While all PTACs cool a room the same way, there are two different types of PTACs, and they heat rooms in two distinct ways:

1) Via Heat Pump

2) Via Resistance (Electric) Heat 

How Do Heat Pump and Electric Heat PTACs Work?

Heat Pump – Heat pumps work in a similar manner to an air conditioner; except they reverse the cooling process to circulate warm air instead of cold air. Electric Heat PTACs / Resistance (Electric) Heat – In contrast to heat pump PTACs, resistance (electric) heat units work by passing an electric current through wires to heat them.

Which Units Are More Cost Effective: Heat Pump or Resistance Heat PTACs?

The answer depends on where you are and what the climate is like where you are located. There are several factors to consider vis-a-vis initial investment and energy use over time. Resistance heat units require a smaller initial investment but can result in higher energy costs when used for prolonged periods of time. Heat pumps use less energy than resistance heat models but require a larger initial investment. All packaged terminal heat pumps also incorporate resistance heat technology that can help maintain room temperature when the outside temperature drops below the minimum operating threshold for a heat pump. This is an important factor to consider when choosing between heat pump and electric heat PTACs for your business as a hospitality establishment or for personal use at home.

Regardless of the intention of your purchase, heat pumps are suggested for cooler climates where the need for heat is greater; you should see a return on the initial higher investment of a heat pump PTAC unit 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 (as shown by the map below). Looking for the best options of hotel PTACs / ACs?

Check out our list of the Best Hotel PTACs / ACs 2024.