Heat pump or not? that's the question

[shaum76]

hello all:

my current consensus configuration:
80% AFUE standard 90000 btu gas furnace and a 10 SEER 3ton outdoor unit - pending a full load calc.

I've decided that the 90% unit is out because for the cost to upgrade to a 90% (about $600 more) I could get a heat-pump (about $450 more) and save more on the total energy bill.

Any thoughts on what the cost savings would be with a heat-pump in a moderately cold area like Delaware?

also - does the fact that I'm using a heat pump for the 40F to 60F mean that the unit will run longer and it'll be more compfortable than the same job being done instead by the gas furnace?

thanks in advance....

[peytonc2682]

I would think that the furance will be more comfortable because it will be two stage. On the lower stage (normal operation) it will be lower BTU. Overall the heatpump may save on the heating cost but it is hard to know if and how much. It depends on outdoor temps, gas rates, and electric rates.

[wyounger]

A heat pump can be of great benefit in just about any climate where heating is required. In milder climates, it can run straight through the winter. In really cold climates, it handles the spring and fall heating and another system handles the real winter.

It's hard to know how much you might save without knowing your electric rates, though. Got any info to share in that regard?

[heatpumpguru]

DELMARVA gives you a break on the power with a heat pump,you could get a lower AFUE heater because it would be back up only. I would say a variable speed furnace 2 stage would make home more comfortable than 90 1 stage.

[BaldLoonie]

Dual fuel is 2 stage. Low BTU heat pump runs in mild weather, gas runs full blast in cold weather. And in most cases will cost quite a bit less to heat with than a 2 stage gas furnace.

[shaum76]

Electric
Distribution : $0.029040 per kWh
Supply: $0.055870 per kWh
Transmission: $0.007884

Gas:
Distribution: $0.358170 per ccf
Supply: $0.859170
Env. Surcharge: $0.000830