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View Full Version : Value of Duel Fuel Systems?


sbvideo
11-08-2005, 11:55 AM
I must replace my 25-year-old electric furnace soon. When I bought the house 6 months ago, I had the gas company run a line to the house because I expected the replacement to be a gas furnace. Now that gas prices are increasing I am looking at dual fuel units--an electric heat pump with gas furnace. Living in middle Tennessee, I like the idea but are there potential problems I need to be aware of? Does the up front cost pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time? The bid I am most seriously considering is for Trane's XL 1200 DCY, either the 2.5 or 3 ton for my 1600 sq ft home.

Other posts I have read tend to recommend the extended warranty. The contractor offered a warranty of 1 year on labor, but at least one post insisted on 5 years.

Thanks in advance,

SB
BaldLoonie
11-08-2005, 12:23 PM
If you don't have anything gas in the house now, you probably are better off keeping it that way. You pay $10-15 a month just to have a meter so that adds $120-160 a year on top of any usage. TN has some pretty low electric rates. So do we and we're colder. An all electric house with a good pump is cheaper annually than gas & electric homes.
wyounger
11-09-2005, 10:37 AM
Ditto. If you haven't actually started using gas for something else yet, stick with all-electric (a heat pump with electric backup). It will be cheaper to run in TN, even ignoring the cost of having a meter and account with the gas company.
docholiday
11-09-2005, 10:56 PM
I also agree with my fellow compadres. Stick with a HP.
dan sw fl
11-10-2005, 03:15 AM
Originally posted by sbvideo
I must replace my 25-year-old electric furnace soon.

Does the up front cost pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time? The bid I am most seriously considering is for Trane's XL 1200 DCY, either the 2.5 or 3 ton for my 1600 sq ft home.

Other posts I have read tend to recommend the extended warranty. The contractor offered a warranty of 1 year on labor, but at least one post insisted on 5 years.

H.P. is again recommended
due to reasonable electric rates in TN.

Also, HIGHer H.S.P.F. & SEER might be pursued.

http://www.trane.com/Residential/Products/HeatPumps/XL16i.aspx

Cost 10 year P&L warranty for XLi series should be investigated ... I believe you'll find it 'somewhat friendly to your budget'. Some local mechanical contractors that I am aware of include this in their standard Replacement pricing.