MrCool 20 kW Electric Heat Kit – For VersaPro Heat Pump Package Units, Auxiliary/Backup Heat (MHK20PB)
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Key features
- 20 kW (approximately 68,000 BTU) electric resistance heating capacity
- Designed exclusively for MrCool VersaPro heat pump package units
- Functions as auxiliary or emergency backup heat when heat pump capacity is insufficient
- Electric resistance operation requires no gas line or combustion venting
- 100 percent efficiency at point of use; no combustion losses
- Factory-matched accessory for simplified integration with compatible VersaPro units
About this system
The MrCool MHK20PB is a 20 kW electric heat kit designed specifically for MrCool VersaPro heat pump package units, providing auxiliary or emergency backup heat when outdoor temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to keep up on its own. At 20 kilowatts, it delivers roughly 68,000 BTU of supplemental electric resistance heat, making it a serious backup option for larger conditioned spaces or climates where cold snaps are frequent and deep. This is not a standalone heating system; it is an add-on component that slots into a compatible VersaPro package unit and activates automatically when the heat pump alone cannot meet the setpoint demand.
Electric heat kits like this one are straightforward in concept: resistance elements heat air directly, with no combustion and no flue. Efficiency is 100 percent at point of use, but because electric resistance heat does not multiply energy the way a heat pump does, operating costs are higher than heat pump mode and considerably higher than gas. Buyers should think of this kit as insurance against extreme cold rather than a primary heating strategy. The MHK20PB is best suited for mild-to-moderate climates where backup heat is called on only occasionally, or as a short-term bridge for users who want reliable package unit performance without adding gas infrastructure.
The MHK20PB does exactly what a backup heat kit should do: it adds a reliable resistance heating stage to the VersaPro package unit for those times the heat pump cannot handle the load alone. The main cautions are high operating cost during extended cold periods and the broader MrCool ecosystem concerns around warranty enforcement and limited local service support. If you already own a VersaPro unit and need backup heat, this is the correct accessory; if you are building a system from scratch in a cold climate, price out operating costs carefully before committing to electric resistance backup.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Direct factory match for VersaPro package units, reducing compatibility guesswork
- No gas line required, simplifying installation in all-electric homes
- 20 kW output provides substantial backup capacity for larger spaces
- 100 percent point-of-use efficiency means no heat is lost up a flue
- Activates automatically through the existing package unit controls
Trade-offs
- Electric resistance backup carries significantly higher operating costs than heat pump mode or gas backup, especially during prolonged cold stretches
- MrCool's warranty process is documentation-heavy and owners report claims being denied on technicalities
- Local HVAC technicians frequently decline to service MrCool equipment, leaving owners to troubleshoot independently
- Limited to VersaPro package units only; not interchangeable with other brands or product lines
What homeowners and pros say about MRCOOL
Owners of MrCool VersaPro systems who add the MHK20PB generally report that the heat kit itself functions as advertised when properly installed, stepping in smoothly when the heat pump mode cannot keep pace. Home Depot reviews of MrCool products cluster around 4.5 out of 5 on popular DIY models, with straightforward installation cited most often as the reason buyers are satisfied. The VersaPro line represents MrCool’s ducted packaged product rather than its better-known ductless line, and owners note that matching accessories like this heat kit slot in without major modification, which aligns with MrCool’s broader emphasis on owner-installable equipment.
The concerns that follow MrCool across its product line show up here too. HVAC professionals note that MrCool’s warranty process is document-intensive, and documented failure modes across the brand include loose couplings near the air handler and early component failures in third- and fourth-generation units. Fifth-generation reliability is meaningfully better, with roughly 85 percent of those units running reliably past year one compared to closer to 75 percent failure rates in earlier generations, but warranty claims still draw complaints about long customer service holds and email-based resolution that can stretch repairs over weeks. The scarcity of local technicians willing to service MrCool equipment is a real practical concern: if the heat kit or the surrounding package unit develops a fault, owners should expect to engage MrCool directly rather than calling a neighborhood HVAC shop.
Sources: Better Business Bureau MRCOOL reviews, PickHVAC MRCOOL review, AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, U.S. DOE appliance and equipment efficiency standards.
How it compares
| Brand | Comparable model | SEER2 | Stage | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MrCool | MHK20PB 20 kW Heat Kit for VersaPro | N/A (accessory kit) | Single-stage resistance heat | Value pick |
| Carrier | EHK Electric Heat Kit for WeatherExpert Package Units | N/A (accessory kit) | Single-stage resistance heat | Moderately higher than MrCool; broad dealer network adds service value |
| Trane | EHK Electric Heat Kit for Precedent Package Units | N/A (accessory kit) | Single-stage resistance heat | Higher than MrCool; backed by Trane's established service infrastructure |
| Lennox | EHK Electric Heat Kit for HS25/XC25-series Package Units | N/A (accessory kit) | Single-stage resistance heat | Higher than MrCool; premium brand pricing with stronger local service availability |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Will this heat kit work with any MrCool unit, or only the VersaPro?
The MHK20PB is designed specifically for MrCool VersaPro heat pump package units. It is not a universal fit and should not be assumed compatible with MrCool ductless mini-splits or other product lines. Always confirm compatibility with your specific VersaPro model before ordering.
How much will it cost to run this electric heat kit compared to the heat pump mode?
Electric resistance heat converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat, while a heat pump in mild weather can deliver two to four units of heat per unit of electricity consumed. At typical residential electric rates, running the backup kit for extended periods can cost two to four times more than heat pump operation, so treating it as an occasional supplement rather than a primary heat source keeps operating costs manageable.
Can I install this heat kit myself, or do I need a licensed HVAC technician?
The kit is intended to be installed into the VersaPro package unit, and the electrical work involved at 20 kW will require a dedicated circuit and, in most jurisdictions, a licensed electrician for the wiring portion. The mechanical installation is relatively straightforward if you are familiar with the VersaPro unit, but MrCool's warranty requirements mean keeping documentation of who performed the work and how.
What happens if the heat kit fails and I need warranty service?
MrCool handles warranty claims through a documentation-heavy process, and owners have reported the company looking for technical reasons to deny coverage. Because few local HVAC technicians will service MrCool equipment, you are likely to handle initial troubleshooting through MrCool's email-based customer support, which has drawn complaints about long response times. Keeping thorough installation records and purchase receipts from the start is essential.
Is 20 kW enough backup heat for my home?
20 kW provides roughly 68,000 BTU per hour of heat, which is adequate backup for many mid-size to larger homes in moderate climates. However, if your home has high heat loss, poor insulation, or you are located in a very cold region, you should calculate your home's design heating load to confirm adequacy before purchasing. An undersized backup kit will leave your heat pump struggling during the coldest nights.