Best Heat Strips for Air Conditioners: Enhance RV Comfort and Efficiency
Choosing the right heat strip kit can extend comfort in RVs by adding supplemental electric heat to air conditioners with heat-ready ceilings. This guide reviews five compatible options, highlighting compatibility, BTU output, and installation notes to help you pick a solution that fits Coleman Mach and Dometic systems. Each product section links to the original Amazon listing for quick access to specs and compatibility.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | BTU (Approx.) | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9233-4551 Electric Heating Element Kit | Hihitomorrow | 5,600 BTU | Coleman Mach Heat Ready Ceiling Assemblies (Except Mach 8) | Includes thermostat and two-pin receptacle |
| Zymurgoes 9233A4551 Heatstrip Assembly | Zymurgoes | 5,460-5,600 BTU | Coleman Mach Heat Ready Ceiling Assemblies (Except Mach 8) | BTU range noted; general installation guidance |
| 3314998.000 RV Heat Strip Kit | LUKYER | 5,460 BTU | Colman/Non-Ducted Dometic models (heat-ready options) | Specific to select Dometic non-ducted units |
| Non-Ducted Heat Strip Kit | Dometic | 5,460 BTU | Non-ducted Dometic models | General replacement part |
| 3315450.000 Dometic Heat Strip | Dometic | 5,460 BTU | Dometic RV air conditioners (ducted/non-ducted) | Replacement part for ducted/heating-ready units |
9233-4551 Electric Heating Element Kit For Coleman Mach
The 9233-4551 heating strip assembly offers 5,600 BTU of electric heat for Coleman Mach heat-ready ceiling assemblies, excluding Mach 8. It is designed to fit Coleman MACH 48xxx (Medium Profile) and 45xxx (Low Profile) series air conditioners and heat pumps. This kit adds a reliable “chill chaser” to cool evenings or mornings without replacing the entire system. It is not a substitute for a furnace, but it can significantly improve comfort when outside temperatures dip.
Key features include a built-in heat/cool thermostat and a two-pin heater wire receptacle to simplify installation. The kit replaces OEM part number 9233-4551, making it a familiar upgrade path for many RV owners with compatible Coleman Mach units. Consider this option if your system uses a heat-ready ceiling assembly and you want a straightforward, integrated heating solution.
Zymurgoes 9233A4551 Heatstrip Assembly
The Zymurgoes heat strip kit is designed for Coleman Mach heat-ready ceiling assemblies (excluding Mach 8) and provides approximately 5,460 to 5,600 BTU of electric heat. It is compatible with the 48xxx medium-profile and 45xxx low-profile series air conditioners and heat pumps. The kit aims to reduce indoor chill by adding electric heating in cooler conditions, functioning as a supplemental heat source rather than a furnace replacement.
Highlights include straightforward installation and compatibility with heat-ready ceiling setups. The unit emphasizes comfortable indoor climate control and can help balance outdoor temperature variations when paired with a standard RV AC system.
3314998.000 RV Heat Strip Kit
The 3314998.000 kit from LUKYER is tailored for select Dometic non-ducted air conditioners, and is designed to deliver about 5,460 BTU of electric heat. It is compatible with models like 457915, 459516, 540315, 540316, 640312, 640315, B57915, and B59516, which makes it a potential fit for certain RV configurations seeking an additional heat source in non-ducted setups.
Use this kit when your Dometic non-ducted unit requires an external heat strip to supplement the existing cooling system. The installation approach is straightforward, emphasizing reliable performance without complicating ductwork or major modifications.
Non-Ducted Heat Strip Kit (Dometic)
This Dometic non-ducted heat strip kit is designed for RV air conditioners that do not use a ducted distribution system. It provides a practical 5,460 BTU heating output to combat chill in cooler conditions and complements compatible non-ducted units. The kit emphasizes ease of use and compatibility with a range of Dometic models, making it a flexible option for RV upgrades.
Consider this kit if your air conditioner operates without ducts and you want a reliable, integrated heating enhancement that remains within the non-ducted design constraints of your system.
Updated 9330C755 RV Heat Strip Control Box Kit
The 9330C755 control box kit is designed for Coleman Mach units, including non-ducted, side-ducted, and Mach 15 models that use a wall-mounted thermostat. While primarily a control box replacement, it enables installation of a heat strip by ensuring proper wiring and compatibility. It serves as a suitable upgrade if the existing control box is outdated or malfunctioning, enabling straightforward plug-and-play installation with minimal system disruption.
Dometic 3315450.000 Heat Strip (Ducted)
The 3315450.000 is a Dometic replacement heat strip designed for ducted applications. It provides approximately 5,460 BTU of electric heat and is intended for use within ducted RV air conditioning systems. The heat strip supports maintaining indoor comfort in cool or shoulder seasons without relying solely on the condensate-driven cooling cycle.
HOXHA Foam Block And Related Insulation
While not a heat strip itself, foam blocks and insulation for window and air conditioner installations can indirectly improve the effectiveness of heating strips by sealing gaps that allow heat to escape. This set includes window AC side foam blocks designed to fit most U-shaped units, enhancing energy efficiency by reducing heat leakage. Proper sealing helps any heat strip perform more efficiently by maintaining indoor warmth and reducing cooling losses.
Artclaim Surround Insulation Panels
The Surround Insulation Side Panels feature a fully enclosed white foam design with edge banding that supports draft and heat control around window air conditioners. These panels improve energy efficiency by reducing heat exchange with the outside environment, which complements heat strip performance in RVs. They are sized to fit a range of window AC configurations and are designed for easy cutting and installation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Compatibility: Confirm your RV air conditioner model (Coleman Mach, Dometic, non-ducted, ducted) and whether it uses heat-ready ceilings. Choose a heat strip kit that explicitly matches your unit type and the OEM part numbers where possible.
- BTU Output: Most RV heat strips provide around 5,460–5,600 BTU. Consider your climate and the size of the space you want to heat when selecting a kit.
- Thermostat and Controls: Look for integrated thermostats or compatible control boxes that simplify operation. Some kits include a thermostat and wiring harness; others may require separate components.
- Installation Simplicity: Some kits are plug-and-play with minimal wiring, while others require more extensive installation. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, choose kits marketed as easy or “plug-and-play.”
- Non-Ducted vs. Ducted: Non-ducted heat strips are designed for non-ducted units, while ducted systems may require different mounting and wiring. Verify your system type before purchase.
- Energy Efficiency: Sealing and insulating around the AC unit (with foam blocks or insulation panels) can improve overall heating efficiency and reduce energy consumption when the heat strip is in use.
- Warranty and Compatibility Updates: Replacement parts often update part numbers. Check compatibility with your model year and consult the supplier’s notes if you have an older system.
In summary, selecting the right heat strip kit involves verifying compatibility with your Coleman Mach or Dometic system, evaluating the BTU output, and ensuring straightforward installation. Pairing a heat strip with proper insulation enhancements can maximize comfort while maintaining energy efficiency in an RV environment.