I installed two rheem two ton heat pumps a couple years apart a few years back. They work great except when it gets in the single digits. Both units have 7kw heat strips which should put out about 25k btu each which is way above the heat loss for this house if both heat pumps are still putting out around 9k btu at 10 deg and then the strips are putting out another 25k. I would be looking at equivilent close to 5 ton total heating capacity for the house. I have just been using a couple of space heaters on those days and they make up the gap nicely. I looked at the manual today and saw something about jumpering E and W2 for heat strip operation. I currently have my 3m radio stats setup as W instead of E but it is the same thing. Cool mode has always worked great on both. I have the thermostat already setup for electric heat and heat pump. Since this is not Rheem thermostat I want a second opinion before jumping W and W2. It seems like that could be the problem but again I just want a second opinion. I know heat strip operation is more expensive BUT so is operating both heat pumps 24/7 in the winter since they can not meet their set temps. A few short minutes of strip heat should be all it needs.

I currently have electric baseboard in a split level 3400 sq/ft home and it is killing my wallet in the winter. I want to change heating systems but I am not sure which route to go. I was thinking forced air but it is expensive to have it all installed. I know this isnt gonna be cheap no matter what way I go but I dont want to spend that much money in the wrong way. I have 100% access to the floor of the top level from the bottom as I have a drop ceiling through the whole basement. The basement floor is concrete and there is not enough space to add a sub floor to do floor heat. Does anyone know of a good option? Please help. Thank you