heat pump

pamela99 · 08-25-2010, 08:36 PM

live in cold climate in winter considering a heat pump, i was wondering if someone would explain how the thermostat works as in when it brings the electric furnace. does the heat pump run all the time or does it shut off when its really cold . not doing myself just want to understand how it works. any help greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

**beenthere** · 08-25-2010, 09:18 PM

They can be set up to shut off the heat pump when it gets too cold outside. Too cold is usually below zero. Some however are still more efficient at 0 then the strip heaters at zero though.

pamela99 · 08-25-2010, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the reply does that 0 means celcius if so a heat pump seems not to make sense in Winnipeg, does the furnace come on automatically if the heat pump does not keep up, or does the heat pump and furnace run at the same time. I am not sure if I want a heat pump,opinions welcome .Winnipeg gets cold in winter.

**beenthere** · 08-25-2010, 09:45 PM

0°F.

The thermostat will automatically bring on the furnace, if the heat pump can't keep up.

pamela99 · 08-25-2010, 09:54 PM

thanks for the help, in your opinion would you buy a heat pump in Winnipeg its cold here from 0ctober to march sometimes 40 below.

**beenthere** · 08-25-2010, 10:24 PM

A dual fuel yes. That way on those mild days and nights. When the heat pump can handle the load. You get the lower cost operation of the heat pump. Once its too cold out for the heat pump. The gas or oil furnace takes over.

yuri · 08-26-2010, 06:33 AM

Hate to be negative but I would say NO. We can heat our homes a LOT cheaper with natural gas than heat pumps or electricity. A 2 or 3 stage furnace is the best bet. The Lennox G71 or SLP has 3 stages and the lowest is 35% of full fire. At over 98% efficient. The lowest fire is great for fall and spring so you always get the highest efficiency year round. Nobody will go out when it is below 0C and work outdoors on a heatpump so it is HARD to get service for and one of the main reasons we don't see them very often. They produce lots of ice when they defrost a lot in our climate and have other negative aspects.

**beenthere** · 08-26-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuri

Hate to be negative but I would say NO. We can heat our homes a LOT cheaper with natural gas than heat pumps or electricity. A 2 or 3 stage furnace is the best bet. The Lennox G71 or SLP has 3 stages and the lowest is 35% of full fire. At over 98% efficient. The lowest fire is great for fall and spring so you always get the highest efficiency year round. Nobody will go out when it is below 0C and work outdoors on a heatpump so it is HARD to get service for and one of the main reasons we don't see them very often. They produce lots of ice when they defrost a lot in our climate and have other negative aspects.

You would know the utility rates up there better then I would.

moondawg · 08-26-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuri

Hate to be negative but I would say NO. We can heat our homes a LOT cheaper with natural gas than heat pumps or electricity. A 2 or 3 stage furnace is the best bet. The Lennox G71 or SLP has 3 stages and the lowest is 35% of full fire. At over 98% efficient. The lowest fire is great for fall and spring so you always get the highest efficiency year round. Nobody will go out when it is below 0C and work outdoors on a heatpump so it is HARD to get service for and one of the main reasons we don't see them very often. They produce lots of ice when they defrost a lot in our climate and have other negative aspects.

What about geothermal? Does anyone use it up there?

yuri · 08-26-2010, 06:50 PM

If you have $25,000 burning a hole in your pocket to get started with. Rural areas have some but it takes a LONG time to break even and with a few repairs you lose $$ in the long run.