Window air conditioning units are mainly known for cooling, but there are some models that both cool and heat.
These types of units can be very beneficial since they are easy to install and can cool in the summer and heat in the winter.
Window-mounted air conditioning units that both heats and cool come in two styles.
Types of Window Air Conditioners That Heat
- Heat Pump
- Supplemental Heat
A Heat Pumps works by cycling refrigerant the same as when cooling but reversed to produce heat when needed.
Heat pump are very efficient and cost less to operate but cost more since a reversing valve must be installed along with other components.
Supplemental heat is a unit that has heat strips installed. Heat Strips work on the same principle as a space heater, using elements that become hot in combination with a fan that blows out hot air.
Each of these types of systems has its positives and negatives.
Heat Pump vs. Supplemental Heat
- Heat Pumps are more efficient and use less electricity but cost more to buy than a unit with supplemental heat.
- Supplemental heat units cost less to buy but use more electricity and cost more to operate.
Since units that use heating elements to heat a room like a space heater, they are often installed simply to free up space with no other real benefit.
Each type of unit has its own benefit that needs to match the scenario.
There are many units available, with those listed below some of our picks.
As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to be sure it is a good fit for your home.
*This site contains affiliate paid links for which a commission earned.
Our Picks for Best Window Air Conditioners That Heat and Cool
- LG LW1216HR
- Koldfront WAC12001W
- Frigidaire FFRH0822R1
- Cooper & Hunter PTAC 12,000 BTU Heat Pump
The LG LW1216HR is a unit that both cools and has supplemental heating.
It is a 115-Volt window unit that is rated to heat and cool a space up to 320 sq. ft.
Since it uses supplemental heating when it is cold out, the unit will work like a space heater mounted in a window.
The Koldfront WAC12001W uses 220-volts to operate, which supplies more heating and cooling compared to many other units.
It uses supplemental heating and is rated at 12,000 BTUs for a room 450-550 sq. ft. in size.
220-volts is not common in every room and is usually only used by a dryer or electric stove.
If this unit is used, be sure to have a 220-volt outlet for it to operate.
The Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 has supplemental heat that uses 230-volts to run.
It is rated at 8,000 BTU, which can cool or heat a space up to 350 sq. ft.
Frigidaire manufacturers many good units that work well and last many years.
The Cooper & Hunter PTAC is a heat pump unit that both heats and cools.
Heat pumps are ideal for long-term usage since they cost less to operate compared to heat strip-style units.
The downside is it costs more than a supplemental heating unit.
It also uses 230-volts and will need an outlet near its location.
12,000 BTU is rated to cool and heat a space of roughly 450 to 550 Sq Ft.
Summary
If you have ever asked, Is there a window air conditioner that also heats?
Yes, there are window air conditioner units that both heat and cool.
Buying a Window mounted air conditioning unit that heats and cools a room comes down to the type of heating you want the unit to do.
Electric heat works great but can be more costly in the long term.
Heat Pump units, while more efficient, can be more costly to buy upfront.
The installation will be the same with whatever type of unit is bought, first by making sure the wall outlet is the correct voltage type, and then the window dimensions are correct for the unit to fit.
For a more long-term solution, Heat pump units called mini split systems can be installed for better long-term solutions. Mini split units separate the condenser and compressor with a line that recycles the refrigerant away from home.
This makes them much quieter and better built than a packaged window unit.
Since mini split units are also Heat Pumps, they can heat or cool a space very well. Of course, the cost of a mini split is much greater than a window unit, and installation is much harder.
We have that Frigidaire 8000-Window A/C that heats and cools. Nice machine, but we didn’t ever Use the Heat because the booklet didn’t explain how to use it, or its purpose. It never blew a whole heap of AIR out of itself in the summer-but it cooled. That A/C is a mystery to us.
How can I buy an air condition like this
Bought a house with a Friedrich heat/cool AC in the master bedroom addition. The unit is probably about 30 years old and just went out! Looking at replacing it and would love another Friedrich but they cost so much!!! Like you said, you get what you pay for!