Replies

1. 
   Nick_Pitz | Oct 01, 1999 04:36pm | #1

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   Bobbi-

   I live around Philly so I am familiar with your dilemma. I would encourage you not to use a air-to-air heat pump. They have come along in recent years but most heat pumps I have seen in this area run on electric backup heat, which is very expensive. Oil is cheap, at least for now, and packs a lot of BTU's per gallon. I would also encourage you to use hot water for heat instead of forced air. I don't want to go into a lengthy discussion of the pros and cons, if you search the site you will find a lot of other info. But a seperate heating and cooling system maximizes both systems efficiency, in my opinion. Air conditioning ducts should generally come from above (since cold air sinks) and heat ducts should generally come from below (since hot air rises), which I think sort of sums up my feelings about forced air. In any case, good luck.

1. 
   Matt_G. | Oct 06, 1999 04:50am | #2

   *How about a dual fuel system? Heat pump for moderate weather, oil for cold weather. I guess they make 'em in oil? The Heat pump/LP flavor is popular around here. Of coarse, "here" is 500 miles south of you.

1. 
   Jay_Beaumont | Nov 03, 1999 06:45am | #3

   *BobbiWe're in Bucks county, which is south of you, and just put in a new HVAC system as part of a major remodel for a 2,500 sq ft ranch. We chose forced air, using an air-to-air heat pump for both air conditioning and heat, with oil as a backup for when it gets too cold outside. We're very pleased with the system.One cost-saving feature is that the electric utility here has a low rate for "all-electric" home heat during the winter months, roughly October to May, and in spite of the oil backup we still qualify for that rate.Jay

1. 
   Steve_Hansen | Nov 03, 1999 09:52am | #4

   *Bobbi,Have you considered an earth coupled heat pump? They cost more up front but they offer a very high degree of efficiency. We are putting one in the house we are building now. After looking at all the numbers, I concluded it was the best way for us to go. We are in Northern Arkansas. The numbers get better the further North you go. Lived in an air-to-air heat pump house in the St Louis area for several years. Cooling was OK but in the Winter I was always cold. Never again!

2. 
   Bobbi_B | Nov 03, 1999 09:52am | #5

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   We are planning on building a 1840sq ft two story home in Northeastern PA.Most of the square footage is on the 1st floor, the only thing upstair is 2 bedrooms that are approximately 11X12 and and11X10 and a bathroom. Also there is an area that could be an optional 3rd bedroom that is approximately 20X10 and this is directly over the garage for the most part. What would be the most economical source of heat? Our contractor has suggested the heat pump, but all the posts I've been reading here at FHB seem to point to the fact that this type of unit functions better in a mild climate. What exactly is considered a mild climate? We normally keep our house around 68 to 70 degrees on an average winter day, and on days when it goes below 30degrees we turn the heat up to 70 or 72 degrees. The house we live in now is a 1300 sq. ft. bilevel, heated with an oil
   baseboard heat. We also want central air in the new house. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.