafts in winter | Leaks around sleeve | Seal with insulation or caulk |
8. Real-World Example — My Office Setup
Last fall, I set my Amana wall unit to Heat for the first time in months. I pressed Mode twice, saw the little ☀️ icon, and set it to 72 °F. Within five minutes, the air was comfortably warm and steady — not the “blast furnace” feel from space heaters.
Come spring, I switched back to Cool and adjusted the fan to Auto. The transition was seamless, and the same remote that heated me through February kept me cool through June.
Moral of the story? Once you understand your Mode, Temp, and Fan buttons, your wall unit becomes a true four-season system.
9. The Bottom Line
Your Amana wall unit is designed to handle every season — but it performs best when you know how to use the controls.
Use Mode to select the right function.
Adjust the temperature gradually for comfort and efficiency.
Keep your Fan in Auto for smooth, quiet operation.
Clean filters and seal your wall sleeve for consistent performance.
Once you master these three buttons — 🌡️ Temp, 🔁 Mode, 🌬️ Fan — you’ll never have to wonder, “Is it working right?” again.
And if you’re still deciding between a Through-the-Wall vs. Mini Split setup, remember: both can deliver efficient comfort year-round — it just comes down to your space, budget, and how much control you want over each room’s temperature.
In the next blog, you will dive deep into the "Maintenance Tips for Your Amana Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump Combo".
