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MRCOOL Supplemental Add-On Emergency Heat Kit for the HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handler

Brand 1st Gen Heat Strip
MRCOOL® PART NUMBER CENTRALHK05
Regular price $259.00
Sale price $259.00 Regular price $323.75
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✓ Confirmed Fitment

Fits These MRCOOL® Models

  • 1st Generation HyperHeat

This part may fit other MRCOOL® models or generations. Always verify your model number before ordering.

!
Compatibility matters. Replacement parts are model-specific. Images may be stock photos, and small visual differences may exist between production batches. Verify your model number, serial number, and existing part before placing an order.
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MRCOOL Supplemental Add-On Emergency Heat Kit for 1st Generation HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handler

Ensure uninterrupted home heating with the MRCOOL Emergency Heat Kit—a reliable supplemental heating solution designed for MRCOOL HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handlers. This electric heat kit serves as a backup heat source during extremely cold weather or in cases where the primary heat pump is temporarily inoperative.

✔ Why Add a Heat Kit?

A heat kit (or electric heat strip) acts as a secondary heat source, installed inside the air handler. Often compared to a "large blow dryer," it generates direct electric heat, distributing warm air throughout your duct system when:

🔹 The heat pump is temporarily down and in need of service.
🔹 Outdoor temperatures drop to extreme lows, where the heat pump may struggle to maintain indoor comfort.
🔹 A rapid heating boost is needed, especially in colder climates.

While not as energy-efficient as heat pumps, heat kits are designed for short-term use, ensuring your home stays warm when needed most.


✔ Available Heat Kit Options:

Each MRCOOL HyperHeat Emergency Heat Kit comes with the necessary electrical components for seamless installation inside the MRCOOL HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handler.

Power Rating Model Number
5 kW CENTRALHK05
8 kW CENTRALHK08
10 kW CENTRALHK10
15 kW CENTRALHK15
20 kW CENTRALHK20

Choose the correct kW rating based on your home’s heating needs and electrical capacity.


✔ Key Features & Benefits

Emergency Backup Heating – Provides reliable warmth when the heat pump is inactive or struggling in frigid temperatures.
Seamless Compatibility – Designed exclusively for MRCOOL HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handlers, ensuring perfect fit and function.
Quick & Easy Installation – Pre-wired and ready to install directly inside the air handler.
Multiple Power Options – Available in 5kW, 8kW, 10kW, 15kW, and 20kW capacities to match your home’s heating requirements.
Optimized for Cold Climates – Ensures continuous comfort in subfreezing conditions.


✔ Compatibility & Installation

Compatible with MRCOOL HyperHeat Central Ducted Air Handlers
Installs inside the air handler cabinet
Requires appropriate electrical connection (ensure compatibility with your home’s circuit capacity)


💡 Stay Warm, No Matter the Weather!

Ensure uninterrupted heating with the MRCOOL Supplemental Add-On Emergency Heat Kit—a trusted backup heating solution for extreme cold conditions and emergency situations.

💡 Order now from MRCOOL DIY Direct – the USA’s most trusted independent MRCOOL dealer – and enjoy fast shipping, expert support, and guaranteed compatibility!

Specifications & Dimensions


5kW

Product Dimensions

21.06"W x 10.16"D x 8.03"H

Product Weight

5.7 lbs

Equipment Type

Heat Kit

Heating Capacity

15,001 - 20,000 BTU

Estimated Coverage

800 square feet

Voltage

Requires a minimum of 208-230V/60HZ/60A (please check your home meets this electrical requirement prior to purchase)

Max Fuse Breaker

25/30

Min Circuit Ampacity

23/27

Auxiliary Heater Size

5kw


8kW

Product Dimensions

21.06"W x 10.16"D x 8.03"H

Product Weight

7.3 lbs

Equipment Type

Heat Kit

Heating Capacity

25,001 - 30,000 BTU

Estimated Coverage Area

1,600 square feet

Voltage

Requires a minimum of 208-230V/40/45A (please check your home meets this electrical requirement prior to purchase)

Max Fuse Breaker

40/45

Min Circuit Ampacity

37/42

Auxiliary Heater Size

8kw


10kW

Product Dimensions

21.06"W x 10.16"D x 8.03"H

Product Weight

6.8 lbs

Equipment Type

Heat Kit

Heating Capacity

30,001 - 35,000 BTU

Estimated Coverage Area

1,400 square feet

Voltage

Requires a minimum of 208-230V/50-60A (please check your home meets this electrical requirement prior to purchase)

Max Fuse Breaker

50/60

Min Circuit Ampacity

46/53

Auxiliary Heater Size

10kw

 

15kW

Product Dimensions

21.06"W x 10.16"D x 8.03"H

Product Weight

9 lbs

Equipment Type

Heat Kit

Heating Capacity

50,001 - 55,000 BTU

Estimated Coverage Area

2,200 square feet

Voltage

Requires a minimum of 208-230V/50-60A (please check your home meets this electrical requirement prior to purchase)

Max Fuse Breaker

25/30

Min Circuit Ampacity

23/27

Auxiliary Heater Size

15kw

 

20kW

Product Dimensions

21.06"W x 10.16"D x 8.03"H

Product Weight

10.1 lbs

Equipment Type

Heat Kit

Heating Capacity

65,001 - 70,000 BTU

Estimated Coverage Area

2,800 square feet

Voltage

Requires a minimum of 208-230V/50-60A (please check your home meets this electrical requirement prior to purchase)

Max Fuse Breaker

50/60

Min Circuit Ampacity

46/53

Auxiliary Heater Size

20kw

Confirmed Fitment

Known Compatible Models / Series
  • 1st Generation HyperHeat
Compatibility Notice This part may fit other MRCOOL® models and generations. Compatibility outside the listed models is not guaranteed without verification.

Part Details

Brand1st Gen Heat Strip
MRCOOL® Part NumberCENTRALHK05

Common Symptoms

No common symptom information has been added for this part type yet.

Installation Notes

This replacement part should be installed by a qualified technician or a capable installer familiar with mini split service procedures. Always disconnect power before servicing HVAC equipment.

No Q&A content has been added for this replacement part yet.

HEAT STRIP SIZING & PERFORMANCE

What Affects Emergency Heat & Heat Strip Requirements?

The correct electric heat strip size depends on more than air handler tonnage. Climate, home insulation, electrical capacity, system design, and heating demands all affect which heat kit is appropriate for your HVAC system.

🌡️

Cold Climate Performance

Homes in colder climates often require larger auxiliary heat capacity because heat pumps lose efficiency as outdoor temperatures fall

Tip

Northern climates may benefit from larger backup heat kits than mild-weather regions.

Available Electrical Service

Heat strips draw significant electrical current. Your panel capacity, breaker size, and wiring must support the selected heat kit.

Tip

Always verify electrical requirements before upgrading to a larger kW heat strip.

🏠

Insulation Quality

Poor insulation increases heat loss and can increase demand on both the heat pump and electric backup heat system.

Tip

Improving insulation may reduce heating costs more than increasing heat strip size.

📏

Home Size

Larger homes generally require more heating capacity, but square footage alone should not determine heat strip selection.

Tip

Heat load calculations are more accurate than simple square-foot estimates.

🌬️

Air Leakage & Drafts

Drafty homes, large entryways, and poorly sealed structures can dramatically increase heating demand.

Tip

Air sealing improvements can significantly improve HVAC performance.

🔧

Air Handler Compatibility

Heat strips are not universal. Each air handler has specific approved heat kit sizes and electrical configurations.

Tip

Always verify your air handler model number before ordering a heat strip.

Heat strips provide auxiliary and emergency heat when additional heating capacity is needed. Choosing the correct heat kit requires verifying air handler compatibility, electrical requirements, climate conditions, and manufacturer specifications.

AUXILIARY & EMERGENCY HEAT FAQHEAT KIT BUYING GUIDE

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Heat Strips, Auxiliary Heat & Emergency Heat Kits

Expert answers about HVAC heat strips, backup electric heat, air handler compatibility, heat kit sizing, installation, and cold-weather heating performance.

How Do HVAC Heat Strips Work?

HVAC heat strips are electric resistance heating elements installed inside compatible air handlers. When outdoor temperatures become too cold for the heat pump to efficiently provide heat, the heat strips activate to supplement heating output. They can also operate as emergency heat if the outdoor heat pump unit is unavailable or being serviced.

What Is Emergency Heat?

Emergency heat is a thermostat setting that bypasses the outdoor heat pump and uses only the electric heat strips inside the air handler. This mode is typically used during equipment failures, extreme weather conditions, or while servicing the outdoor unit.

What Is The Difference Between Auxiliary Heat And Emergency Heat?

Auxiliary heat automatically activates when the heat pump requires additional heating capacity to maintain indoor temperature. Emergency heat is manually selected and relies solely on the electric heat strips, disabling the outdoor heat pump.

How Do I Know If This Heat Strip Fits My Air Handler?

Heat strips are not universal. Compatibility depends on the manufacturer, air handler model, electrical configuration, and approved heat kit size. Always verify your air handler model number before ordering. The fitment information on this page identifies compatible systems and air handler series.

What Size Heat Strip Do I Need?

Heat strip sizes commonly range from 5 kW to 20 kW depending on the HVAC system and home heating requirements. The correct size depends on:

  • Air handler compatibility
  • Electrical service capacity
  • Climate zone
  • Home size
  • Heat pump capacity

Always follow the manufacturer's approved heat kit specifications.

Can I Install A Heat Strip Myself?

Heat strip installation requires access to high-voltage electrical components inside the air handler. Installation should be performed by a qualified HVAC technician or licensed electrician familiar with local electrical codes and HVAC equipment requirements

Do Heat Strips Increase Electric Bills?

Heat strips consume more electricity than a heat pump operating normally. However, they provide reliable supplemental heating during cold weather and help maintain indoor comfort when outdoor temperatures reduce heat pump efficiency.

Can A Heat Pump Operate Without A Heat Strip?

In many regions, yes. However, homes located in colder climates often benefit from auxiliary heat strips because they provide supplemental heating during defrost cycles and extremely cold outdoor temperatures.

Why Is My HVAC System Showing Auxiliary Heat?

Auxiliary heat commonly activates when:

  • Outdoor temperatures are very low
  • The thermostat is raised several degrees at once
  • The system is in a defrost cycle
  • Additional heating capacity is needed

This is generally normal operation for a heat pump system equipped with electric heat strips.

How Long Do HVAC Heat Strips Last?

Heat strips can often last 10 to 20 years when properly installed and operated. Factors such as electrical issues, airflow restrictions, and excessive cycling can reduce service life.

What Are Common Signs Of A Failed Heat Strip?

Common symptoms include:

  • Cold air during heating operation
  • Auxiliary heat not functioning
  • Tripped breakers
  • Burnt electrical odor
  • Insufficient heating capacity
  • Error codes related to electric heat operation

Diagnosis should be performed by a qualified technician.

Why Buy Genuine OEM Heat Strips?

OEM heat strips are engineered specifically for compatible air handlers and are tested to meet manufacturer performance and safety requirements. Using the correct OEM heat kit helps ensure proper operation, electrical compatibility, and warranty compliance.