Need thoughts on heating/AC replacement

[lreops]

I would like some feedback from anyone that has or have installed a new system in their home that incorporates a AC/heatpump with an oil furnace. I have had a few different companies come to my home to give estimates on a new system and most have suggested to add a heatpump to help on savings with my oil usage.

I once had a heatpump as the primary source for heating about 15 years ago and swore that I would never have another one. Was not at all happy with the way they heated my home and the cost of when temps dropped, how they used the electric heat strips to supplement the heating.

The sales pitch that these companies are saying sure makes it sound like this is the way to go, but a sales pitch is a sales pitch.

So, basically, I would like as much information from both people that have gone this route and their pro's and con's plus those in the business as to whether this would be a way that I may want to go.

[scotty80]

Heat pumps work great down to about 32 degrees, then they get very expensive because of the electric back up you mentioned. Also heat pumps are way better than your 15YO unit. Much more efficiant. I would think oil back up would be good. Natural gas back up even better if available. Do you have a chimney? Is it old? newer oil & gas furnaces require smaller flues. That will add a lot to the cost if you have to install a liner.
You have to look at a lot of variables. How well insulated is your home, how warm do you prefer, how long you plan on staying there, etc. One word of advise told to me by two people in the business, don't get the variable speed blower crap. Just get the best sear you can afford if you plan on staying in the house. Don't know where you live but Crouse in Elkton covers Cecil and I think Harford Counties. Well known, no BS, just good old fashion service for a resonable price.

[TKBMECH]

It is a long topic to comment on, but I will be glad to discuss your options with you, Including telling you to get a min of 4 quotes, I am hearing of some real rape quotes going on, i have been in the business for 20+ yrs,
You can give me a call on my cell @ 757-438-8344
Todd
AKA TKB Mechanical

[PREDATOR27]

Go Duel Fuel. It is an electric heat pump with a Natural gas or Propane back up. No emergency elec. heat strips. Ask your contractor about them.

[lreops]

In my case, gas is not available. I would be using an oil furnace as a source. I've been told that I could save anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3rds of my use of oil. The difference between a AC unit and a AC/heatpump unit is about $700.00. So again, just wondering how other people have liked or disliked this kind of setup and what manufactures are the best to go with.

[TKBMECH]

sorry about the phone tag this afternoon, it's hot and the phone is jumping , give me a call about 7.00 am and we can talk

[TKBMECH]

yes you can between 1/3 & 1/2, They have a twining kit to make the heatpump the lead and the oil the back up with a outdoor stat that switches over at a certain setpoint.

[lreops]

sorry about the phone tag this afternoon, it's hot and the phone is jumping , give me a call about 7.00 am and we can talk

Sorry, not able to give you a call back as I was truckin. Was in bed at 5:00PM and didn't get your return message anyway til today when I got home.

In any case, this is what I've found out so far. Seems like everyone that I have talked to and researched say that the duel system is the way to go. The general consensus about R22 verses R410A is that it would be better to stick with the R22 because there are still some issues with the newer R410A because of the greater head pressures and of being more prone to leakage and still relatively new. I've read that when 2010 gets here, units can only be produced using R410A. But as in the change over of R12 to R134, the earlier coolant will still be available. As for the compressor, the scroll has promise but is noisier than the reciprocating and, this I am not sure of, the scroll compressor only uses R410A.

From a previous post;
One word of advise told to me by two people in the business, don't get the variable speed blower crap.

I am still not clear on the variable speed fan for the furnace as far as pro's and con's.

I've looked at the two stage models that have the two compressors but they seem to be pretty pricey and I know of the two stage single compressors, but again, am not sure if they can use R22. If there are any other things to consider, I would appreciate hearing about them.

In trying to stay within budget, as of now with still an open mind, I've narrowed it down to a Trane XL 15I AC/Heatpump using R22 with a XV 80 Trane oil furnace.

Does this, in your opinion, seem like a sound choice for about $7,000.00

Oh, by the way, my location is in northeastern Maryland

[scotty80]

Does this, in your opinion, seem like a sound choice for about $7,000.00

Oh, by the way, my location is in northeastern Maryland[/QUOTE]

No, seems high. Have you contacted Crouse yet? No affiliation, they just do good work.

[mdram]

if you want to really save operational cost go with a closed loop geothermal heat pump. they are very efficient. there is a higher install cost, but its paid back in a couple of years

[lreops]

Have you contacted Crouse yet? No affiliation, they just do good work.


There is no listing in the phone book !!

[scotty80]

410.398.1530 208 North ST. Elkton

Geothermal is great but it still blows cold air below 32 and big$ to install.

[TKBMECH]

Get the variable speed furnace, it's alot nicer and actually makes the system more eff, 7k just to replace your equip is to high unless your getting 20 SEER equip, call around or even better yet call a local supply company like R.E. Michels and ask them to recommend a good contractor, metal prices have gone up but some of these guys out there are trying to get rich off of people, I actually saw a quote from another contractor given to a lady for 9k just to replace her outdoor unit and indoor coil only. (down right rape)I put an 18 SEER HP system in my house with the Variable sp blower and added the electronic air cleaner, good luck in your search.

[BBCroaker]

4 years ago I switched from oil to a heat pump with heat strips.
Yes it's a lot cheaper to operatre but I don't like it.
I stay cold most of the time. Every one tells me it's because I'm getting older.
I remeber checking the temp coming out of the vents with the oil furnace with a pocket thermomiter and it was like 165 deg to 175 deg.
This heat pump the most I've seen come out of it is 130 deg with the heat strips on. a cold day.
I have installed gas logs to use on cold days.
I kind of wish I had the oil furnace back.

[lreops]

I'm not doing away with the oil furnace, I'm asking about people that have the duel feed systems in their homes, that is, a heat pump with an oil furnace. The heat pump being the primary above 40° and the oil furnace being the primary below 40°.

[TKBMECH]

Ireops, I'm getting to ready to install one like that for a friend of mine, he has a furnace now and is installing a hp/furnace combo, you get the best of both worlds.