How Electric Heat Adds Value (and When to Use It)

When people think about home heating, they often imagine big gas furnaces, oil boilers, or heat pumps running through the whole house. But not every space needs that level of infrastructure—or that cost. For many homeowners, electric heat offers a simple, clean, and highly reliable alternative that adds real value, especially when built into a system like the GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AKEQ12DCJ).

This dual-function unit proves that electric heat isn’t just a backup—it’s a strategic, efficient solution for year-round comfort. Let’s dive into how it works, why it matters, and when it’s the smartest heating choice you can make.

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⚡ 1. The Basics: What Is Electric Resistance Heating?

Electric resistance heating is one of the most straightforward and reliable heating methods around. It converts electrical energy directly into heat, using a metal element that glows warm when current passes through it—similar to how a toaster or space heater works.

In the GE AKEQ12DCJ, this process happens behind the grille. A 3.5 kW electric heating element sits inside the unit, and when you switch to heat mode, air flows across it before circulating into the room.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) describes this method as “100% efficient at the point of use”, since every bit of electrical energy consumed becomes heat inside the home (energy.gov).

Jake sums it up simply:

“No gas lines, no pilot lights, no exhaust. Just plug it in and get clean, instant warmth.”

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🌡️ 2. Why Electric Heat Is a Smart Addition to a Wall Unit

Adding electric heat to a through-the-wall AC transforms it from a seasonal appliance into a year-round comfort system. Here’s why that’s valuable:

• Instant Warmth: Unlike heat pumps that need time to extract warmth from outside air, electric coils heat up instantly.

• Even Distribution: Because it’s built into the same housing as the cooling system, it uses the same fan and ducts to circulate air evenly.

• Low Maintenance: No moving parts in the heating element mean fewer breakdowns.

• Compact Efficiency: Ideal for rooms or zones where installing ducts or separate systems isn’t practical.

According to ENERGY STAR, zoned systems like this can reduce total household energy use by up to 20%, since you only heat the rooms you’re actually using (energystar.gov).

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🏡 3. Ideal Scenarios for Electric Heat

Electric heating isn’t for everyone, but it’s a perfect match in several scenarios. If you fall into one of these, the AKEQ12DCJ’s electric heat function can save you serious effort and energy:

✅ 1. Apartments or Condos

Central heating may not be available or economical in shared buildings. Wall units with built-in heat are compact, efficient, and easy to install without extensive ductwork.

✅ 2. Additions and Renovations

Sunrooms, garages, and bonus rooms often sit outside your home’s main HVAC system. Instead of extending ducts (which can cost thousands), electric heat lets you make that space cozy on demand.

✅ 3. Mild or Moderate Climates

In areas where winters are short or temperatures rarely dip below freezing, electric heat is more than enough. According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR climate guidance, resistance heating is particularly effective in Zones 1–3, covering much of the southern U.S. (epa.gov).

✅ 4. Supplemental Heating

Even in colder regions, electric heat is excellent as a secondary system—great for heating a basement, workshop, or bedroom that stays cooler than the rest of the house.

Jake’s take:

“Electric heat is like a space heater with a brain—it warms the whole room evenly and shuts off automatically when the thermostat says you’re good.”

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💡 4. Comparing Electric Heat to Other Heating Methods

It’s worth seeing where electric resistance heating stands against alternatives like gas furnaces or heat pumps:

While heat pumps are more efficient on paper, they tend to lose efficiency in colder temperatures. Electric heat, by contrast, delivers consistent, full-output warmth regardless of outdoor conditions, according to the DOE’s cold-climate performance data (energy.gov).

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🌬️ 5. The Role of Air Circulation in Comfort

Electric heat in the AKEQ12DCJ doesn’t just blow hot air—it circulates it evenly through a multi-speed fan designed for year-round use. That means no hot corners or cold drafts.

According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), consistent airflow improves thermal comfort, humidity control, and efficiency by preventing the system from cycling too often (acca.org).

This is where through-the-wall units outperform standalone space heaters. You get the same even warmth of a central HVAC system, scaled perfectly for a single room.

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🔋 6. Energy Efficiency and Cost Considerations

Electric heat is often criticized for being expensive to run—but that’s not always fair. When used properly and in the right application, it can actually reduce overall home energy use.

Let’s break that down:

• No duct losses: Central HVAC systems lose up to 30% of heat through duct leaks, according to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program (energystar.gov).

• Zoned efficiency: You only heat occupied rooms instead of the entire home.

• Quick on/off response: Instant heating means you’re not burning energy during long warm-up times.

• Cleaner electricity grid: As renewable sources like wind and solar grow, electric heat becomes even greener over time.

Jake’s tip:

“Electric heat makes the most sense when you use it strategically—turn it on when you’re in the room, off when you’re not. Treat it like smart comfort, not background heat.”

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🌍 7. Environmental Impact and Clean Energy Alignment

The GE AKEQ12DCJ uses electric resistance heating powered by standard home electricity, which increasingly comes from renewable sources. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy now makes up over 22% of national power generation and continues to grow yearly (eia.gov).

Unlike gas or oil heating, electric systems don’t emit carbon monoxide or combustion gases, making them safer indoors and better for air quality.

The EPA’s indoor air quality guidelines recommend electric heating for homeowners who want to minimize particulate pollution and carbon emissions inside the home (epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq).

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🏁 8. When to Choose Electric Heat — Jake’s Verdict

Electric heat won’t replace every furnace—but when used strategically, it’s one of the smartest comfort investments you can make.

You should consider it when:

• You’re heating a specific room or zone, not the whole house.

• You want a low-maintenance heating solution.

• You live in a moderate climate where extreme cold is rare.

• You prefer clean, quiet operation without gas lines.

For spaces like finished basements, garages, additions, or rental suites, the electric heating feature in the GE AKEQ12DCJ adds measurable comfort, safety, and simplicity—all while keeping installation and upkeep minimal.

Jake’s closing thought:

“Electric heat is the unsung hero of modern comfort. It’s quiet, reliable, and built into systems that work for real life—not just perfect conditions.”

In the next Blog we will learn more about Installation Guide: What You Need Before Cutting the Wall 

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