Any of you have a heat pump in your house?

[Mr. Laser Beam]

If so, how well does it work for you (for heating and cooling) and how much did it save for you in heating costs and all that?

My furnace is 12 years old and (having just had yet another service call on the frakking thing) I am thinking of replacing it. So I am also considering a heat pump as well. Just wanted to know what y'all thought of these things.

 

[Candlelight]

I have two in my house; one in the lounge/dining area and one in the hallway which heats the rest of the house.

I've only had them six months but they're pretty good price wise, and made for a very cosy winter!

Of course, now it's summer they're just fancy wall hangings...

 

[137th Gebirg]

Had one installed about 5 years ago. Before that time, heating the house (built in 1974) in the coldest months kissed around $400 in one month (I think it was February). After the heat pump it dropped to about $250 the following year. Installed new double-pane windows after that, now I won't exceed $160 with the thermostat at 72 degrees. I don't regret it, but make sure you get the one with the variable secondary fans. They kick on only when it gets too cold in the house and gives the heat an extra boost and then shut off once the temp gets to within a reasonable threshold. It really helps with the power bills. It may cost you a little more for the unit, but it pays off in the long run.

 

[Noname Given]

Central Heating pump (done in 1996) - 1400 sq. foot house. Runs about $150.00 a month in natural gas during the winter months (November - February).

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Year of Hell said:

Of course, now it's summer they're just fancy wall hangings...

Aren't they supposed to help cool your house in the summer (by transferring heat out of the house)?

 

[John Picard]

Do some research at the library about different heating systems. Heat pumps are not going to give you much of a savings based on how much fuel they consume versus the expense of installing one ($5,000 and up).

Forced air systems are pathetic, but cheap and easy. A baseboard boiler system is among the best. Also, proper insulation in the walls, attic, and insulated windows help cut down on heating and cooling bills.

 

[Paxil]

I don't know what he's talking about a "natural gas heat pump" anyway. Yes, they are both heating and cooling. They are efficient if you maintain about the same temperature constantly, not so much if you turn it up and down a lot.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

^I think he meant he heats his house with gas and the gas bill was $150 per month.