Possible oddball heat pump use

Daveinscranton

I am attached to radiant in floor (masonry) pex heating.  It was pretty cold here recently (like 5 degrees F and windy).  My floor maxed out at 75.5 to keep the house at 71.

Some years ago, I heated the house as an experiment, with a 4500 watt electric hot water tank.  It worked.  Had to keep one eye on the weather channel.  Lot of mass to heat up.  Things got more comfortable (and cheaper) when I switched to a proper propane mod con boiler.

 I am wondering about an air to water heat pump.  12-15,000 btu’s per hour for the shoulder seasons should do it.  

Has anyone taken an air to air heat pump, stripped out the inside radiator coil, tossed it in a sealed tank (thereby making a heat exchanger), and hooked it up to hydronic heat?

I cannot find a small, air to water heat pump that would justify the expense.

My heat bills are fairly small here.  It is more of a fascination/hobby.  Still a serious question.   

Thank you in advance.

EdTheHeaterMan

You will actually want to get a Refrigerant to Water heat exchanger. Don't try to re-invent the wheel

https://aquasystemsinc.com/

https://midstatesrefrigsupply.com/brazed-plate-heat-exchanger/

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Kelvion-GBS400H-08-8-Plate-3-4-Thread-20-GPM-Heat-Exchanger-5-x-12 this one might be small enough for your needs

Daveinscranton

Thanks Ed!

EdTheHeaterMan

Just send me some Smidgens!

pedmec

yeah, its called a heat pump water heater and they are available everywhere

hot_rod

But a hpwh would need to be ducted outside. The 46 degree air discharge cannot be ignored in a small space.