What Are HVAC Heat Strips?

When temperatures drop, heat pumps may struggle to pull enough warmth from the outdoor air—especially in freezing weather. That's where HVAC heat strips come in. A heat strip is an electric heating element installed inside the air handler of a split system. It acts as a backup or supplemental heat source, helping your home stay warm when the heat pump alone can't keep up.

Heat strips are handy in areas that experience occasional freezing temperatures. They provide fast, reliable heat without the need for gas or oil. When installed correctly, they turn on automatically when your thermostat calls for extra heat.

How Heat Strips Work

Heat strips function much like the heating element inside an electric oven or toaster. When electricity flows through the metal coils, they heat up. Then, the air handler's blower pushes air over the heating elements, warming the air before it is sent through your ducts.

These electric heaters only turn on when needed. They:

• Supplement the heat pump in freezing weather
• Provide emergency heat if the heat pump fails or goes into defrost mode
• Maintain indoor comfort when temperatures drop below freezing

Signs Your Heat Strip May Be Failing

A failing or damaged heat strip can leave your home feeling cold, even when the HVAC system is running. Here are some common signs it’s time to replace it:

• No warm air when “Emergency Heat” is selected
• Higher energy bills with less heat output
• A burning or metallic smell
• Tripped breakers or the system shutting off unexpectedly
• Visible damage or discoloration on the heat strip

If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to replace the heating element.

Goodman Heat Strips You Can Trust

Budget Air Supply offers several Goodman heat strip kit for HVAC options designed for split air conditioning and heat pump systems. These are easy to install, include built-in circuit breakers, and are compatible with a wide range of system sizes.

Goodman 10kW Heat Strip (HKTSD10X1)

• 10 kW electric heat kit
• 208–240V, single-phase
• Includes built-in circuit breaker
• Fits split systems from 1.5 to 5 tons
• Perfect for areas with colder winter temperatures

Goodman 8kW Heat Strip (HKTSD08X1)

• 8 kW heating capacity
• 208–240V, single-phase
• Includes a breaker for safety and convenience
• Fits 1.5 to 5 ton systems
• Great for mild to moderately cold climates

Goodman 5kW Heat Strip (HKTSD05X1)

• 5 kW electric heat output
• 208–240V, single-phase
• Includes circuit breaker
• Fits systems from 1.5 to 5 tons
• Ideal for warmer regions that still need backup heat protection

Why Choose Goodman Heat Strips?

• Reliable supplemental heat during cold weather
• Fast installation in most Goodman split systems
• Built-in circuit breakers for safety and code compliance
• Compatible across multiple system sizes (1.5–5 tons)
• Perfect match for heat pumps and straight cool systems

Stay Prepared for Winter with Budget Air Supply

At Budget Air Supply & Equipment, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of Goodman heat strips, including the 5kW, 8kW, and 10kW models, along with top-quality HVAC solutions. As a leading Florida-based wholesale HVAC supplier serving the continental United States, we offer competitive prices and exceptional customer service. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about Goodman heat strips and how they can enhance your home's heating system.