Okay so who knows something about heat pumps?

Triton

Triton

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Technically this isn't gadgets or gear, but it is something I've got to buy as my old system has croaked. :mad: Right now I have one estimate from a guy selling Rheem at 4020 dollars and one from a guy selling Trane at 4600 dollars. The trane also comes with gingerbread like new floor registers and a new "touch screen" thermostat. They would appear to be equivalent units with roughly equivalent warranties. So given that which one is the better buy? Thanks for your time.
 
I went thru my electric utility for a recommendation as to contractor. I was looking for competent and honest. Then I googled everything I could think of to find out about heat pump reviews. Consumer Reports, epinions and such.

Once I had a good contractor and efficiency/reliability ratings I had the contractor size the unit for the home. The most efficient unit of the correct size was installed. Carrier brand. Also, got an electronic air cleaner, with grids that fit into the dishwasher.

I don't know of a substitute for self-study when you find yourself at the mercy of refrigeration mechanics and installation contractors or any other experts.

Since installation, the same contractor has serviced the unit.

Don't like the touch-pad controller. Too complicated. Perhaps the newer ones are more user friendly.

The key to my house, now, is the need for a new electric panel. The house was built during the late 70's and I have outgrown the old box.

All the best,

oregon
 
Triton said:
Technically this isn't gadgets or gear, but it is something I've got to buy as my old system has croaked. :mad: Right now I have one estimate from a guy selling Rheem at 4020 dollars and one from a guy selling Trane at 4600 dollars. The trane also comes with gingerbread like new floor registers and a new "touch screen" thermostat. They would appear to be equivalent units with roughly equivalent warranties. So given that which one is the better buy? Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...

As an engineer I try to stay on top of this but there just isn't much good news. The units are dumbed down and stripped of switches etc to lower the price. I ask tech's which units provide the best service and reliably and they just shake their heads.

Having said that I wouldn't buy the Trane, if it’s the spline fin type unit and I think all residential Tranes are spline fin type. If you can't tell the difference by looking simply ask the Trane rep /contractor whatever. Usually they are proud to say it’s the spline fin because it improves efficiency - at first. They also act as a filter collecting dirt and debris and therefore are very difficult to clean - reducing efficiency. The “normal” types of condensing unit fins are plate type.

Ask him to show you both and you’ll immediately see what I’m talking about.

Also consider the warranties AND what the warranty covers as well as how length of time.
 
Hey Guys...

What is the difference between a Heat Pump and a Water Furnace ??

Our Water Furnace was about $25,000

ttyle

Eric...
 
A water furnace extracts heat from water (well, pond, lake etc.) while a heat pump extracts heat from air (outside air around the house).

It is relatively mild here in Willamette Valley so I can extract heat from air efficiently to some point below 40f which covers the majority of the year. Have a huge wood stove (live in the middle of a wood lot) and backup resistance electric heat for the rare and chilly arctic blasts.

Best,

oregon
 
Normark said:
Hey Guys...

What is the difference between a Heat Pump and a Water Furnace ??

Our Water Furnace was about $25,000

ttyle

Eric...
Click to expand...

I hope you see a large difference in your monthly utility bills.

I'm assuming you had a heat pump changed out to a water furnace.
 
Around here a water furnace is called a geothermal heat pump. My old one lasted almost 20 years and only had a couple of service calls before it needed major repairs.

The problem turned out to be that the technology has advanced so much that there are no available parts for the old unit. Custom made parts would cost more than half of the price of a new unit, so we went with the new unit.

The new unit is even more efficent and effective than the old one. The local REC (Rural Electric Co-Op) finances, installs and does the warranty/repair services on the unit. (It's a Trane, by the way)

Geothermal is the way to go. As has been mentioned the air units are just too susceptible to the ravages of weather, dirt, dust, leaves, animal damage and lightning.

The only reason I recommend Trane is because I figure that the REC would pick the best unit available since they are the one who'll have to do the warranty/service work.
 
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