Heat Strips

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Welcome to the South Mini Splits collection for Heat Strips. We feature high-efficiency systems from industry leaders like Cooper & Hunter, OLMO, MRCOOL, and Bravo.

These essential, robust, and reliable units are the ideal solution for supplementing your heat pump in extremely cold climates, providing backup heat during defrost cycles, or ensuring comfort when temperatures drop below freezing.

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✅ Wholesale Pricing: Competitive rates on top-tier HVAC equipment.

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What is a Heat Strip

A Heat Strip is a crucial auxiliary component that provides electric resistance heating, primarily for mini split air handlers, and its selection requires precision to ensure it properly supplements your primary heat source. The strip's capacity, rated in kilowatts (kW), must be correctly sized to avoid system damage and deliver efficient comfort during critical times.

For customers living in regions with low winter temperatures or those with a high demand for guaranteed warmth, the Heat Strip is the perfect solution for supplementing the primary heat pump function:

  • Extreme Cold Backup: Heat pumps become less efficient as outdoor temperatures drop, typically below 20°F. The Heat Strip automatically engages in these conditions to ensure the home remains warm, taking over when the heat pump struggles.
  • Defrost Cycle Supplement: During the heat pump's necessary defrost cycle, the Heat Strip activates to prevent cold air from blowing into the room, maintaining comfort while the outdoor unit clears ice.
  • Emergency Heat: The Heat Strip guarantees reliable, immediate heat during rare instances of heat pump failure or maintenance, acting as an essential safety net.

Inverter technology is important for all mini splits, but the Heat Strip's role is to ensure its limitations are covered.

  • Fixed Output: Unlike the variable output of a modern inverter heat pump, the Heat Strip operates at a fixed, 1:1 ratio (1 unit of electricity equals 1 unit of heat). This makes it costly to run continuously but perfect for intermittent, high-power bursts when the inverter system is operating at reduced capacity.
  • Energy Management: The system's control board manages the Heat Strip, ensuring it only engages when the variable-output heat pump needs help to maintain the set temperature, thereby preserving the overall system's energy savings profile.

Effective system integration is a critical component when dealing with a Heat Strip, which uses a high-amperage electrical connection. For proper function, the Heat Strip must be correctly matched to the indoor air handler's size and installed with a dedicated 208/230V circuit, often requiring a 30 to 40 amp breaker. For customers planning a multi-zone system in a cold climate, the Heat Strip provides the necessary peace of mind that every room—even those far from the outdoor unit—will remain warm regardless of how cold it gets outside. Providing this detailed "Pro Insight" reinforces our position as an expert and gives the customer the essential confidence they need to select the right backup heating solution for a complex, all-weather HVAC system.

FAQs/Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main purpose of adding a heat strip to a mini split system?

A: The main purpose is to provide auxiliary heating. Heat pumps become less efficient as outdoor temperatures drop, especially below 20°F. The electric heat strip automatically engages in these extreme conditions to ensure the home remains warm.

Q: Are heat strips more efficient than a heat pump?

A: No. Heat pumps are far more efficient because they move heat rather than creating it. Heat strips operate on a 1:1 ratio (1 unit of electricity equals 1 unit of heat), making them expensive to run continuously. They should only be used as a backup when the heat pump is struggling.

Q: How do I choose the correct BTU capacity for a heat strip?

A: Heat strips are rated in kilowatts (kW), such as 5 kW, 8 kW, or 10 kW. The capacity must be matched to the size of your indoor air handler and the total BTU output of your outdoor condenser. You must also ensure your electrical panel has the dedicated circuit capacity to handle the high amperage draw of the strip.

Q: Does installing a heat strip affect the system's warranty?

A: No, provided you use a manufacturer-approved or OEM-compatible heat strip and the installation is performed correctly by a qualified professional. Improper installation or using a non-approved component could potentially void the warranty.

Q: Are heat strips included in the standard mini split kit?

A: No. Heat strips are sold separately as an accessory because they are only necessary for installations in colder climates where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. They require a separate, high-amperage electrical connection.