The A/C compressor is wearing out and we are planning on replacing it this year. The A/C guys we use are saying about $2000.00 depending upon size. The furnace is quite old, but has given no problems so far.
2 ton heat pumps can be had for $2500.00
What is your opinion for replacing them with a heat pump?
We are in Central Arkansas, USDA zone 7. Hundred degree days at the most warm Summers, teens are unusual but there are a few in the Winter.
Thanks!
Heat pumps aren’t particularly efficient at heating from low temperatures. In the teens you’ll likely need electric heat strips to supplement the heat pump, which is not as efficient.
Electric heat is still very efficient (technically 100% efficient) but depending on electric rates vs gas or oil rates it’s likely more expensive than you’re paying to heat now.
Prior to purchasing either system you should have a calculation called a “schedule j” done to properly size the system. Whoever runs the schedule j should be able to give an intelligent answer regarding the overall feasibility of a heat pump for winter heating.
We replaced our ancient heat pump with a SEER 16 5-ton unit a few years ago.
We experienced an immediate 20-30% reduction in our electric bills, and the house is much more comfortable. Our new heat pump will keep the house at 74°F when the outside temperature is in the low twenties, with no auxiliary heating (electric or gas boosters). It never gets much colder than that here, so I don’t know how low it will operate. The issue with heat pumps is the defrost cycle - at low temperatures, the pump spends a lot of time defrosting the coils (and cooling the house).
Overall, I’m extremely happy with it.
You can ask a local HVAC installer what they recommend for your area.
Thanks, both.
I had a solar heating course in undergraduate school that used a pamphlet, “The Arkansas Story House” created by the electric company to size heating and cooling. I wish I could find the damn thing. You calculated the heat loss from each room, and the air flow required to cool it.