Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - colder climates and heat pumps
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ontariogirl
08-21-09, 11:59 AM
Our home is 19 years old and is heated and cooled with a York 2.5 ton unit with an air handler with radiant heat. I have had 3 service technicians look at it and all recommend I change my system. We have no access to natural gaz and our options are propane furnace with an outdoor AC or new Heat pump.
We are being advised by some to change to propane because they say that in our area it is more economical and efficient. They also claim that the heat pumps today are not made for the colder climates, and that the heat pumps are not manufactured as well today as 20 years ago and will break down more frequently than the one I have now. My opinion is that my Heat Pump has served me very well. I don't believe I will save that much if anything by converting to propane, I hate the idea of having a tank in my yard, I have not had many maintenance issues with my York so I prefer staying with the air source heat pump unless there is some real data that shows that I can save with propane or that units are not built for the colder climates. Can today's heat pumps withstand the snow and cold like they use to.... or is this an unfounded sales pitch. Are there brands that are more efficient in the colder climate, or some that I should stay away from?
Secondly, if I go to the heat pump, I can have the outdoor unit and the coils on the indoor unit changed leaving the air handler and resistant heating coil as is to save money. But again, some of the sales people are basically telling me that changing the entire air handler is the only way to go and only replacing the coils will only create more problems. Do you have advice?
And last, the best price so far has been on a Keeprite unit, the highest price a Trane unit. Similar in specs. Any opinion on the Keeprite name?
We are being advised by some to change to propane because they say that in our area it is more economical and efficient. They also claim that the heat pumps today are not made for the colder climates, and that the heat pumps are not manufactured as well today as 20 years ago and will break down more frequently than the one I have now. My opinion is that my Heat Pump has served me very well. I don't believe I will save that much if anything by converting to propane, I hate the idea of having a tank in my yard, I have not had many maintenance issues with my York so I prefer staying with the air source heat pump unless there is some real data that shows that I can save with propane or that units are not built for the colder climates. Can today's heat pumps withstand the snow and cold like they use to.... or is this an unfounded sales pitch. Are there brands that are more efficient in the colder climate, or some that I should stay away from?
Secondly, if I go to the heat pump, I can have the outdoor unit and the coils on the indoor unit changed leaving the air handler and resistant heating coil as is to save money. But again, some of the sales people are basically telling me that changing the entire air handler is the only way to go and only replacing the coils will only create more problems. Do you have advice?
And last, the best price so far has been on a Keeprite unit, the highest price a Trane unit. Similar in specs. Any opinion on the Keeprite name?
dun11
08-21-09, 12:54 PM
or is this an unfounded sales pitch
Yes, heat pumps are much more efficient today then they were 20yr ago
changing the entire air handler is the only way to go and only replacing the coils will only create more problems
Correct
Maytag makes a 23SEER heat pump that has very similar HSPF and COP's as geothermal equipment but its not cheap. Can't comment on Keeprite, never dealt with it.
The most important thing is the installing contractor not the brand. Focus on the contractor.
Yes, heat pumps are much more efficient today then they were 20yr ago
changing the entire air handler is the only way to go and only replacing the coils will only create more problems
Correct
Maytag makes a 23SEER heat pump that has very similar HSPF and COP's as geothermal equipment but its not cheap. Can't comment on Keeprite, never dealt with it.
The most important thing is the installing contractor not the brand. Focus on the contractor.
dac122
08-21-09, 01:32 PM
What do you mean by radiant heat? Do you mean your current heat pump has heat strips in the air handler?
Heat Pumps can be used effectively in cold climates such as my aging 8 HSPF in a cold locale. I know those further north than I in Canada that use them effectively.
What approximate area do you live in, and can you provide your KWH cost (including taxes) and propane per gallon cost?
Depending on your setup and air handler you may be able to use some of what you have. Some pics would help there.
Heat Pumps can be used effectively in cold climates such as my aging 8 HSPF in a cold locale. I know those further north than I in Canada that use them effectively.
What approximate area do you live in, and can you provide your KWH cost (including taxes) and propane per gallon cost?
Depending on your setup and air handler you may be able to use some of what you have. Some pics would help there.
johnsonr1
08-22-09, 04:14 PM
If you change the outdoor (condensing unit) you should change the indoor coil and refrigerant piping. You must change them if the new unit is not R22. I personally do not recommend heat pumps in Ontario due to the cost to operate them for heating compared to either propane or natural gas, but that is a personal preference. I have repaired and even installed many in the GTA due to customer request and have had no problems with them if they are installed properly and serviced regularly.