Amana Distinctions DHP153J50BA 15,000 BTU R32 PTAC Heat Pump with 5kW Backup Heat
The Amana Distinctions DHP153J50BA is the top-of-the-line Distinctions heat pump for large rooms in colder climates. It pairs 14,700 BTU/h of R-32 cooling and 13,500 BTU/h of heat pump heating at a 3.2 COP with a 5kW backup strip rated at 15,000 BTU/h at 230V. The heat pump handles mild days efficiently, and the larger strip with Automatic Emergency Heat covers the coldest nights. A 7-button control panel is built in and an LCDI power cord is included, so the unit runs without a thermostat. Optional wired thermostats are available in the drop-down. It's the Distinctions choice for northern hotels, corner apartments, and high-heat-loss spaces.
Is a 15,000 BTU Heat Pump with 5kW Backup the Right Size?
The DHP153J50BA has the same heat pump and cooling performance as the 3.5kW DHP153J35BA. What changes is backup capacity: the 5kW strip supplies about 4,100 more BTU/h of electric heat at 230V when outdoor temperatures drop and the heat pump needs help.
This model makes the most sense where winters are long or cold, or where rooms lose heat quickly through large windows or exposed walls. The 5kW heater draws more current, so have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit and receptacle before installation.
Ideal for: Hotel suites and large rooms in cold climates, corner apartments, lobbies and common areas, and commercial rooms with high winter heat loss.
Onboard controls included: No thermostat is needed. Run the DHP153J50BA from its 7-button control panel, or add the optional wired PHWT-A200 2-stage heat thermostat from the drop-down.
Need more capacity? This is the largest Distinctions heat pump. For bigger spaces, request a quote for multiple PTACs or a ductless system.
Recommended room applications are general guidelines only. Actual requirements depend on room size, insulation, window area, sun exposure, occupancy, and local climate. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| PTAC Unit | DHP153J50BA — 15,000 BTU Heat Pump with 5kW Backup Electric Heat |
|---|---|
| Controls | Onboard 7-Button Control Panel — Wall Thermostat Optional (Available in Drop-Down) |
| Power Cord | LCDI Power Cord (Included) |
| Cooling Capacity | 14,700 / 14,500 BTU/h at 10.6 EER (230V / 208V) |
| Heat Pump Heating | 13,500 / 13,200 BTU/h at 3.2 COP (230V / 208V) |
| Backup Electric Heat | 5kW — 15,000 / 12,200 BTU/h (230V / 208V) |
| Heater Amps | 22.3 / 20.1 A (230V / 208V) |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Electrical | 230/208V, 60 Hz |
The DHP153J50BA includes an LCDI power cord matched to its 5kW heater, plus onboard controls, so no extra parts are needed to start it up. Build a complete installation with the WS900QW wall sleeve, exterior aluminum grille, and DK900QW drain kit.
PTAC Unit & Control Features
DHP153J50BA 15,000 BTU Distinctions Heat Pump, 5kW
- 5kW backup strip, 15,000 BTU/h at 230V
- 13,500 BTU/h heat pump heating at a 3.2 COP
- 14,700 BTU/h cooling at 230V; 14,500 BTU/h at 208V
- Automatic Emergency Heat for uninterrupted warmth
- 10.6 EER cooling efficiency
- 4.33 pints/hr dehumidification
- 416 CFM high-speed airflow
- R-32 refrigerant
- Gold fin coils for seacoast protection
- Dual fan motors for quiet, precise fan control
Onboard Controls, Thermostat & Installation
- Built-in 7-button control panel
- No thermostat required for daily use
- 3-speed fan selectable at the unit
- Continuous or cycling fan operation
- Compatible with standard wired thermostats
- Optional Amana wired thermostats in the drop-down
- LCDI power cord included for the 5kW heater
- Verify the circuit can handle the 5kW heater
- Washable, easy pull-out filters
- Five-year limited warranty
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes performance data, electrical information, feature details, and warranty information to assist with PTAC selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I pick the 5kW DHP153J50BA over the 3.5kW heat pump?
The 5kW strip adds about 4,100 BTU/h of backup heat at 230V (15,000 vs. 10,900 BTU/h), which matters in cold climates and rooms with high heat loss. Cooling and heat pump performance are identical.
How many amps does the 5kW heater draw?
Amana lists 22.3 amps at 230V and 20.1 amps at 208V for the 5kW heater. Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit before installation.
Can the DHP153J50BA be operated without a wall thermostat?
Yes. It includes a 7-button control panel on the unit. Wall thermostats in the drop-down are optional.
Does the heat pump still run when the 5kW strip is available?
Yes. The heat pump is the primary heat source at a 3.2 COP. The strip takes over through Automatic Emergency Heat when the compressor fails or the load exceeds heat pump capacity.
Is the DHP153J50BA the largest Distinctions heat pump?
Yes. It shares the top 15,000 BTU capacity with the DHP153J35BA and adds the larger 5kW backup heater.
What kinds of buildings use the DHP153J50BA?
Hotels and apartments in northern climates, plus lobbies, corner suites, and commercial rooms with large windows, all of which need strong backup heat along with heat pump efficiency.

Amana Distinctions PTAC Brochure