What are Heat Strips?

Heat strips are resistive heating elements installed inside air handlers, package units, or ductwork to provide supplemental heating when primary heating sources need assistance. Unlike heat pumps that extract heat from outdoor air, heat strips generate heat directly through electrical resistance, similar to a large space heater. These heating elements are controlled by thermostats and outdoor temperature sensors to activate only when needed for maximum efficiency.

Types of Heat Strip Applications:

Heat pump heat strips serve as backup heating when outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump's efficient operating range, typically around 35°F. Package unit heat strips provide supplemental heating for rooftop and ground-mounted package systems in commercial and residential applications. Air handler heat strips install directly into indoor air handling units for zoned heating or emergency backup heating when the primary system fails.

Benefits of Heat Strips

Heat strips offer reliable, instant heat production without requiring gas lines, venting, or combustion air supplies. These heating elements provide 100% efficiency at the point of use, converting all electrical energy directly into heat. Heat strips require minimal maintenance compared to gas heating systems, with no moving parts, filters, or combustion components that need regular service.

Installation flexibility makes heat strips ideal for retrofit applications where adding gas heating would be impractical or expensive. These heating elements integrate seamlessly with existing HVAC systems, controlled by the same thermostats and building automation systems. Heat strips provide silent operation without the noise associated with combustion heating systems or outdoor heat pump compressors during cold weather operation.

Sizing and Capacity Options

Heat strips are available in various capacities ranging from 5 kW to 25 kW, suitable for different system sizes and heating requirements. Common residential applications use heat strips between 10-15 kW, while larger commercial systems may require multiple strips or higher-capacity units. Proper sizing ensures adequate backup heating without oversizing, which can cause short cycling and inefficient operation.

BudgetHeating.com stocks heat strips compatible with major HVAC brands and system configurations. Our inventory includes universal heat strips that fit most air handlers and package units, as well as brand-specific models designed for particular systems. Capacity selection depends on building heat loss calculations, existing system size, and local climate conditions.

Installation and Operation

Heat strip installation requires proper electrical connections, safety controls, and integration with existing HVAC systems. Professional installation ensures compliance with electrical codes, proper voltage requirements, and safe operation. Heat strips typically operate on 240V single-phase power for residential applications, with larger commercial units requiring 480V three-phase power.

Modern heat strips include built-in safety features such as thermal limit switches, time delays, and sequencers that stage heating elements to prevent electrical surges. Smart controls can optimize heat strip operation based on outdoor temperature, indoor demand, and utility rates to minimize operating costs while maintaining comfort.

Maintenance and Service

Heat strips require minimal maintenance compared to combustion heating systems, with no combustion air supplies, venting systems, or fuel delivery components to service. Regular maintenance includes visual inspection of heating elements, electrical connections, and safety controls. Heat strips should be checked for proper operation, adequate clearances, and signs of overheating or electrical issues.

Professional service includes testing electrical connections, verifying control sequences, and checking thermal limit switches for proper operation. Heat strip elements can last 15-20 years with proper installation and operation, making them a reliable long-term heating solution. Replacement elements are readily available for most systems when service is eventually needed.

Premium Heat Strip Brands Available

BudgetHeating.com carries a large selection of heat strips from industry-leading manufacturers. International Comfort Products heat strips offer reliable performance and compatibility with a wide range of HVAC systems at competitive prices. Carrier heat strips provide premium quality construction with advanced safety features and precise temperature control for demanding applications. Tempstar heat strips deliver dependable heating solutions backed by comprehensive warranties and proven field performance. Trane heat strips represent the pinnacle of heating technology with superior efficiency ratings, robust construction, and integration capabilities with smart building systems.

Commercial and Industrial Applications

Heat strips serve diverse commercial applications including process heating, space heating, and equipment freeze protection. Large commercial systems often use multiple heat strip stages controlled by building automation systems for precise temperature control. Industrial applications may require specialized heat strips designed for harsh environments or specific temperature ranges.

Emergency heating applications rely on heat strips for critical facilities where heating system failures could cause equipment damage or safety concerns. Data centers, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities often specify heat strips as backup heating to maintain operations during primary system maintenance or failures.

Shop Heat Strips with Confidence

BudgetHeating.com makes purchasing heat strips simple and cost-effective. Browse our extensive selection of heat strips for heat pumps, package units, and air handlers in various capacities and configurations. Each heat strip includes detailed specifications, electrical requirements, and compatibility information to ensure proper system integration.

Ready to add reliable backup heating to your system? Explore our heat strip inventory today and discover why thousands of contractors and facility managers trust BudgetHeating.com for their heating needs. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the ideal heat strip capacity and configuration for your specific application. Contact us if you need assistance with sizing calculations, electrical requirements, or compatibility verification for your HVAC system.