The following guide compares common electric duct and in-duct heating solutions for homes, workshops, and light commercial spaces. It highlights product types, control methods, installation considerations, and safety features to help narrow choices for HVAC integration and zone heating.
| Product | Type | Key Power / Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Warren SL5A 5 kW Electric Duct Heater | In-Duct Electric Heater | 5,000 W, 24V Control |
| Goodman 10 kW Electric Heat Kit | Air Handler Heat Kit | 10 kW, 208/240V |
| Comfort Zone Ceiling Garage Heater | Hard-Wired Ceiling Mounted Space Heater | 5,000 W, Fan-Forced, Overheat Protection |
| Dura Heat EUH1465 Forced Air Heater | Portable Forced Air Heater | 1,500 W, PTC Ceramic |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater | Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater | Wi‑Fi Control, Digital Thermostat |
Warren SL5A 5 kW Duct Heater
This in-duct heater is specified as a 5,000 W electric heater designed for direct integration into HVAC ducts. It uses an in-duct form factor that installs inline with airflow and is suited for supplemental heating in smaller zones or as an auxiliary heat source. The unit lists a 24V control interface, which allows standard thermostat or air handler control wiring into existing HVAC control circuits.
Installation considerations include verifying duct size, available electrical capacity, and ensuring the heater airflow direction matches system design. The 24V control simplifies integration with many thermostats and air handlers, but professional wiring and code compliance checks are recommended. The product’s listed strengths are rapid heat output and compact in-duct mounting for centralized delivery of warm air.
Goodman 10 kW Electric Heat Kit
The Goodman heat kit provides 10 kW of electric heating and is intended for installation directly within compatible Goodman air handlers. It operates at 208/240V single-phase and is described as a fully electric solution that eliminates the need for gas connections. The specification lists an approximate heat output in BTU/hour terms to align with HVAC sizing.
Key points for selection are verifying compatibility with specific air handler models and confirming the home’s electrical panel capacity and proper breaker sizing. This kit is suited for applications that require higher centralized heating capacity within the air handler rather than distributed wall- or duct-mounted units. Installation should follow manufacturer instructions and local electrical code, typically requiring a qualified HVAC technician or electrician for safe connection and commissioning.
Comfort Zone Ceiling Garage Heater
This hard-wired, ceiling-mounted heater is rated at 5,000 watts for fan-forced space heating, aimed at garages, workshops, and storage spaces. The overhead mounting conserves floor space and the adjustable louvers allow direction of warm airflow. It includes a thermal cut-out / overheat protection and is ETL compliant per the product notes.
Although not an in-duct element, its design is useful when duct placement isn’t practical or when targeted overhead distribution is preferred. Hard-wired installation requires proper branch circuit and secure ceiling supports. The fan-forced delivery gives rapid air mixing, and adjustable mounting angle permits targeting work areas. Consideration should be given to dust and particulates in garage environments and periodic inspection of mounting hardware and electrical connections.
Dura Heat Forced Air Heater
The Dura Heat EUH1465 is a portable forced-air heater that lists 1,500 W PTC ceramic heating and a pivoting base for directional output. Its steel construction targets garage and workshop durability, and selectable heat or fan-only settings increase versatility for circulation or heating. This class of heater is typically used as a supplement to ducted HVAC rather than an in-duct heater.
Practical considerations include portable placement relative to occupants, clearances from combustible materials, and usage in ventilated areas. The PTC ceramic element offers consistent heat delivery and inherent overheat characteristics compared with exposed coil designs. For ducted or central systems, portable forced-air units provide temporary spot heating or backup when central heat is off or insufficient.
Heat Storm Wi-Fi Wall Heater
The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI is a wall-mounted infrared heater with Wi‑Fi control and a digital thermostat. It is designed for zone heating, enabling remote temperature adjustments and scheduling via mobile apps. The wall-mounted format preserves floor space and allows targeted radiant warming in rooms where duct modifications are impractical.
Selection factors include desired control integration, thermostat compatibility, and placement for optimal radiant coverage. Infrared panels deliver heat directly to surfaces and occupants rather than heating large air volumes, which can be efficient for well-targeted zones. Installation requires proper wall mounting and a dedicated electrical feed per manufacturer instructions. Safety features such as included thermal cutouts and digital control enhance safe operation in living spaces.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Electric Duct Or In-Duct Heater
Choosing the right electric duct or in-duct heating solution requires matching the heater type, power, and control method to your HVAC system and space use. The following considerations cover technical, installation, safety, and performance perspectives.
1. Define The Application And Zone Requirements
Decide whether you need central supplemental heat inside an air handler or duct run, targeted zone or spot heating (wall or ceiling mounted), or portable supplemental heat. In-duct heaters like inline elements or air handler heat kits are suitable for centralized systems and multi-room distribution. Wall, ceiling, and portable units are better for single-room or workspace heating.
2. Match Power Rating To Heating Load
Heat capacity is commonly expressed in watts or BTU/hr. Convert desired BTUs to watts (1 BTU/hr ≈ 0.293 watts) to compare with product specs. Oversizing can overload electrical service, while undersizing results in inadequate comfort. For duct heaters, size relative to airflow and desired temperature rise (delta-T) across the element is critical.
3. Voltage, Phase, And Electrical Capacity
Confirm available supply: common voltages include 120V, 208/240V, and three-phase in larger commercial systems. Heat kits and duct elements often require 208/240V single-phase or higher. Check panel capacity, breaker sizing, and whether additional subpanels or service upgrades are necessary. Professional electrical assessment is recommended for high-wattage installations.
4. Control Interface And Integration
Consider 24V thermostat control for HVAC integration, direct digital thermostats, or Wi‑Fi/remote controls. In-duct heaters commonly accept 24V signals from thermostats or air handler controls. Wall and panel units may provide built-in thermostats and networking for zoning. Decide whether you need centralized control or room-level autonomy.
5. Compatibility With Air Handlers And Ductwork
When selecting heat kits or in-duct elements, verify compatibility with the air handler model and duct dimensions. Manufacturers often list compatible systems. Improper fit can create airflow restrictions, reduced performance, or safety issues. Also check for required clearance and access for servicing.
6. Safety Features And Certifications
Look for overheat protection, thermal cut-offs, tip-over switches (for portable units), and ETL/UL certification. In-duct devices should have proper element shielding and built-in temperature limiting to prevent excessive duct temperatures. Certification indicates independent testing to recognized safety standards.
7. Heat Distribution Method
Decide between forced-air distribution (heating air moved by the existing blower), infrared/radiant (heating surfaces and occupants), or direct in-duct elements. Forced-air works well for whole-house or multi-room coverage; radiant is efficient for targeted zones and faster perceived warmth in specific areas.
8. Installation Complexity And Mounting
Hard-wired ceiling or duct-mounted units often need professional installation and secure structural support. Portable heaters require minimal installation but must meet clearance and electrical requirements. Consider maintenance access: duct heaters and heat kits usually require panel removal for servicing and element replacement.
9. Noise And Airflow Considerations
Fan-forced units mix air quickly but produce mechanical noise. In-duct heaters rely on existing blowers; if the blower cycle is infrequent, warm air delivery may lag. Infrared units are quieter and provide immediate radiant warmth without relying on airflow.
10. Materials, Durability, And Environment
Steel construction is preferable for garage or workshop units exposed to dust and impact. Corrosion-resistant finishes and sealed electrical compartments help in humid or corrosive environments. For dust-prone areas, ensure filters and clearances are maintained to reduce element contamination.
11. Zoning And Efficiency Strategies
For energy-efficient operation consider zoned heating with dedicated thermostats and control relays. In-duct heaters can provide targeted warming when tied to zone dampers or variable fan scheduling. Wi‑Fi or programmable thermostats enable schedules and remote control to avoid unnecessary runtime.
12. Compliance, Permits, And Professional Support
High-wattage electrical installations or hard-wired heaters may require permits and must meet local codes. Use licensed electricians and HVAC technicians for wiring, breaker sizing, and commissioning. Keep documentation for warranty and inspection requirements.
Comparison Perspectives
- Residential Central Heating: Air handler heat kits and in-duct elements integrate with existing HVAC for whole-home supplemental heating.
- Spot And Workshop Heating: Ceiling-mounted, forced-air, and infrared wall panels provide targeted comfort without altering ducts.
- Temporary Or Backup Heat: Portable forced-air and PTC heaters offer mobility and immediate warmth but are not substitutes for permanent ducted systems.
- Retrofit vs New Construction: In new builds, plan electrical and duct sizing for in-duct heaters. In retrofits, wall or ceiling heaters may be less invasive than running new ductwork or air handler kits.
Final Checklist Before Purchase
- Measure the space and calculate required BTU or wattage and desired temperature rise.
- Confirm electrical service voltage, breaker availability, and feeder capacity.
- Verify compatibility with existing air handler or duct sizes when selecting in-duct or kit products.
- Check product safety certifications (ETL/UL) and listed safety features.
- Plan installation access and maintenance clearance, and consult a licensed technician if necessary.