Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - no a/c needed - heat pump?

Hi All, currently have a electric heat pump RUUD Achiever 9-High efficience model UPFB-036JAS 1989. The outside is completly trashed , the inside unit is fine condition. The heating guy that looked at the unit suggests dumping the whole system and installing a propane tank and new funace. Living on the central coast of CA there is never a need for A/C, he says replacing the heat pump is buying an A/C that will never be used. What should I do????????? Thank you in advance.

Hello Yankee in Ca.

I would seek another opinion, to replace the entire system and replace with propane would be costly, I know people who install just AC systems for cooling, so what is the diff. and to replace the outdoor unit cannot be more than replacing the whole heating system and then operating it with a fuel that fluctuates in price to record highs with no indication it will stabilize. My advise, stay with a heat pump, they are proven efficient and have improved exponentially over the past 10 years and operate as cheaply or cheaper than Natural Gas.

yankee

I disagree with your dealer. But you need to analyze your utility rates-both propane and electric. I know Ca has expensive and rather convoluted rate structure but propane is just too damn expensive. A heat pump for your climate may be just the ticket.

I am attaching a fuel comparison calculator to help you.

IMO
Good LucK!
:)

http://www.warmair.com/html/fuel_cost_comparisons.htm

Like said compare the fuel cost there first. But if you need a new outdoor unit for sure you want a new indoor blower coil unit also so they match. This will give you a higher SEER and also a HSPF on the heatpump. Now you say you dont need AC but how much heat do you need there????? Thats what should tell you how high a SEER and HSPF unit you need.

Thanks to all, forums like this always restore my faith in humanity. You all said both what I was thinking and hoping to hear as the propane tanks are big and ugly. The temps here:winter- lows- 40's (night); highs - 65+ (day) with of course some unusual swings. What brand would you recommend and model #, also do I need to replace both units if I stick with the same brand that's inside? The square footage is approx. 3000. Thank you again in advance. ps I think the reason even the second heating contractor (yesterday) is pushing propane is that they aren't familiar with heat pumps.

yankeeca

The minimum performance metrics for a new heat pump system that I would look for is R-410 frig, matching var speed air handler, 14-15 SEER, 12 EER, 9 HSPF, full BTUs for the size in both cooling and heating mode,scroll compressor. Because of California's electric rates, I would not go low efficiency.

My choices of brands would be Trane/AmStd and Carrier/Bryant. You will get a little more comfort/efficiency with two stg heat pump systems but of course that comes with a price.

Select a dealer that knows HPs.

IMO
:)