new to heat pumps

[peterr]

Hello
I have been reading some of the threads and want to know how often service should be done on heat pumps and what they do.
Also, is it ok to run the emergency or auxiliary heat coil on an as need basis? I am used to a gas furnace in new England but this Maryland H-Pump is keeping me in the cool compared to the furnace.
Thank you
Pete

[jimbo122655]

The biggest difference between a heat pump and a gas or oil furnace is that the heat pump will put out the temperature that you are asking it to do. That is, if the termostat is set on 70, you will have 70 degree heat coming out. Given that, you will not have hot heat whereas a furnace will blow out probably 140 degrees of heat to satisfy the thermostat. This is the way my installers explained it to me. They also told me that a heat pump is more energy efficient than a gas furnace, that is, money wise. On the average, a heat pump will last 10 or 12 years and a gas furnace (average) is 20 +. I know I will have feedback on this one, I am saying average, not in everyones case. I have heard that you should have your heat pump serviced anually but have read before every 2 years. The hardest part is trying to get someone to service it. HVAC techs are busy year round. Good luck!! Jim

[peterr]

Thanks for your advice and stay warm.
Pete

[Ed Imeduc]

Like said 70o is 70o with oil gas are electric. We like to tell people set the tstat for what you want but stay away from the registers with a heat pump. Now heat pumps have what is called the COP and most have about a 30. What that means is you get like 3 times more heat or BTU for your dollar as you would for the same dollar with the electric strip heaters. As far as service change the filter every 30 to 90 days for sure dont use a washable kind. Feel the big copper line when the unit is running Summer it should be cold and wet. Winter hot and dry. Keep the outside unit clean .You can hose it down in the summer before you turn it on for AC. Keep it clean around it so it can get air. Bug spray around it helps, ants and other bug do get up into it and into relays.

ED ;)

[peterr]

Thanx a lot for the tips; I'll check that copper line now-little too chilly for hosing.
Pete