Can you use a portable air conditioner as a heater? The answer is yes, but not all portable air conditioners have this capability. However, there is a special category of 2-in-1 units that can function as both a portable air conditioner in the summer and a portable space heater in the winter. These units, known as portable air conditioner and heater combos, are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and efficiency.
Why have 2 HVAC units if 1 would suffice? Portable AC units with a heater can BOTH cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Portable air conditioner and heater combos offer symmetric cooling and heating output, meaning they can generate as much cooling as heating output and cover a similar square footage. For example, the Vremi 14,000 BTU unit is the best portable air conditioner and heater combo in terms of specifications. It can provide 14,000 BTU of cooling output, cooling down spaces up to 450 sq ft, and 13,500 BTU of heating output, heating up spaces of the same size.
Producers of portable AC units with heating option indicate the heating option in several different ways. On the photo: #1 Vremi 14,000 BTU unit
These portable air conditioner and heater combos have become extremely popular because they save space and costs. Instead of dealing with two separate devices, you can have a single unit that performs both cooling and heating functions.
Before we delve into the best portable air conditioner and heater combos, let's understand how these 2-in-1 units work and the key specifications to consider when purchasing one.
How Do Portable AC Heaters Work?
Portable AC heaters operate similarly to heat pumps, but they are not strictly heat pumps. The basic working principle of a portable air conditioner involves generating airflow, passing the indoor air over condenser coils to cool it down, and expelling the excess heat through a vent.
In the winter, the portable air conditioner needs to switch to heating mode. This is achieved by reversing the flow of refrigerant through the unit. The condenser coils, which were previously cold, become hot, and the indoor air passing over them experiences an increase in energy. This creates warm air that is then circulated into the room.
3 Vital Specs To Check Before Buying a Portable AC Heater
When choosing a portable air conditioner and heater combo, there are three key specifications to consider: cooling capacity/coverage, heating capacity/coverage, and energy efficiency.
The cooling capacity is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) and determines the unit's ability to cool down a specific area. Similarly, the heating capacity indicates the unit's ability to heat up a space. It's important to match the cooling and heating capacities with the square footage of the area you want to cool or heat.
Example of cooling and heating coverage area, based on BTU cooling and heating output.
Energy efficiency is measured using the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) for cooling and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating. Look for units with high EER and HSPF ratings to save on energy consumption and reduce your electricity bills.
Based on these specifications, we have compiled a list of the best portable air conditioner and heater combos for you:
Best Portable Air Conditioner Heater Combos
- Vremi 14,000 BTU Cooling + 13,500 BTU Heating: Overall Strongest And Best Portable Heater Air Conditioner Combo
The Vremi 14,000 BTU unit is the top-rated portable air conditioner and heater combo. With an impressive cooling output of 14,000 BTU and a heating output of 13,500 BTU, it can effectively cool and heat spaces up to 450 sq ft. This unit is highly energy-efficient with a 10.3 EER rating, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice.
- BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT: Most Popular And Best-Selling Portable AC Heater
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT is a tried-and-tested portable air conditioner and heater combo that has gained popularity for its excellent performance. With 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and 11,000 BTU heating capacity, it can cool and heat spaces up to 375 sq ft. This unit boasts an above-average energy efficiency with a 9.7 EER rating.
- Whynter ARC-14SH: Very Powerful Portable Air Conditioner And Heater Combo
The Whynter ARC-14SH is a powerhouse in the portable air conditioner and heater market. Its dual-hose system provides exceptional cooling and heating performance. With 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and 13,000 BTU heating capacity, it can cool and heat spaces up to 500 sq ft. This unit is highly energy-efficient with a remarkable 10.8 EER rating.
- Honeywell MN14CHCSMN: Best Honeywell Portable AC Heater Combo
Honeywell is a well-known brand in the portable air conditioner industry, and the MN14CHCSMN is their top-rated portable air conditioner and heater combo. With 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and 11,000 BTU heating capacity, it can cool and heat spaces up to 400 sq ft. This unit has a high energy efficiency rating with a 10+ EER, ensuring both cost savings and environmental friendliness.
- SereneLife SLPAC10: Best Small Portable AC Unit With Heater
For smaller rooms and a more budget-friendly option, the SereneLife SLPAC10 is an excellent choice. With 10,000 BTU cooling capacity and 9,000 BTU heating capacity, it can cool and heat spaces up to 350 sq ft. While the energy efficiency is slightly lower with an 8.7 EER rating, this unit offers affordability without compromising on performance.
These top-rated portable air conditioner and heater combos provide reliable cooling and heating solutions for various room sizes and budgets. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy the convenience of year-round comfort in a single unit.
If you have any questions or need further guidance on dual-function portable AC units, feel free to leave a comment below.
