Choosing a reliable wall air conditioning unit with heater means getting both cooling and supplemental heating without a full HVAC install. Below is a concise comparison of five units suited for through-the-wall, wall-mounted ductless, and PTAC installations. The following table summarizes capacity and suitable room coverage to help you narrow options quickly.
| Product | Type | Cooling BTU | Heating | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted | Through-the-wall / Wall AC | 14,000 | 10,600 BTU Supplemental | Up to 700 Sq.Ft. |
| Keystone 23,200 BTU Window-Wall | Through-the-wall | 23,200 | 16,000 BTU Supplemental | Up to 1,500 Sq.Ft. |
| COSTWAY 12,000 BTU Mini Split | Ductless Wall-Mounted Split | 12,000 | Heat Pump (All-Season) | Up to 750 Sq.Ft. |
| Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC (Sleeve Included) | PTAC Packaged Unit | ~14,700 BTU | Heat Pump + 3.5 kW Electric | Typical Hotel / Apartment Use |
| Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall | Through-the-wall | 12,000 | Optional/No heat pump | Up to 550 Sq.Ft. |
Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted AC With Heat
This Keystone wall-mounted unit offers 14,000 BTU cooling and 10,600 BTU supplemental heating, designed for through-the-wall installation to serve larger living areas up to about 700 sq. ft.
Key features noted by the manufacturer include supplemental heating for mild cold conditions (intended for 23°F–76°F ambient ranges), a dehumidifier function, fan-only modes, and a space-saving profile that preserves window views. The unit requires a 230V/20A outlet and an interior trim kit for installation.
Technical considerations: supplemental heat is not a primary heating source per the specification. Ideal use cases include year-round climate control where winter temperatures are moderate and installed power matches the 230V requirement.
Keystone 23,200 BTU Through-The-Wall Unit With Heat
The Keystone 23,200 BTU through-the-wall model targets larger spaces up to 1,500 sq. ft. It delivers 23,200 BTU cooling and 16,000 BTU supplemental heat, with dehumidification and fan modes included.
This unit features a smart remote that samples room temperature and sends updates to the unit periodically for accurate control. As with the 14,000 BTU model, the supplemental heating function is intended as an assist when outdoor temps remain between 23°F and 76°F and should not replace a primary heating system.
Installation and power: designed as a through-the-wall solution requiring appropriate sleeve or wall preparation and a compatible 230V electrical supply. Best suited for large open floor plans or multi-zone areas that need robust cooling capacity plus seasonal heat support.
COSTWAY 12,000 BTU Mini Split Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
The COSTWAY mini split is a ductless wall-mounted inverter system with 12,000 BTU cooling and a heat pump for true all-season heating. AHRI certification and inverter tech aim to improve efficiency and runtime.
Manufacturer features include multiple modes (auto, cool, dry, heat, fan), several fan speeds, sleep and ECO modes, and remote control with a programmable timer. Inverter operation reduces compressor cycling for quieter operation and potentially lower energy use compared with fixed-speed units.
Considerations: mini split systems require both an indoor head and an outdoor condenser and typically involve professional installation, though this product is marketed as “pre-charged” and suitable for single-zone upgrades where wall mounting is permitted.
Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC With Sleeve And Grille
This Cooper & Hunter PTAC is a packaged terminal AC and heat pump system with a heat pump plus a 3.5 kW electric heater for supplemental or backup heat. The listing includes the sleeve, grille, and drain kit for through-the-wall installations.
Rated cooling capacity is ~14,700 BTU with heating capacities noted both from the heat pump and electric heater. The system uses R-32 refrigerant and is built for standard PTAC wall openings (42″ width typical). It includes a power cord with reset breaker and is suited for apartments, hotels, or multi-unit retrofits.
Installation note: for new builds the included sleeve simplifies setup. Confirm the electrical circuit and receptacle match the specified 208–230V requirements. The dual heat sources provide flexibility where heat pump performance may drop in colder climates and electric backup is desirable.
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Room AC
The Frigidaire through-the-wall unit provides 12,000 BTU of cooling performance for rooms up to about 550 sq. ft. It is supplied with a slide-out chassis for easier install and maintenance and includes a washable filter for basic air cleaning.
Manufacturer features emphasize easy maintenance with a slide-out chassis and a washable mesh filter to capture dust. The model includes remote control, timer, and sleep mode for nighttime operation. This unit targets users who want a durable through-the-wall option without added heat pump complexity.
Note: this model does not advertise a dedicated heat pump function in the product features provided. It is suitable where cool-season heating will be handled by other systems or supplemental space heaters if needed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Wall AC Unit With Heater
Choosing the right wall air conditioner with heater requires weighing capacity, installation type, heating method, efficiency, and electrical needs. Below are key considerations and how they compare across unit styles.
1. Unit Type And Installation
- Through-the-wall / Window-Wall Units: Self-contained; usually fit a wall sleeve or framed opening. Easier replacement for existing sleeves. Examples: Keystone 23,200 and Frigidaire 12,000.
- PTAC (Packaged Terminal): Standardized sizing used in hotels/apartments; often includes sleeve and grille. Good for retrofit multi-unit installations. Example: Cooper & Hunter PTAC.
- Mini Split (Ductless): Indoor head + outdoor condenser; offers true heat pump heating with higher efficiency and quieter indoor operation. Example: COSTWAY 12,000.
2. Heating Method And Performance
- Heat Pump: Provides efficient heating down to specified outdoor temps. Works year-round and can be primary heating in mild climates.
- Supplemental Heat: Many through-the-wall units advertise “supplemental” electric heat; designed to assist existing systems, not replace central heating in cold climates.
- Electric Resistance Heater: Reliable in cold weather, but typically less efficient than heat pumps.
3. BTU Capacity And Room Size
- Match cooling BTU to room square footage; manufacturers list coverage estimates (e.g., 12,000 BTU ~ 350–550 sq. ft., 23,200 BTU ~ up to 1,500 sq. ft.).
- Consider ceiling height, insulation, sun exposure, and occupant count. Oversizing can cause short cycles; undersizing won’t maintain setpoint.
4. Electrical Requirements
- Check voltage and amperage: many larger through-the-wall and PTAC units require 208–230V circuits and 20A breakers. Verify existing receptacle compatibility before purchase.
- Mini splits may need a dedicated breakers and outdoor wiring; PTACs often include power cords with reset breakers.
5. Efficiency, Controls, And Features
- Inverter Technology: Found in many mini splits for variable-speed operation and improved efficiency.
- Smart Controls: Wi‑Fi or smart remotes enable scheduling and remote operation. Smart remotes that sample room temp can improve comfort accuracy.
- Dehumidification & Fan Modes: Useful for comfort without aggressive cooling—important in humid climates.
6. Noise And Indoor Comfort
- Mini splits and higher-end PTACs tend to run quieter indoors. Look for low-noise ratings or user-reported decibel levels when available.
- Variable fan speeds and sleep modes reduce disruption at night.
7. Installation Complexity And Costs
- Through-the-wall units: Simpler if a sleeve exists; otherwise, wall cutting and sleeve installation are needed.
- PTAC: Often straightforward with included sleeve; suited to standardized wall openings.
- Mini split: Requires line set routing and outdoor condenser placement; professional installation common but offers high efficiency benefits.
8. Climate And Intended Use
- In mild winter climates, a heat pump mini split or through-the-wall heat pump can serve as primary heating.
- In colder climates, choose units with electric backup or verify heat pump low-temperature performance.
- For large open spaces, prefer higher BTU through-the-wall units or multi-zone mini splits to avoid undersizing.
9. Maintenance And Longevity
- Look for washable filters, accessible chassis for cleaning, and manufacturer service guidance.
- Regular filter cleaning and annual condenser maintenance extend life and maintain efficiency.
10. Comparison Perspectives
- Efficiency vs Upfront Complexity: Mini splits often offer the best operating efficiency but require more complex installation than single-piece through-the-wall units.
- Capacity vs Coverage: Larger BTU through-the-wall and PTAC units suit larger rooms but need adequate electrical supply and wall openings.
- Heating Reliability vs Operating Cost: Electric resistance heat is reliable in extreme cold but costlier to operate; heat pumps are more efficient until ambient temps drop below the unit’s specified operating range.