Finding an air conditioner that heats and cools is ideal for maintaining comfort in all seasons. We reviewed powerful, versatile units ranging from portable air conditioners to window units, including energy-efficient options with smart technology. Below is a summary table to help you compare key features of five top contenders designed for U.S. homes, apartments, and offices.
| Product | Cooling BTU | Heating BTU | Coverage Area | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable AC with Heat | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) | 10,000 BTU | Up to 700 Sq. Ft. | Wi-Fi & Voice Control, 4-in-1 Unit, Dehumidifier |
| Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC | 12,000 BTU | Supplemental Heat Pump | Up to 550 Sq. Ft. | Energy Star, Remote & App Control, Quiet Operation |
| Aoxun 10,000 BTU Portable AC with Heat | 10,000 BTU | Heating Mode Included | Up to 268 Sq. Ft. | 4-in-1, Quiet Sleep Mode, Child Lock |
| Whynter 14,000 BTU Portable AC & Heater | 14,000 BTU | Heating Included | Up to 500 Sq. Ft. | Dual Hose, Auto Drain, Good Housekeeping Award |
| LG 18,000 BTU Window AC with Heat | 18,000 BTU | Heater Function | Up to 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Digital Controls, 24 Hour Timer, Multiple Speeds |
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
This 14,000 BTU ASHRAE portable air conditioner cools rooms up to 700 square feet while providing 10,000 BTU heating for winter use. Its four-in-one function includes air conditioning, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes, making it a versatile year-round solution. Smart Wi-Fi connectivity allows control via the mobile app or voice commands with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The unit’s portability helps users conveniently move it between rooms. Its size (16.5″ x 14.06″ x 27.09″) fits well in homes or bedrooms, enhancing comfort efficiently.
Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner with Heat
The Midea 12,000 BTU window AC offers powerful cooling and supplemental heating via heat pump technology, ideal for areas up to 550 square feet. It features an energy-efficient inverter design certified by Energy Star, delivering up to 35% electricity savings compared to standard units. The unit supports five modes—heat, auto, cool, dry, and fan—and three-speed settings. Its LED display, remote control, and smart app compatibility permit easy temperature adjustments from anywhere. Note: The heat function stops working when temperatures drop below 41°F outside.
Aoxun 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
The Aoxun 10,000 BTU portable AC provides fast cooling and heating for spaces up to 268 square feet. Its 4-in-1 functionality includes cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes. With noise levels ≤55dB, this unit’s quiet night mode supports restful sleep or focused work. Additional safety features like a 24-hour timer and child lock make it family-friendly. This compact and versatile unit suits homes, dorms, and offices seeking a balance of functionality and quiet performance.
Whynter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU & Heater Dual Hose
Recognized as Good Housekeeping’s 2025 “Best Overall Portable Air Conditioner,” the Whynter 14,000 BTU dual hose unit cools rooms up to 500 square feet quietly at 51 dBA. Its patented auto drain function tackles water condensate automatically, enhancing usability. This unit also features CFC-free R-32 refrigerant, which is environmentally friendly. Its effective 71-pint-per-day dehumidifier supports healthy indoor air quality, making it suitable for both cooling and heating needs in larger spaces.
LG 18,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Heat
This heavy-duty 18,000 BTU LG window air conditioner with heating cools spaces up to 1,000 square feet, making it well-suited for larger bedrooms, living rooms, or basements. It features multiple fan speeds and two cooling/heating settings for customizable comfort. The digital control panel and remote offer user-friendly operation, while a 24-hour timer enhances energy-efficient scheduling. Its washable filter and installation kit add convenience for long-term maintenance and use. Note: Requires 230/208V power source with specific plug type.
Buying Guide for Air Conditioners That Heat and Cool
Choosing the right air conditioner with heating capability depends on several important considerations:
- Cooling and Heating Capacity: Match the unit’s BTU rating to your room size. Higher BTUs are needed for larger spaces, while smaller rooms require less cooling and heating power to maintain efficiency.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certification or inverter technology that reduces power consumption. Efficient units save on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact.
- Unit Type: Portable units offer flexibility and ease of installation, ideal for rental apartments. Window units typically provide more powerful cooling/heating but require permanent installation.
- Smart Features and Controls: Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app control, and voice assistant integration enhance convenience and allow programming from anywhere.
- Noise Levels: For bedrooms or offices, prioritize AC units that operate quietly, especially those with dedicated sleep or low-noise modes.
- Additional Functions: Dehumidification, fan-only mode, and auto drain functions contribute to year-round comfort and reduce maintenance needs.
- Installation and Power Requirements: Check if the unit requires a dedicated power outlet, specific voltage, or special window dimensions.
- Portability and Size: For renters or those who move rooms frequently, lightweight and compact designs with caster wheels or handles provide better mobility.
Carefully evaluating these factors ensures you select an air conditioner that cools and heats efficiently, providing comfort and energy savings across seasons.