Room Heat Pumps – Cooling and Heating in a Small Package

As summers continue to get hotter, more and more people need air conditioning to beat the heat. Room heat pumps are low cost, easy to install products that deliver powerful cooling, and have the added advantage of providing supplemental heating when the temperatures fall. In heating mode these products are twice as energy efficient as resistance heaters. They come in several configurations - conventional window-mounted, saddle back window mounted, or portable roller style with hoses that connect to outside air. They’re a great way to increase comfort all year long and reduce your reliance on gas or expensive electric baseboard heating. Because they are a DIY installation, they can be a great solution for renters. These units are lower cost than full home heat pumps and are powered by a standard 120V outlet. The models available today typically cost $500-800. They provide energy efficient heating and cooling ideal for apartments or single rooms in larger homes. Existing models have been designed to work in mild climates, but more powerful and more expensive, cold climate versions are expected to become available soon.