Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Electric > Heatpump?...

Hi guys.....quick question: can you convert an existing split system <all electric> to a heat pump, or do you need to buy a HP condensing unit?

Thanks

You have to go all the way Id say. First yes you need a new outdoor HP unit Then you need a new inside coil.So the freon can flow back in the small line. Then its where is the coil now on the electric furnace? You want the heater elements after the AC coil. ;)

Thanks Ed......I was pretty sure that was the case. I've just bought this system, but messed up and went with an under-sized heat strip <10 KW>. I'll probably just go ahead w/ the 15 KW strip, but I think I'll probably exceed the 60 amp circuit I currently have....can't seem to find the electrical data on the new heat strip anywhere, based on my calculation, it's going to be about 62.5 amps.....probably a minimum circuit amps of 70 or so....

If possible, I would strongly suggest that you install a second strip heater with it controlled (via relay) from a second stage output on the room thermostat. This will allow for high-load operation when necessary but also give you the savings of a two-stage heating system.