Both heat and cool one room with a heat pump. The difference is cost, install work and how well they heat when it gets cold.
Room Heat Pump
- Cost: about $400 to $650 for window and portable units; about $900 to $1,900 for PTACs.
- Install: window and portable units are DIY on a normal outlet. PTACs need a wall sleeve and a 230V circuit.
- Cold weather: window and portable heat pumps stop around 41°F. PTACs switch to electric heat.
- Noise: the whole machine sits in the room or window.
Mini Split
- Cost: about $350 to $2,000 for the unit, plus installation for most models.
- Install: refrigerant lines between indoor and outdoor units. Most need a licensed HVAC tech; pre-charged DIY kits are the exception.
- Cold weather: cold-climate models keep heating far below freezing.
- Noise: the compressor sits outside, so it is quieter indoors.
How to Choose
Renting, mild climate or tight budget: a room heat pump like the Midea 8,000 BTU U. Owning, cold winters or a room you use every day: a mini split. Replacing an old hotel-style wall unit: a PTAC such as the Amana Distinctions.
Want to see how a heat pump fits with the rest of your home? Our Whole-Home Energy Calculator adds up what a thermostat, an EV charger, a backup battery and more would mean for your monthly bill.