Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - FAQ for new heater?
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mx13
08-11-07, 11:11 AM
This is not really a DIY question, but a planning question. Is there an "HVAC for Dolts" resourse for choosing a new furnace? My search here for "choosing furnace" didn't come up with anything. The control board on our electric furnace is shot (heat control comes through OK, but fan runs constantly) and after limping through the end of last winter, it's past time to get it replaced!
I am starting from close to zero as far as knowing what to look for. We have an 1800 sq. ft., 2 floor (partially sunken basement) house, vaulted ceilings upstairs. In Seattle, so heating needs are pretty modest, as it's rarely below freezing and virtually never below 20° F, and cooling is really not needed or wanted. The old unit is a Wesco, I think 8 x 20 Amp/240V elements, but might be only 6 elements. It's adequate, though not impressive in rate of heating. Doubtless the same age as the house, which was built in 1977 or 1978.
Our house does not have gas, so we are probably going to stick with electric heat unless the utility has a surprisingly good deal on bringing gas in from the street (or we decide to be ambitious about a future remodel).
The unit is partially exposed in a hallway downstairs, and has an (inoperative) electric filter element next to it.
Among my questions:
Are these things in standard sizes? What dimensions do I need to measure?
How many Watts (or BTUs) do I need? Does that have to conform to codes?
What the heck is a heat pump? What are the pros and cons? The heater is NOT on an exterior wall, so any plumbing would have to be run through a laundry room or bathroom, if that involves an outdoor heat exchanger. Space outside that area is limited, too.
Are there any brands or models to seek or avoid?
Probably most importantly, what questions do I need to ask that I don't even realize yet??
Thanks,
Mike
I am starting from close to zero as far as knowing what to look for. We have an 1800 sq. ft., 2 floor (partially sunken basement) house, vaulted ceilings upstairs. In Seattle, so heating needs are pretty modest, as it's rarely below freezing and virtually never below 20° F, and cooling is really not needed or wanted. The old unit is a Wesco, I think 8 x 20 Amp/240V elements, but might be only 6 elements. It's adequate, though not impressive in rate of heating. Doubtless the same age as the house, which was built in 1977 or 1978.
Our house does not have gas, so we are probably going to stick with electric heat unless the utility has a surprisingly good deal on bringing gas in from the street (or we decide to be ambitious about a future remodel).
The unit is partially exposed in a hallway downstairs, and has an (inoperative) electric filter element next to it.
Among my questions:
Are these things in standard sizes? What dimensions do I need to measure?
How many Watts (or BTUs) do I need? Does that have to conform to codes?
What the heck is a heat pump? What are the pros and cons? The heater is NOT on an exterior wall, so any plumbing would have to be run through a laundry room or bathroom, if that involves an outdoor heat exchanger. Space outside that area is limited, too.
Are there any brands or models to seek or avoid?
Probably most importantly, what questions do I need to ask that I don't even realize yet??
Thanks,
Mike
Jay11J
08-13-07, 06:19 AM
What is your avg electric bill in the winter?
I'd go with heat pump, heat pump is an A/C running backwards.. It's taking the heat from the air outside, and putting it into your home. Runs MUCH cheaper than your electric heat being used in the winter. You will still be using electric heat, but just as a back up on a very cold day, and when the system runs a defrost cycle.
Get a couple of dealers in to check your home, and ask for a Manual-J (Load Calc.) on your home. If they do the "Rule of Thumb" send them packing.
Retire the Electronic Air Cleaner, and get a 4" Media filter system like Honeywell F200, or ApirlAire.
I'd go with heat pump, heat pump is an A/C running backwards.. It's taking the heat from the air outside, and putting it into your home. Runs MUCH cheaper than your electric heat being used in the winter. You will still be using electric heat, but just as a back up on a very cold day, and when the system runs a defrost cycle.
Get a couple of dealers in to check your home, and ask for a Manual-J (Load Calc.) on your home. If they do the "Rule of Thumb" send them packing.
Retire the Electronic Air Cleaner, and get a 4" Media filter system like Honeywell F200, or ApirlAire.
Ed Imeduc
08-19-07, 09:58 AM
Go to http://warmair.net there you can copare fuel cost for where you are. Like said Id stay with the heatpump. Dont use that EAC filter get it out of there. Get 3 bids for this job for sure and that they run a heat loss AC load on the home . Ask for a V/S blower and a seer over 15 for the AC with a HSPF over 8.05 on the heatpump. You can go higher on the SEER and HSPF. Trane and lennox are good units