A/C heat strip worth installing?

[ADQ K9]

My 15K A/C unit has an option for installing a "heat strip" looking at it it looks as if I would have to install a new thermostat too, Not sure if the wiring will support this either. Thoughts options?

[bsmith0404]

Most ACs that can have a heat strip installed are none ducted with control knobs on the AC itself. Not familiar with adding heat strips to ducted, thermostat controlled units. But if you can do it, it’s a nice feature to have. Being able to heat for free off an RV parks electricity vs burning LP is always a good thing

[bobbecky]

If you are in cold conditions where you must heat to help keep plumbing from freezing, the heat strips will do nothing for that purpose. You will not get the heat into the belly of the rig with heat coming out of the ceiling. You must run the furnace which usually will have ducting also going into the belly area to keep your plumbing warm.

[bsmith0404]

Heat strips aren’t really much good below 40 degrees, maybe 35. Typically when you get down to freezing temps you need to run the furnace anyway. Heat strips are very effective at taking the chill off when it’s 50. I absolutely love my heat pump and fireplace when the temps drop down to the 40s and 50s. Once it hits the 30s, it’s furnace time.

[rjsurfer]

Not worth the trouble, too much money for not enough heat. Couldn't even heat my truck camper.

Ron W.

[ADQ K9]

Well I was thinking Spring/Fall trips I know they don't pump out a whole lot and that I need the furnace to keep the basement/ tanks from freezing solid. I don.t really camp in the winter but do try to push the seasons since the season up here in Alaska is so short. Looking at breaking it out in April or when night time temps stay above freezing.

[Brentw]

While the strip puts out 1200 watts of heat, with that big A/C fan pushing the air by it, it will feel cool. I use a oil filled heater instead ( no space issues).
If your ac is heat ready, and you can find the coil cheap enough and install your self, give it a try. But not something I would pursue again.