We have always had heat pumps, and in general, they have always been pretty reliable for us. However, we now are at the point where we need to replace two heat pumps (again!) and are considering using an electric furnace instead.
The two systems are a 1.5t and 3.0t Ruud/Rheem system, installed in 2005. They have been cranky and not doing a good job almost since they were installed. A current list of the repair costs on them (including service trip charges and such) have added up to a bit over $- $ of which in the last four months.
Since we live in the Austin area, we heat less than 30 days per year on average, and when heating, I am relatively sure the aux heat strips are on a lot during that time as well. During the brief heating season, our electric bill rarely reaches $180/month. During the peak of the cooling season, we often see $400/month electric bills. Often four of five of them, and they ar braced by bills ranging from $240-$280.
This leads me to believe that buying an A/C system with an electric furnace, rather than a heat pump, might allow me to push more money into a higher end A/C system, even at the risk of getting a $300/$400/month bill once or twice a year. Seriously, we rarely turn on the heating, even when the outside temperature dips into the low 40's. The house retains a lot of warmth, as it is fairly well insulated and constructed with a very thick layer of stucco.
Another reason for this is the two Ruud units outside, after being repaired with new fan motors and caps, sound incredibly loud. Being right outside our living room and kitchen, I can assure you they are terrifically noisy and irritating.
The contractors we are talking to to obtain bids are all recommending either Lennox, Trane, Carrier, American Standard, or Daiken. We are tending towards the brands we see more of, like Lennox and Trane, but have not made up our minds about it yet, but all those brands carry both normal A/C units and Electric Furnances, as well as heat pump units.
Having read many many posting here, it seems that HP's are almost *always* recommended over this configuration though. So- I am asking for your opinion, and hope I gave enough specifics to allow you guys to offer those opinions. Thanks! I see we are not supposed to discuss budget, but we are able to replace both units financially now, and that is probably one of the better drivers. I would rather spend a good amount one time than $ here and $ there and so forth.
Thanks!
-Paul
The two systems are a 1.5t and 3.0t Ruud/Rheem system, installed in 2005. They have been cranky and not doing a good job almost since they were installed. A current list of the repair costs on them (including service trip charges and such) have added up to a bit over $- $ of which in the last four months.
Since we live in the Austin area, we heat less than 30 days per year on average, and when heating, I am relatively sure the aux heat strips are on a lot during that time as well. During the brief heating season, our electric bill rarely reaches $180/month. During the peak of the cooling season, we often see $400/month electric bills. Often four of five of them, and they ar braced by bills ranging from $240-$280.
This leads me to believe that buying an A/C system with an electric furnace, rather than a heat pump, might allow me to push more money into a higher end A/C system, even at the risk of getting a $300/$400/month bill once or twice a year. Seriously, we rarely turn on the heating, even when the outside temperature dips into the low 40's. The house retains a lot of warmth, as it is fairly well insulated and constructed with a very thick layer of stucco.
Another reason for this is the two Ruud units outside, after being repaired with new fan motors and caps, sound incredibly loud. Being right outside our living room and kitchen, I can assure you they are terrifically noisy and irritating.
The contractors we are talking to to obtain bids are all recommending either Lennox, Trane, Carrier, American Standard, or Daiken. We are tending towards the brands we see more of, like Lennox and Trane, but have not made up our minds about it yet, but all those brands carry both normal A/C units and Electric Furnances, as well as heat pump units.
Having read many many posting here, it seems that HP's are almost *always* recommended over this configuration though. So- I am asking for your opinion, and hope I gave enough specifics to allow you guys to offer those opinions. Thanks! I see we are not supposed to discuss budget, but we are able to replace both units financially now, and that is probably one of the better drivers. I would rather spend a good amount one time than $ here and $ there and so forth.
Thanks!
-Paul
