heat pump or furnace + a/c
#1
I live in the Washington DC area and will need to replace my heat pump which has died. I am looking for help in deciding between a new heat pump or buying a separate gas furnace and air conditioner. I've gotten one quote so far and the separate units are considerably more expensive to purchase, but I haven't yet seen operating cost numbers.
What considerations should I be looking at in deciding which way to go ?
What considerations should I be looking at in deciding which way to go ?
#2
If the new housing in your area favors gas, go with gas. The builders are sensitive to what buyers want or prefer. Someday you will have to sell your home and the potential buyers may cross you off the list if they don't want gas or a heat pump.
Also look at:
http://www.proctoreng.com/articles/bigger.html
http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/refbriefs/cb7.html
These pages are designed to help buyers find out what they need to know to get the best results. The contractor is the most important element to good results. Brand and fuel choice are secondary.
Also look at:
http://www.proctoreng.com/articles/bigger.html
http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/refbriefs/cb7.html
These pages are designed to help buyers find out what they need to know to get the best results. The contractor is the most important element to good results. Brand and fuel choice are secondary.
#3
My thoughts
I lived in Baltimore for about 5 years.Okay so big deal.With a HP it is used 365 days a year in that area or almost.It is used to heat and cool.If you install central air and a gas furnace,since they are seperate entities,you will reduce the hours of running time on each.Do,as many times mention on this forum.Do homework and find out the costs of your utilites for electric verus gas.PDF
#6
I have to disagree with fjrachel. I live in Front Royal Virginia on the north slope of a mountain. Needless to say, it gets cold where I live. I have a 2 stage heat pump with an LP secondary and haven't had any problems. My gas bill is considerably lower than what it would be if I had a regular gas furnace. Just my tupense worth.