Hey folks — Tony Marino here, and today we’re getting into something that trips up a lot of folks shopping for PTAC units: the heating type.
Sure, every PTAC cools the room, but when winter rolls in, how your unit heats can make or break your comfort and your utility bill.
You’ve got three main options:
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Electric resistance heat
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Heat pump
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Hydronic (water or steam coil)
Let’s unpack what each does, where it works best, and what to avoid.
🔌 Electric Resistance Heat
What It Is:
This is your basic setup. Inside the PTAC, a coil heats up when electricity runs through it, and the blower fan pushes warm air out.
Pros:
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Simple and reliable — fewer moving parts
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Great for cold climates — works no matter how cold it gets
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Fast heat-up — warms a room quickly
Cons:
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Energy hog — uses the most electricity per BTU
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No cooling benefit — just a heater when heating
Best For:
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Areas with short heating seasons
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Hotel rooms, dorms, or apartments with limited ductwork
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Buildings with inexpensive electricity (like off-peak rates)
💡 Tony’s Tip: If you’re in a cold northern state and don’t mind a slightly higher bill in the winter, this is a reliable, low-maintenance choice.
❄️ Heat Pump PTACs
What It Is:
Instead of creating heat, heat pumps reverse the cooling cycle to pull heat into the room. Pretty slick.
Pros:
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Energy efficient — uses less power than resistance heat
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Cools and heats with the same system
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Lower operating costs in mild to moderate climates
Cons:
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Less effective below 35°F — backup heat may kick in
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Higher upfront cost
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More parts = more potential for maintenance
Best For:
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Southern or coastal climates where winters are mild
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Folks trying to cut utility bills
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Long-term energy savings
💡 Tony’s Tip: If you’re down south, a heat pump is a no-brainer. It’ll pay for itself with energy savings after a couple winters.
💧 Hydronic Heat (Hot Water or Steam Coils)
What It Is:
Your PTAC has a coil that’s connected to a central boiler system. When hot water or steam flows through the coil, the fan blows the heat into the room.
Pros:
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Very efficient — uses central heating instead of individual elements
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Great for big buildings with central boilers
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Quiet and even heat
Cons:
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Needs central boiler and piping
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More complex install
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Only heats — no cooling involved with the coil
Best For:
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Hotels, hospitals, or large apartment buildings
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Properties that already have hot water heat
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Places where electric use is limited or costly
💡 Tony’s Tip: This one’s mostly for pros managing multi-unit buildings. If you’re a homeowner, skip it unless your building already has a hydronic setup.
🔄 Comparing the Three: Quick Table
| Heat Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Resistance | Simple, works in any climate | High energy use | Cold climates, budget installs |
| Heat Pump | Energy efficient, dual use | Less heat in freezing temps | Mild climates, energy-conscious homes |
| Hydronic Coil | Quiet, efficient with boiler | Needs infrastructure | Multi-unit buildings w/ central heating |
Choosing the Right One
Ask yourself three questions:
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How cold does it get in winter?
If it’s freezing often, stick with electric or hydronic. -
Do I have access to a boiler system?
If not, cross hydronic off the list. -
Am I trying to lower energy bills long term?
Then heat pump might be the move—if your winters aren’t brutal.
Final Thoughts from Tony
The best PTAC heating option isn’t always the fanciest—it’s the one that matches your building, your climate, and your budget.
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Want set-it-and-forget-it reliability? Go electric.
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Looking to cut bills in a mild winter zone? Heat pump.
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Managing a multi-room building with a boiler? Hydronic all the way.
Still not sure? I’ve got a whole collection of R-32 PTAC units that cover every heat type. Check them out here — and if you’re stuck, I’m always happy to weigh in.
