Choosing a 5kW electric heater depends on application — duct/air handler kits, PTAC units with auxiliary strips, pool heat pumps, or standalone space and garage heaters. Below is a concise comparison of selected 5kW products from Amazon, followed by detailed product sections and a practical buying guide to help match a heater to your needs.
| Product | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Klimaire 15,000 BTU PTAC w/ 5 kW Heater | PTAC Heat Pump + 5kW Electric Backup | Hotel rooms, retro PTAC replacements |
| OLMO 15,000 BTU PTAC + 5 kW Heat Strip | PTAC Packaged Terminal Unit | Residential/commercial PTAC installs |
| Supplying Demand HKR-05 5 kW Heater Kit | Electric Heater Kit For Air Handlers | Air handler retrofit/forced-air systems |
| Warren SL5A 5 kW Duct Heater | In-Duct Electric Heater | HVAC duct integration |
| Goodman 5 kW Heat Kit HKTSD05X1 | Electric Heat Kit (208/204V) | OEM compatible air handlers |
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Klimaire 15,000 BTU PTAC Heat Pump With 5 kW Electric Heater
This Klimaire PTAC combines a heat pump with an auxiliary 5.0 kW electric heater, offering a split-mode approach: efficient heat pump heating plus electric backup for low outdoor temperatures. It is designed to fit standard 42″ x 16″ slide-in sleeves for seamless replacement of common PTACs.
Key specs include EER 10.6, cooling ~14,700 BTU/h, heat pump capacity ~13,500 BTU/h, and the listed 5.0 kW auxiliary heater. The unit uses R-32 refrigerant and requires 208–230V single-phase power with a 30A LCDI plug. Included accessories: drain kit, wireless remote, and control panel sticker.
For built-in room units where a PTAC footprint is needed, this model pairs heat pump efficiency with the security of an electric heat strip to meet peak load demands and freezing conditions.
OLMO 15,000 BTU PTAC With 5 kW Heat Strip
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The OLMO PTAC is a packaged terminal air conditioner rated at 15,000 BTU with an integrated 5 kW electric heat strip. It’s intended for 230/208V, single-phase operation and uses R-32 refrigerant. The unit ships with a wireless smart kit, remote controller, and power cord.
Important installation notes: for new installs, a wall sleeve and exterior grille are not included and must be purchased separately. The unit includes a 25A power plug with a reset breaker, so verify your outlet/receptacle before ordering. The combined features make it suitable for hotel and multi-unit residential retrofits where PTACs are standard.
Supplying Demand HKR-05 5 kW Electric Heater Kit
The Supplying Demand HKR-05 is a 5 kW electric heater kit designed for direct mounting inside compatible air handlers. It uses an alloy open-coil element and includes necessary limit controls for safe operation.
Specifications: 240V, 5kW, 39.6 Amp, single phase. The kit comes with wiring and installation instructions plus warranty information. It’s intended for model-specific air handlers, so confirm compatibility with your air handler before purchase.
Because it’s a kit for internal integration, this option is aimed at HVAC technicians or experienced DIYers upgrading forced-air systems requiring electric supplemental heat.
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Warren SL5A 5 kW Electric Duct Heater
The Warren SL5A delivers 5000W of heating in an in-duct form factor meant for integration into HVAC ductwork. It operates with 24V control for straightforward interfacing to typical control systems and provides one-stage heating.
Designed for ducted systems, the SL5A focuses on delivering electric heat directly into the air stream. Its compact in-duct design facilitates placement inside plenum or duct runs where supplemental heat is required. This model suits commercial or residential central systems needing a reliable electric heat source.
Goodman 5 kW Electric Heat Kit HKTSD05X1
The Goodman HKTSD05X1 is a factory-style 5 kW electric heat kit intended for compatible Goodman air handlers, operating at 208/204V, single phase. It delivers roughly 17,125 BTU/hour when supplied with rated voltage. The design eliminates the need for gas lines by using full electric heating inside the air handler.
Compatibility is important: the kit lists specific Goodman air handler models (AHVE, AMVE, AMVT, AMST, AWST). Verify your model number before buying. This OEM-style kit is engineered to integrate cleanly with matching air handlers and maintain factory-style controls.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right 5kW Electric Heater
Selecting the correct 5 kW electric heater depends on several technical and practical factors. Below are the key considerations and comparison perspectives to guide a purchase.
Type And Application
- Air Handler / Heat Kit: Choose a kit (Supplying Demand, Goodman) when adding electric heat to an existing air handler. Confirm voltage, amperage, and physical fit.
- In-Duct Heater: Duct heaters (Warren) are for central HVAC systems needing heat delivered directly into ductwork; ensure control voltage compatibility.
- PTAC Units With Heat Strip: PTACs with 5kW auxiliary strips (Klimaire, OLMO) suit hotel rooms, retrofits, or wall sleeve replacements where a packaged unit is needed.
- Space Or Garage Heaters: For open spaces, select purpose-built fan-forced or ceiling models sized for the area; note many are rated at 5,000W but are not duct-integrated.
Electrical Requirements And Circuit Considerations
- 5 kW at 240V draws ~20–25A depending on exact voltage; some kits list ~39.6A at specified voltages — always calculate using the device’s stated current and local codes.
- Verify supply voltage (208/230/240V) and whether a dedicated circuit or specific breaker type is required.
- Confirm plug type or hard-wired requirement (some PTACs include LCDI plugs or reset breakers; kits may require hard wiring).
Compatibility And Fit
- For kits and duct heaters, confirm physical dimensions and mounting options to match your air handler/ductwork.
- PTAC units must match a standard sleeve size (e.g., 42″ x 16″) for straightforward replacement.
- OEM heat kits (Goodman) list compatible models—verify model numbers to ensure control and harness compatibility.
Controls, Safety, And Accessories
- Look for included thermostatic or 24V control interfaces if you need integration with existing HVAC controls.
- Safety features: limit controls, reset breakers, LCDI protection, overheat cutoff, and listed certifications (ETL/UL) are important.
- Accessories such as remotes, wireless kits, drains (for PTAC), and sleeves may be required for complete installation.
Performance Metrics And Efficiency
- Electric heaters have near 100% instantaneous conversion of electricity to heat; efficiency differences are mainly in system integration and heat distribution.
- For PTACs, consider heat pump COP and auxiliary 5 kW usage: a higher-efficiency heat pump reduces runtime of the electric strip.
- For pool heaters and heat pumps, COP and ambient temperature operating ranges determine usefulness across seasons.
Installation And Maintenance
- Decide between DIY-friendly plug-and-play units and kits requiring licensed HVAC/electrical installation.
- Regular maintenance: inspect elements, limit controls, wiring connections, and ducts or sleeves annually.
- For PTACs and packaged units, verify access for future service and filter replacement procedures.
Sizing And Heat Load Considerations
- Calculate heat load using room size, insulation, window area, and climate. A 5 kW heater provides about 17,000 BTU/h—suitable for many small to medium spaces or as auxiliary heat in larger systems.
- For central systems, balance electric heater capacity with furnace or heat pump output and thermostat control strategy to prevent short cycling.
Comparison Perspectives
- Integration: OEM kits (Goodman) and dedicated heater kits (Supplying Demand) integrate tightly with specific equipment; PTACs provide a full packaged solution for room replacements.
- Flexibility: In-duct heaters (Warren) are flexible for central systems; PTACs are constrained to wall-sleeve installations but include packaged controls.
- Safety & Controls: Kits with limit controls and reset breakers ease code compliance; PTACs with LCDI plugs provide corded safety solutions for specific installations.
When selecting a 5 kW electric heater, prioritize correct type (kit, in-duct, packaged), electrical compatibility, and required accessories. Consult a qualified electrician or HVAC technician for installations that involve hardwiring or system integration to ensure code compliance and safe operation.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.