We are considering central air and heat for our old house. I know very little about heating and cooling. The two current estimates are for a heat pump with back up gas furnace. The heat pump provides heat and air conditioning, with the gas furnace kicking in when it gets under 30 degrees (we live in Missouri). I do prefer gas heat, as it is a warmer heat, but my sister told me some people are not satisfied with their heat pump, not keeping the house truly warm. The heat pump does cost more to install.
2006-11-01 05:41:41 · 4 answers · asked by Sheila 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I live in Mo also I have a Geo thermal heat pump best thing ever cheap utility bill's also the added cost pays back in about 5 year's
2006-11-01 13:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by knowitall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I install heating systems.
I will tell you that heat pumps only give the best heat in the Fall and Spring other than that the Elec. has to make up the difference.
I Will recommend you buy a Bryant "Evolution"
this will provide the best comfort that I have experienced using a Gas Furnace and 15 SEER or higher Condenser.
ALSO add Humidifier, April Air or a Steam unit
Note: from the service end of things i will tell you it is easier to repair a Gas Furnace than a Heat Pump in the middle of Winter
ewccontrols is the humidifier i like best
2006-11-01 10:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by Specialist Ed :Þ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The heat pump does not heat as well as a regular gas furnace. I have an electric furnace. The heat pump seems to run constantly when the thermostat calls for heat. That causes the outside unit to run. This, to me, seems like more electricity is being used to run that fan plus the blower motor on the furnace. They definitely do not put out as much heat. I don't think I am saving any money with the heat pump versus regular furnace.
2006-11-01 06:05:08 · answer #3 · answered by bugear001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO In theory the heat pump should work fine, but in practice it does not. all you are doing is using a AC unit to hat as well as cool. When you want heat it shuts off the cooling baffle and opens the condenser side baffle and vise versa. Best would be to get separate units or systems that use a common ducting system.
2006-11-01 06:52:21 · answer #4 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋