Anyone here have any experience with a new heat pump system called Acadia cold climate heat pump? The manufacturer is Hallowell Int. located in Maine. These are a new generation of air to air heat pumps that can supposedly function in heating mode with outside air temps down in subzero range. They supposedly are being used in Maine, Wis., and Minnesota. I have talked with someone I know who has been monitoring one’s performance installed in the Albany, NY area, and he’s been impressed. Installation is said to be simple for anyone experienced in conventional ac work. Similar operating costs to earth coupled heat pumps with lower upfront costs. If it works, it seems it could be a great system.
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My brother installed one and other than some installation issues (I think because of their newness) he seems to like it. If you want to get in touch with him, PM me and I'll send you his contact info. He's located in Orange, MA, so it gets fairly cold.
Z
We've priced them out on several jobs now, but no one has gone for them yet. They are a few thousand more than a high-efficiency propane-fired system.
I just googled it ... very quickly. Lots and lots of boasts including a DoD purchase. But I found no information on HOW it works.
I did see a note by someone who said they wouldn't let anyone but a seasoned AC tech install it that proved he read the install manual and highlighted the uniqueness of this system ... which aren't substantial, but are apparently important.
I'd definately do some research on this. I suppose the concept is sound ... build a big enough compressor/condensor and you can do this(I'm not saying that is how they do it), but it's not typically done ... and probably for good reason or TRANE Carrier etc would have already done it.
I'd do my research before you buy ... they've only been in business 3 years. Ask tough questions, accept no sales answers that really have no substance to them. Somewhere there is a downside to this thing and that is what you should know (IMO) before you shell out the dough. And ... there is ALWAYS a downside ... 1st and 2nd law of thermo ... ain't NO free lunch. I suspect the downside isn't just a little higher installed cost, either. Let that intuition buzz at your neck until you know the ups AND the downs ... then decide.