What are the benefits of a Heat Pump?

[climatecontrol]

I was just wondering what are some of the benefits and downfalls of a heat pump, I dont really work with heat pumps all that much any help would be great! Thanks!

[smokin68]

Benefits are more effeciency than electric heat, starting around 3:1 @ 40F ambient and dropping as ambient gets lower. It also compares favorably to gas and oil in areas with low electric cost.

Negatives are lower supply temps than gas or oil(feels cool to customer if they're used to oil or gas heat), lower life expectancy than straight A/C units, more parts that can go bad(higher repair costs), and cost more upfront than a straight a/c unit. It also loses it's capacity as the temp drops.

i'm sure there's more.....

[heatpumpguru]

We get a BIG discount on electric 6.5 cents per kw V/S 15 cents a KW Oct 15 -May 15 above 600 kw

[oldertech]

We get a BIG discount on electric 6.5 cents per kw V/S 15 cents a KW Oct 15 -May 15 above 600 kw

sounds like you don't need any help in your situation....lol


Location: I am being held captive by 2 young princesses and a queen
Posts: 278

[gas1]

straight electric strip heat should not be used alone. the HP now are superior to the ones 15-20 years ago and normally cost 300 to 500 an will save that much in the first year if not 2. Also with the new energy codes in effect that most installers have ignored for the last 2 years you have to have R8 duct and more insultion than most builders will buy.

[larnot]

Also with the new energy codes in effect that most installers have ignored for the last 2 years you have to have R8 duct and more insultion than most builders will buy.

Not sure what you mean by this...what insulation are you talking about? Wall, ceiling, duct, flex?

[bustawrench1]

I was just wondering what are some of the benefits and downfalls of a heat pump, I dont really work with heat pumps all that much any help would be great! Thanks!

Low oil bill, high electric bill!

Not realy the preferred choice north of the Mason Dixon Line, INMHO!

[larnot]

Not realy the preferred choice north of the Mason Dixon Line, INMHO![/QUOTE]

If only we knew what Mason was charging for Gas and Dixon for Electricity!