Kilowatt (kW)

A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, used to measure the electrical energy consumption of your HVAC system. In our Accessories-Kits section, Electric Heat Strips are categorized by their kW rating (e.g., 5kW, 10kW) to indicate how much heat they can produce. Understanding the kW requirements of your Mobile Home Air Handler is essential for sizing the electrical circuit and breaker correctly. Lower kW ratings use less energy but provide less heat, making them ideal for smaller rooms or moderate climates. Your utility company bills you based on "kilowatt-hours" (kWh), so choosing a high-efficiency ACIq unit with low kW demand is the key to saving money. This metric is also used to size Backup Generators for homes with electric heating. It is the universal language for electrical power in both residential and Commercial HVAC.