Heat Exchanger Extraordinaire! If you're building or upgrading your heating and air conditioning system, you really need to have a look at this system.
In the summer, the heat pump moves heat from inside your home, to outside. In the winter, the heat pump moves heat from the outdoors to the inside. I won't get into the mechanics, but trust me, this stuff works, really well!
In our climate, which gets really cold at times, the heat pumps do rely on a back up propane system because at a certain point, it's really hard to extract heat out of freezing air (although it can be done to a certain degree).
I just sold a really big home that used this system and the average electric bill, year round was $104. The propane usage included the hot water system, but was less than half of what a conventional propane forced air system would cost for a similar home. That's a lot of money saved, especially last year. Other benefits:
- Provides a more even room temperature mostly eliminating the "burst" of hot air
- The air produced by the heat pumps is less dry, better humidity in the home
- Instead of thinking of getting a 95% efficient gas furnace, the air to air heat pump is 275% efficient
- Cooling is the reverse direction of the heat pump, and goodness knows we like cooling in the summer
- Some Electric Co-Ops offer rebates per ton of system installed
- The State of Montana offers a $500 tax credit for the installation of the system
- The Federal Government offers a tax credit up to 30% of the cost of the system up to $1,500 if it's Energy Star rated
The Quilting Realtor
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Many Dream Of Living In Montana I'm One of the Lucky One's That Already Do! Wanda Thomas Call or Text 406-698-8640 for help with all things Montana. |
In Florida, this is the primary type of system. It is the norm and not the exception because we see very few, very cold days. A bit of a warning, make sure that you have a back up heating capability. Warming a house in sub-freezing temps with a heat pump is a long practice that could leave you chillin in a bad way. Great information on the energy saving opportunities.
Hi Steve, We do use a propane back up system. We have a great amount of rural real estate without natural gas up here, so systems that are powered by electricity are very popular since propane is volatile in cost and costly to deliver.
My heating is from a water heater (high efficiency boiler) into a radiant heated floor on an insulated slab. Very efficient. Plan to use solar hot water heat in the near future and just use my propane for backup. No air conditioning since I push cold well water through my floor on hot days in the summer if needed. About 12 times per year, even with temps in the 90's.