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Replacing A/C with a Heat Pump, problems?

steamnoob
steamnoob Member Posts: 46
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration

I've had 3 contractors tell me that due to tax credits and rebates, makes no sense to swap out my old r22 system with anything other than a heat pump. I have a oil boiler with rads, but they say I can qualify for the credits if a double pinky promise to use the heat pump as my primary heat source. Other than some additional complexity, and other downside to doing such a swap?

Due to the tax credit differences, a higher seer variable system might only be a few hundred more than a lower efficiency unit. I get a bad taste in my mouth about the high eff stuff since it seems maintenance and reliability are a pain, but dealing with big reputable contractors with multi-year warranties. Any reason not to "splurge"?

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,726

    it shouldn't cost much more and will give you a back up source of heat if nothing else. The only difference is a defrost board, reversing valve and maybe another tXV and some check valves. It does have more parts to fail but if the rebate is big enough go for it. You may want to use the hP for heat in the sproing and fall.

  • winnie
    winnie Member Posts: 27

    I have an oil steam system. I installed minisplits, and use them for shoulder season heating.

    I've cut my oil use by more than one half, and even with the expensive electricity in Massachusetts I am saving money. I suspect that if you have a good central heat pump system installed you will see similar: the hybrid of heat pump and oil steam is fantastic.

    Heat pumps have lower BTU capacity and lower efficiency as outdoor temperature drops. So in the spring and fall they are at their best. Steam boilers require lots of energy input just to make steam and distribute it, and are at their best when they can burn for nice long cycles.

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,754

    As of now, my thought is I'll be getting a 2 stage heat pump, not inverter, when I replace my CAC system. Maybe I'll splurge and get a constant torture condenser fan motor. And keeping the oil fired baseboard and radiant for Stage 3, or aux. I love inverter technology, but ordering a part vs. having it in the van means a lot to me. And if the part is out of warranty its big $$$. Of course you're told, "And we also recommend replacing the main circuit board whenever you replace..." GR8.

    My Rheem/York R22 Frankenstein is going almost 24 years, but it's past due. I don't want to HAVE to do it when its 93° out and it decides it's had enough.

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