Best Electric Duct Heater Options for HVAC Systems

Choosing the right electric duct heater or compatible electric heating kit requires balancing capacity, compatibility, installation, and safety features. The table below summarizes five well-matched products for duct, air-handler, or overhead forced-air heating applications selected from popular options.

Product Type Key Spec
Warren SL5A 5 KW Electric Duct Heater In-Duct Electric Heater 5000W, 240V, 24V Control
Goodman 10 kW 208/240V Electric Heat Kit (HKTSN10X1) Air Handler Heat Kit 10 kW, 208/240V compatibility
Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount 5,000W Garage Heater (CZ220BK) Fan-Forced Ceiling Heater 5,000W, 240V, hard-wired
Dura Heat EUH1465 Forced Air Heater Portable Forced-Air Electric Heater 1500W PTC Ceramic, Pivoting Base
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Wall Heater Infrared Wall-Mounted Electric Heater Wi‑Fi Control, Wall Mounted

Warren SL5A 5 KW Electric Duct Heater 240/1/60

Warren SL5A 5 KW Electric Duct Heater 240/1/60 1 Stage 24V Control Product Image

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The Warren SL5A is an in-duct electric heater designed for integration into HVAC ductwork. Its 5,000W output at 240V provides substantial heat for smaller ducted zones or as supplemental heat in existing systems. The unit’s in-duct form factor supports inline installation and helps preserve airflow patterns within the HVAC system.

Control is handled via a 24V control signal, enabling compatibility with common thermostat and control systems used by HVAC professionals. This simplifies wiring for single-stage operation and supports standard control interfaces. The design highlights fast heat delivery and ease of system integration.

Consider the Warren for applications that require a compact in-duct heater with straightforward 24V control, keeping in mind proper sizing to duct volume and air handler capacity for optimal performance and safety.

Goodman 10 kW 208/240V Electric Heat Kit HKTSN10X1

Goodman 10 kW 208/240V Electric Heat Kit Product Image

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The Goodman HKTSN10X1 is a factory-style electric heat kit designed to mount inside compatible Goodman air handlers. Rated at 10 kW on 208/240V single-phase power, it produces a high heating output suitable for whole-air-handler supplemental heat or primary electric heating in mild to moderate climate retrofit scenarios.

Key attributes include direct integration with specific Goodman air handler models and a stated nominal output equivalent to roughly 34,250 BTU/hr. The heat kit eliminates the need for gas connections by using line-voltage resistance elements and is intended for professional installation to ensure compatibility and safe wiring.

Ideal use cases are air-handler replacements or upgrades where gas is not available or desired. Verify model compatibility and electrical capacity before purchase; installation often requires dedicated circuits and proper protection devices sized to manufacturer guidance.

Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount 5,000W Garage Heater CZ220BK

Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount Garage Electric Space Heater Product Image

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The Comfort Zone CZ220BK is a ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater designed to heat garages, workshops, and other overhead-mounted applications. Its 5,000W 240V design offers robust forced-air heat with adjustable mounting angles and louvers to aim airflow where required.

Constructed from heavy-gauge steel, the unit emphasizes durability for demanding environments. The hard-wired installation saves floor and wall space and places the heater out of the way of activity, which can be preferable in workshop or storage settings.

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While not an inline duct heater, the Comfort Zone can function as a zone heater in space-heating scenarios or as part of a broader forced-air arrangement when ducting or directional louvers are used. Ensure proper electrical service and mounting support for safe installation.

Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater With Pivoting Base

Dura Heat EUH1465 Electric Forced Air Heater Product Image

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The Dura Heat EUH1465 is a portable forced-air electric heater delivering 1500W of PTC ceramic heat. Its pivoting base and rugged steel construction make it suitable for small-area heating in garages, workshops, or as a supplemental heat source near duct terminations.

Its simplified controls typically offer heat and fan-only settings, providing flexibility for circulation or supplemental heating. The PTC element design supports rapid warm-up and inherent self-regulation characteristics, which can enhance longevity and safety.

Though not built as an inline duct heater, the Dura Heat can be useful for targeted warming at air registers or in spaces where portable heat is acceptable. Consider airflow patterns and safety clearance around combustibles when deploying this unit near duct outlets.

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater Wall Mounted

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater Product Image

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The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is a wall-mounted infrared heater with Wi‑Fi control and a digital thermostat. It delivers targeted radiant heat ideal for rooms where ducting is limited or where zone control is desired without extensive duct modifications.

Key conveniences include remote and smartphone control for scheduling and setpoint adjustments. As an infrared panel, it warms objects and occupants rather than exclusively heating circulated air, which can be efficient for specific zone heating applications.

For duct applications, this model is best considered as an alternative or complement to duct heaters—useful when targeted radiant heating or smart control is prioritized over inline HVAC integration.

Buying Guide For Electric Duct Heaters And Related Electric HVAC Solutions

When selecting an electric duct heater or a compatible electric heating solution, consider these critical factors to match performance, safety, and installation needs.

Heating Capacity And Sizing

  • Wattage Match: Choose a heater with wattage appropriate to the zone or air handler. In-duct heaters like the Warren may be sized by cubic feet per minute (CFM) and desired temperature rise; air handler heat kits list kW outputs.
  • Airflow And Temperature Rise: Calculate the required temperature rise using CFM and desired delta-T. Oversized elements with insufficient airflow can cause high element temperatures and premature failure.

Compatibility With HVAC Equipment

  • Air Handler Integration: Heat kits intended for specific air handlers (e.g., Goodman) require matching model compatibility for mounting, wiring, and airflow considerations.
  • Control Voltage: Check control voltage requirements (24V vs. line voltage). Many duct heaters use 24V thermostat signals for easier integration into standard HVAC controls.

Installation And Electrical Requirements

  • Dedicated Circuits: High-wattage units often require dedicated branch circuits, correct breaker sizing, and suitably rated wiring. Confirm your electrical capacity and panel space.
  • Professional Installation: Many duct and air-handler heaters should be installed by licensed HVAC/electrical contractors to ensure safety, correct sequencing, and code compliance.

Safety Features And Certifications

  • Overheat/High-Limit Protection: Look for thermal cutouts and overheat protection built into the heater to prevent unsafe temperatures.
  • Certifications: ETL, UL, or other recognized safety listings indicate manufacturer testing and compliance with industry standards.

Type Of Heating: Duct, Panel, Or Portable

  • In-Duct Heaters: Best for inline HVAC integration and even heat distribution via existing ductwork. Select if you need central zone heating controlled by the thermostat.
  • Air Handler Heat Kits: Intended to work inside specific air handlers—these are practical for converting or upgrading systems to all-electric heat.
  • Wall-Mounted/Infrared: Efficient for targeted radiant heat and smart control options, but not a substitute for central ducted heating where air distribution is required.
  • Portable/Forced Air: Useful for spot heating, mobile supplemental heat, or workshop use; not designed for permanent duct integration.

Efficiency, Operating Cost, And Control

  • Heat Source Efficiency: Electric resistive heaters convert nearly all electric energy to heat; measure efficiency by matching size and runtime to needs rather than “efficiency” claims alone.
  • Thermostat And Zoning: Use thermostats, zone dampers, or smart controls to limit runtime and reduce operating cost. 24V control compatibility simplifies integration into multi-zone HVAC systems.

Durability And Environmental Considerations

  • Construction: Heavy-gauge steel housings and sealed elements are preferable for dusty or workshop conditions.
  • Noise And Air Movement: Fan-forced units distribute heat quickly but generate noise; infrared or radiant options are quieter for living spaces.

Comparison Perspectives

  • Integration vs. Flexibility: In-duct heaters and heat kits integrate into a central system for seamless control, while wall-mounted or portable units offer flexible placement and lower installation complexity.
  • Output vs. Electrical Demand: Higher kW ratings deliver more heat but increase electrical demand and may require panel upgrades.
  • Control Complexity: 24V-controlled duct heaters provide easier thermostat integration; line-voltage thermostats or smart Wi‑Fi panels offer direct control but can complicate wiring for central systems.

Use this guide to match the selected product type to your HVAC layout, electrical capacity, and heating objectives. Professional consultation is recommended for retrofits, high-wattage installations, or when compliance with local codes is required.

Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices

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