Heat pumps

[LD1]

Bill still seems pretty high for a ~1700kwh usage average. That would equate to a ~$190 bill up my way

 

[kenmac]

Back to air conditioning: I bought this 13 SEER used, 3 ton; replacing a old 4 ton, straight cool/heat strips. I did not wire in the auxiliary heat (seem to remember needing more wires in T-stat wire?). He said that if the auxiliary heat isn't hooked up, it causes problems with defrost...

If you are using straight cool and heat strips for heat..You aren't using the H.P. at all.. You have the AUX heat ( heat strips) wired in ,and only using Aux. heat (heat strips). for heat. You won't have any defrost issues, because you aren't using the HP. This is probably why your bill is high . HP is primary heat.. heat strips are Aux .heat

 

[dpb800]

Since buying our house in 2011 we have replaced all the windows and increased our insulation in the attic to about 26 in. and installed a geothermal unit with propane backup. We sealed as much we could around the foundation as possible. New doors and screen doors.

The house is 1380 sqft ranch style with a full unfinished basement. We were able to install a deduct meter from the power company and pay about 0.05/kwhr to run the Geo. We keep the house at a steady 70 year round. We average 120-160 a month depending on how hot/cold it gets.

The Geo can handle bitter cold spells, some as low as -22f. We have routinely been at or below 0 for a week or more at a time. The Geo is a 3 ton unit and has been able to keep up with our btu demands.

The backup propane furnace is especially helpful for extended power outages. We can run it on a small generator.

We love the Geo unit. Great comfort and the cheapest option available especially since all the rebates made it no more expensive then the top end furnace and air conditioner to install. It will last longer, is quieter and more comfortable.

 

[paulharvey]

If you are using straight cool and heat strips for heat..You aren't using the H.P. at all.. You have the AUX heat ( heat strips) wired in ,and only using Aux. heat (heat strips). for heat. You won't have any defrost issues, because you aren't using the HP. This is probably why your bill is high . HP is primary heat.. heat strips are Aux .heat

The old one used straight cool/heat strips. The newer one is a heat pump with auxiliary heat strips, that are not wired up.