by Stealth 7 Replies latest jw friends
I am replacing my HVAC system, considering 2 options
1) Heat pump coupled with a 80% efficiency furnace for when it drops below 20f
2) A 95% high efficiency furnace with a traditional 15 seer A/C unit.
Anyone here work in this field or replace their system recently? I am being told the heat pump is the way to go. Air source not ground source.
I put in the air source heat pump with the A/C unit, variable speed motor, works great. It Hailed her Sunday, nice and warm inside.
I'm no expert on this, I do remember in thermodynamics class when we studied air conditioning and heat pump cycles, that it takes 7-10 minutes for the unit to actually get up to its peak efficiency. So make sure you don't get upsold to a larger unit than the one required for the square footage of your house. If the unit turns on and off constantly, it destroys the efficiency (besides being hard on the mechanical components).
I'd recommend the heat pump. My parents have a ground loop system. It works great, very efficient. Before that, they had the air system heat pump that was great, but they've gotten even more efficient since then.
Also check with the utility company, sometimes they offer rebates if you get a heat pump. Also, check with a tax accountant about deductions for the cost.
Stealth, if you do go with water ground loop, look into having a heat exchanger for the water heater supply. In the summer, when heat is "pumped out" of the house, it can preheat the water entering the water heater. Talk about efficiency...
The heat pump that I have in our central living area consumes 1200 Watts of electricity, yet releases 7200 Watts of heat.
Even though I believe the electricity consumers in this state are being robbed blind, anything that releases six times the energy that it consumes has got to be the way to go!
Bill.
Thanks to all who have commented!
I am leaning towards the air source heat pump. I would like a system that will pay for itself over time. The gound source heat pumps sound like the most efficient, but the cost just may be to high to justify.
The city where I live does offer rebates as well as 3% loans for replacing with high efficiency system. Will be taking advantage of that for sure.
I have a heat pump in my store and my house; they are much more efficient than stand-alone forced air furnaces and other electric heat sources.
At my store (3500sf) we had an entire new system installed; I save about $600 a month over the old electric heat system we had.
At home (1800sf) I had the old furnace replaced and a heat pump installed; I save about $100 a month.
