Do you think a window A/C unit would work as a heat pump?

[Zeke]

OK, there are some challenges right off the bat. Let's assume the controls are accessible and out of the weather. And let's assume the condensation drain can be rerouted. Is the efficiency even close by reversing the unit in the opening or enclosure? And this would not be in snow country, more like SoCal where 40º is as cold as it gets and most days are at least 60. Would that take the overnight chill out of the shop? Can I set it below 60? Maybe not. Might have to bypass the temp control. I doubt it would freeze as humidity runs 50 to 80% on a humid day. This morning it was 46º with 80%; now 63/50.

Electricity is expensive here. Propane or natural gas is the way to go for heat. I would do a mini split except for the summer electric bill. So I concentrate a window unit to where my work area is. I have portable electric heaters that use a kilowatt per hour. I have propane that has to be vented. I have no plumbing for gas and it would be a job.

But it would be nothing to walk out the door next to the window and turn on the A/C.

 

[mike93lx]

Coming soon, allegedly

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[fitter30]

No! Heat pumps have to have a defrost because the outside coil will be below freezing. When in defrost the fans stop there is a reversing valve that switches from heat to cooling then by time and or temperature it switches back and the fans starts. Metering devises are expansion valves not a cap tube.

 

[u2slow]

You can likely find a pass-thru wall unit that is dual-acting. Beware, it may not be well suited to cold climates and just swing over to the backup electric toaster coil.

 

[lolaetype]

You can always buy the same units they put in motels.

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www.heatandcool.com

 

[dogdog]

Coming soon, allegedly

Gradient | Window Air Conditioner and Cold Climate Heat Pump

Gradient window heat pumps are a modern and energy efficient solution to window and whole home air conditioning, that cools, heats, and never blocks your view. The latest innovative HVAC solution that services four seasons with just one system.

www.gradientcomfort.com

My Midea windows unit $250 Costco already able to do heat pump functions. Not super hot but warm air great for fall to late fall temp. Won’t do it for North East coast winter though.

 

[Zeke]

OK.. Scrap that plan. I'll just use propane and vent it.

 

[dogdog]

if you have space, an oil filled radiator type electric heat is great but still electric heat though. So it’s costly. Kept my fingers from frosting up in an unsealed garage with no insulation or windows. Not super cozy but just workable in the winter.

 

[Zeke]

if you have space, an oil filled radiator type electric heat is great but still electric heat though. So it’s costly. Kept my fingers from frosting up in an unsealed garage with no insulation or windows. Not super cozy but just workable in the winter.

I watched a TY that said oil filled heaters were the best for the buck. A god tip was to turn it off well before leaving as it continues to heat for some time. No need to waste that.

I have an old 240v coiled wire resistance heater and it pulls 4 kHw/hr. I can use it for 15 minutes and get the chill off while an oil heater is getting things up to temp. I have an office attached to the garage and I'm thinking of putting a work bench in there for any clean work. I have to keep that room at 55º because of contents (like a piano).

 

[Shiftless]

I know you have scratched the idea, but thanks for bringing it up. I was thinking that same thing but after reading this thread, I realized that the thermostat governs on and off so if my window AC has a minimum set temp of 60 (which it does) it wouldn’t provide any heat unless the outdoor temp was above 60.

(unless, like you said, bypass the temperature control thermostat)