PTACs: RESISTANCE HEAT VS HEAT PUMPS

Though all PTACs cool a room the same way, there are two distinct ways a PTAC heats a room. They climatize via heat pump or via resistance heat.

Resistance (Electric) Heat:

Resistance heat units work by passing an electric current through wires to heat them. These units require a smaller initial investment. They can result in higher energy costs when used for prolonged periods of time.

It's important to note that resistance heat PTACs are recommended for moderate climates where extreme heating isn't a requirement. They are also quite cost-effective for smaller rooms that don't require a lot of heating.

Heat Pump:

Heat pumps work like an air conditioner, except they reverse the cooling process to circulate warm air. They generally use less energy than resistance heat models, but require a larger initial investment. All packaged terminal heat pumps also incorporate resistance heat technology. This helps maintain room temperature when the outside temperature drops below the minimum operating threshold for a heat pump.

Heat pumps are suggested for cooler climates where the need for heat is greater. You’ll see a return on the initial higher investment in about a year. All climate zones within the U.S. will realize some energy cost savings by choosing a heat pump model, but the payback will vary by location.

Questions About PTACs & ACs or Other Hospitality Tech Products?

Contact our hospitality technology team directly. We’re happy to help with any questions you may have and point you in the right direction.