Are electric heat pumps any good?

Question

Compared to a propane gas furnace, how is an electric heat pump? I hear that it's better to have a propane gas furnace as backup, but using primarily the electric heat pump will save a lot on energy bills. But I have also heard that the electric heat pumps don't provide adequate heat sometimes.

Anyone have experience with an electric heat pump?

Answer 1

If you live in a low humidty place, U bet, they work great

23 years HVAC

Answer 2

As long as you don't live somewhere extremely cold. I live on the East coast & use a high seer heat pump. It is very reasonable in consumption but also our weather here in Wilmington stays relatively mild. If you spend extra & get whats called a Heat Pump with Gas fired back up. What it does is use a gas furnace in place of electric heat strips. That way you have the best of both options, just be sure to get the highest effeciency you can afford or else any unit wil still seem expensive.

Answer 3

We have one and it is fine most of the year. Once the temperature outside drops below 40*F for extended periods of time, the heat pump has a hard time keeping the place warm. It does have an "emergency" electric coil for warming the air like a regular electric heater, but this is much more costly to run.
If it gets below freezing on a regular basis where you live, you would probably want a back up heat source that you can switch to in very cold weather.
It is nice that the heat pump also acts as an AC, using the same duct work.

Answer 4

Electricity is bad for heating, however heat pumps (as opposed to heat strips or resistance heating) are about the best use of electricity. And it's low maintenance. Their effectiveness diminishes as the temperature plunges, so it depends on where you live.

Assuming you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you'll know pretty soon if it is adequate.

You can do all the cost-benefit analysis studies you want. Ultimately it boils down to taking clothes off or putting more on.

I don't know what your situation is, but a heat pump solves two problems at once, takes up less space, and is generally more efficient than many other methods.

Me, I'm still splitting wood, the swap cooler is useless for two hot humid weeks in summer, and the gas back-up heater still is cheaper than central air. But I do like my shorts in the summer and my long underwear in the winter. You've probably made the more convenient choice...

Answer 5

Humidity has nothing to do with it. It depends on the climate where you live. If it gets very cold outside the heat pump will not work very efficiently if at all as it is actually drawing the "heat" from outside and transferring it to the inside. Just the opposite of an air conditioner. If your normal temperatures are above freezing outside it will work well. Even if your climate is very cold in the middle of winter the heat pump can save energy during the fall and spring transitional months when the temperatures are "warm" enough for it to work properly. In climates where the temperatures range in the 40's and 50's during winter a heat pump is usually all that you need.

Answer 6

look around and see howmany other people have them in your area.