Does My New AC Unit Come With Heating?
We recently fielded a call from a homeowner for whom we were installing a 2.5-ton AC unit. They had a question which isn’t a common one in South Florida, especially in the summer months:
“Does my new AC unit come with heating capabilities as well?”
The short answer is “Yes!” AC installations from AirGaard always come with a heating strip. A longer answer more specifically addresses the homeowner's needs and comfort levels. Standard 5 kW heaters provide basic electric heat and are common in warm climates like South Florida. Still, discerning customers may notice slow warm‑up times or lukewarm air on chilly mornings.
A larger heater doesn’t change your cooling capacity, but it dramatically changes how your home feels in winter. Bigger heat strips deliver faster warm‑up, warmer supply air, and more consistent comfort in homes with higher ceilings, older insulation, or rooms with large windows. For many homeowners, the difference between 5 kW and 8–10 kW is the difference between “the house gets warm” and “the house feels comfortable right away.”
There’s also an engineering reason larger heaters pair well with 2.5‑ton systems: airflow capacity, measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). CFM tells you how much air the blower can move through the system. Electric heat strips require a certain amount of airflow to prevent overheating — typically around 350–400 CFM per 5 kW of heat. Since a 2.5‑ton air handler usually delivers around 1,000 CFM, it can safely support larger heaters like 8 kW or 10 kW as long as the manufacturer approves the kit. This makes upgrading both safe and beneficial for homeowners who want stronger, faster heat.
For this homeowner, we upsized the heating strip. When those chilly January mornings in West Palm Beach come around, we’re sure they’ll be the most comfortable home on the block. If you’re looking for better comfort during cold snaps or simply want your home to warm up quickly in the morning, Airgaard has you covered.
Reach Out To Our Hvac Company & Indoor Air Quality Experts In Delray Beach!