The best window AC with heat in 2026 is the Friedrich CCW10B10A Chill Premier (10,000 BTU cooling / 10,000 BTU heating, CEER 12.0, ~$520). Window AC heater combos provide both cooling and supplemental heating in a single unit, eliminating the need for a separate space heater during shoulder seasons and mild winters.
Most window AC heaters use electric resistance heating (100% efficient). A few models offer heat pump operation (200–300% efficient) which costs significantly less to run. Here's everything you need to know about picking the right combo unit.
Two Types of Window AC Heating
Electric Resistance (Most Common)
Electric resistance converts electricity directly to heat at exactly 100% efficiency (1 kWh = 3,412 BTU). It works at any outdoor temperature but costs 2–3x more to operate than heat pump heating.
Heat Pump (Reverse Cycle)
Heat pump mode reverses the refrigeration cycle to pull heat from outdoor air into your room. At 47°F outdoor, efficiency is 200–300% (2–3 kWh of heat per 1 kWh of electricity). Efficiency drops as outdoor temperature decreases, and most window AC heat pumps stop working effectively below 40°F.
| Heating Type | How It Works | Efficiency | Effective Range | Operating Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Resistance | Electricity → direct heat | 100% (COP 1.0) | Any temperature | High ($0.05/kWh heat) |
| Heat Pump | Extracts outdoor heat | 200–300% (COP 2.0–3.0) | Above 40°F outdoor | Low ($0.02–$0.03/kWh heat) |
Top Window ACs with Heat Ranked
| Rank | Model | Cool BTU | Heat BTU | CEER | Heat Type | Noise | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friedrich CCW10B10A | 10,000 | 10,000 | 12.0 | Resistance | 46 dB | $520 |
| 2 | Friedrich CCW08B10A | 8,000 | 3,500 | 12.0 | Resistance | 45 dB | $480 |
| 3 | LG LW1221HRSM | 12,000 | 11,200 | 10.5 | Heat Pump | 48 dB | $580 |
| 4 | Frigidaire FHWH082WA1 | 8,000 | 3,500 | 11.5 | Resistance | 48 dB | $380 |
| 5 | Frigidaire FHWH112WA1 | 11,000 | 10,600 | 10.2 | Heat Pump | 49 dB | $520 |
| 6 | Keystone KSTAW10AHP | 10,000 | 8,000 | 10.0 | Heat Pump | 51 dB | $450 |
| 7 | GE AHE08DX | 8,000 | 3,800 | 10.8 | Resistance | 49 dB | $350 |
Heating Cost Comparison
Monthly heating costs for a 300 sq ft room in a 40°F winter (8 hours/day):
| Unit Type | Monthly Heating Cost | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Window AC heat pump | $35–$50 | COP 2.0–3.0 |
| Window AC resistive heat | $75–$110 | COP 1.0 |
| Portable space heater | $75–$110 | COP 1.0 |
| Mini split heat pump | $20–$35 | COP 3.0–5.0 |
| Gas furnace (forced air) | $30–$55 | 80–96% AFUE |
Electric resistance heating in a window AC is identical in cost to a standalone space heater. Both convert electricity to heat at 100% efficiency. The only convenience advantage is having one unit that handles both seasons. If you need serious winter heating, a mini split heat pump (COP 3.0–5.0) or central heating is far more cost-effective.
Example 1: Mild Winter, Shoulder Season Heating — Andrea uses a Friedrich CCW10B10A in her Austin, TX apartment. Winter lows rarely drop below 35°F, so the electric resistance heat provides comfortable supplemental warmth from November through February. Her winter heating cost: about $45/month, replacing a $30 portable heater + $150 window AC (net savings: one less appliance to store).
Example 2: Heat Pump for Fall/Spring — Ryan in Nashville chose the LG LW1221HRSM heat pump model. In temperatures above 45°F (October, November, March, April), the heat pump mode heats his 450 sq ft living room for about $35/month — roughly half what electric resistance would cost. Below 40°F (December-February), he switches to his central gas furnace.
Example 3: Year-Round Single Room — Janet's converted garage workshop in Raleigh has no central HVAC. She installed a Frigidaire FHWH112WA1 heat pump window AC. It cools in summer and heats in fall/spring. For the coldest winter weeks, she supplements with a small ceramic heater. Total annual HVAC cost: ~$300 for a 250 sq ft space.
When a Window AC with Heat Makes Sense
| Situation | Good Choice? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mild winters (above 40°F) | Yes | Heat pump models are efficient |
| Shoulder seasons only | Yes | Supplemental heat for fall/spring |
| Primary winter heat (cold climate) | No | Electric resistance is expensive |
| Single room with no HVAC | Yes | All-in-one convenience |
| Replacing space heater + window AC | Maybe | Saves space, similar cost |
Key Takeaways
- Friedrich Chill Premier leads the combo category with the best build quality and solid efficiency.
- Heat pump models (LG, Frigidaire, Keystone) cost half as much to heat compared to electric resistance — but only work above ~40°F outdoor.
- Electric resistance heating is NOT a primary heating solution for cold climates — it's equally expensive to a space heater.
- Combo units add $50–$150 to the price over cooling-only models. Worth it if you genuinely use both functions.
- Best for: mild climates, shoulder seasons, single rooms without central HVAC, and eliminating the need for a separate space heater.
- If serious heating is your priority, a mini split heat pump ($1,500–$3,500) is far more efficient and works in much colder temperatures.