Are you tired of buying separate window AC units and space heaters? If so, there's great news for you. You can now get the best of both worlds with window AC units that also provide heating capabilities. In this article, we'll explore the top-rated window AC units with heat, discussing their features, specifications, and benefits.
Why Choose Window AC Units With Heat?
Window AC units with heat can work both as air conditioners and heaters, eliminating the need for 2 separate HVAC devices.
Traditionally, we buy window AC units to keep cool during the summer and space heaters to keep warm in the winter. However, this approach takes up valuable space, requires additional storage, and can be costly. But with window AC units that offer heating capabilities, you can simplify your HVAC setup and enjoy a more convenient and cost-effective solution.
How Do Window AC Units With Heat Work?
All window AC units have key components such as expansion valves, compressors, fans, and controls. The crucial part for understanding how window AC units with heat work is the condenser coil (indoor cold coil) and the evaporator coil (outdoor hot coil).
In the summer, the indoor air is cooled as it passes over the cold condenser coils. The heat from the indoor air is then transferred via the refrigerant to the outdoor hot evaporator coils, where it is dissipated. This results in cooler indoor air.
During the winter, the refrigerant flow is reversed, allowing the window AC unit to function as a heater. The indoor cold condenser coil becomes a hot evaporator coil, and vice versa. The cooler indoor air in the winter is heated as it passes over these hot indoor evaporator coils.
By utilizing this condenser-evaporator coil reversal via opposite refrigerant flow, window AC units with heat are able to provide almost the same amount of heating as cooling.
Key Metrics to Consider When Buying Window AC Units With Heat
When purchasing window AC units, it's important to consider cooling capacity, energy-efficiency, and the square footage that the unit can effectively cool. For window AC units with heating capabilities, additional factors such as heating capacity and coverage area need to be taken into account.
Cooling Capacity and Coverage Area
Every window AC unit with a heater has a designated cooling capacity, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). The cooling output varies from smaller 8,000 BTU units to large 25,000 BTU units.
To ensure that your window AC unit adequately cools your space, it's important to choose a unit that isn't too weak or too powerful. The EPA recommends a rule of thumb of 20 BTU per square foot of living area for cooling. However, to err on the side of caution, it's wise to use a calculation of 25 BTU per square foot.
For example, a window AC unit with a cooling output of 12,000 BTU would be suitable for cooling spaces up to approximately 500 square feet. Coverage area recommendations for each unit will be provided in the comparison table and individual reviews.
Heating Capacity and Coverage Area
Similarly, the heating capacity of window AC units with heat should be considered. Heating capacities range from 3,500 BTU to 16,000 BTU, with larger units capable of acting as stand-alone heaters.
It's important to note that smaller units with lower heating capacities, such as the Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 and Koldfront WAC8001W, are typically used as supplemental heating sources rather than primary heaters. Units with higher heating capacities, like the Koldfront WAC25001W and LG LW1216HR, can adequately heat larger spaces on their own.
Energy-Efficiency of Window AC Units With Heat
Energy-efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a window AC unit with heat. Units that use less electricity for the same output are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
For cooling, the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is used to evaluate energy-efficiency. The average EER rating for window AC units is around 9. However, there are models available with much higher EER ratings, such as the LG LW1216HR, which boasts an impressive rating of 11.3.
During the heating season, the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating is used to gauge energy-efficiency. On average, window AC units require about 300 watts of power for every 1,000 BTU of heating output.
The Best Window AC Units With Heater
Here's a list of the top-rated window AC units with heaters to help you make an informed decision:
- Koldfront WAC25001W: Biggest Window Unit With Heat (25,000 BTU)
- LG LW1216HR: Best LG and Most Energy-Efficient AC and Heat Window Unit
- Frigidaire FFRH0822R1: Best Small Window Air Conditioner With Heater (8,000 BTU)
- Koldfront WAC8001W: Cheapest Window AC With Heater (Below $500)
- PerfectAire 3PACH18000: Powerful Heating and Cooling Window Unit
For more information on each unit, including detailed comparisons and reviews, continue reading here.
In conclusion, window AC units with heat provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for both cooling and heating needs. By considering key factors such as cooling capacity, heating capacity, and energy-efficiency, you can choose the best window AC unit with heat that meets your specific requirements.
If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. We're here to help!
