Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - turn around a window ac & use it as a heat pump?

any reason not to put my spare 5000btu ac in my workshop as a heater?

Because it's already cold outside, the compressor would likely never run. You'd have to hardwire the compressor to run constantly, at which point it would then freeze up.

Plus, it'd be terribly inefficient, since that's not what it was designed to do. You'd also have to make ductwork to pull the air from inside the building to the outside through the side venting. Otherwise you will be heating cold outside air, forcing it inside, and forcing the warmed inside air back outside.

Yes you can. Just turn it around. Put a crankcase heater on the compressor. Wire the tstat for inside the room temp. Then add a defrost board with temp controls for it.;)

Anything is possible if you throw enough time, effort and money at it, eh? :)

Yes you can. Just turn it around. Put a crankcase heater on the compressor. Wire the tstat for inside the room temp. Then add a defrost board with temp controls for it.;)

i'd only use it less than 2 hrs above 50F, so it won't need defrost. Everyone seems to forget to ask how the owner intends to use the product. does my ruud hp have a crankcase heater? maybe i can swap it out?

yes my ruud does have a heater.
But it only turns on <45F.
They are not needed above 45F, some say 50 or 55F.
Many turn OFF when comp is on.
Some use motor windings for heat.
.
So it appears it will work in my situation, above 50F,with little risk(cost $79).
will have to bypass thermostat.(i'll ask a tech about that)
So guys, always ask the customer about his habits!