Replacing older resistance heater

Rich L.

1) Resistance is very efficient. And costly. None of the energy, aside from minimal line losses, put into heating the structure goes up a chimney.

2) Depends on the coeficient of performance (COP) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the ground source heat pump (GSHP). For example if your GSHP is rated as having a COP of 3.5 in therory for every energy dollar you put into operating the unit you get 3.5 dollars worth of energy back out of it. How can that be? A heat pump does not create, or generate heat, it simple moves it from one place to another. It takes heat energy out of that 55*F well water, steps it up through the mechanical refrigeration process and delivers it to a conditioned place, such as your house.

3)More efficient down to around 32*F (give or take). Then it has to work much harder to get the heat energy out of that cold (absence of heat) air. Cheaper to install than resistance? Depends on your local dealer but I wouldn't think so. More equipment, labor, etc. I can't imagine it would be any cheaper.

Based on my experience, and I have one in my home, GSHP's are a very efficient and economical way to heat and cool a home.

Good Luck, Rich L.

E Smith

Options on upgrading an existing forced air resistance heater

I've heard a lot of discussion on the different options to replace/upgrade an existing forced air electric furnace.
Feedback ranges from
1) resistance heat is the most efficient
2) ground source is 3-4 times as efficient
3) airsource is more efficient than resistance and cheaper to install
etc

I'm just looking for some general feedback.
Installation would be in NW Montana in 30 YO house with existing ductwork. Apparently we can use the 55F well water and put that back into a dry well

TIA for your help

Rich L.

Also

I like GSHP's because you have your heat and AC are all in one nice neat tidy package. At least for your forced air system. BTW your AC gains efficiency as well.

Rich L