Why does the unit have to be inside?

Thurman · 05-31-2010, 05:46 PM

I had my HVAC unit, an electric heat pump/AC unit, serviced last week. It's 12 years old and they told me that it might make it through this summer here in S.GA. The Tech recommended a GeoThermal unit even though they do not sell/install them, then recommended a local company that does. I had them come out to talk and things sounded fair until he told me that the unit cannot be outside, it must be inside. After I asked him to explain this he stated "I don't really know why, that's the way we do it and the manufacturer recommends it". Not a good answer to me when selling something that cost $12K for a turnkey job. Is this a fact or BS he's shooting me? Why would the unit have to be "inside" and out of the weather? Where would one put it? David

Marty S. · 05-31-2010, 06:24 PM

No bull, it goes inside same as a standard furnace or air handler does.

biggles · 05-31-2010, 06:39 PM

the piping runs out into the back yard which replaces the air cooled condenser you once had..then a pump and fluid are installed with the piping and that removes or adds heat to your system...

**beenthere** · 05-31-2010, 07:17 PM

Is your current unit, a package unit, that everything is outside? If so, its made to be outside.

Because they are made weather tight. So they aren't UL approved for unprotected installation in the environment.

Before you pull the trigger. have them ROI for you. Have them do it against a 16 or 18 SEER heat pump.

You may find that the ROI time isn't worth the upfront cost.

Thurman · 06-01-2010, 05:28 PM

"it goes inside same as a standard furnace or air handler does."
My bad for not describing my unit enough. Yes, my unit is a package heat pump system with everything outside, except the ductwork under the house. That's pretty standard around here. ROI was not discussed, he had a chart showing an average of electrical power used in this area of the GeoThermal vs. packaged heat pump/AC with the GeoThermal unit using approximately 60% less electricity. I do know two homeowners who had them put into their homes when built and like them. Actually, I've never seen their unit. Hmm, I'm not sure now whether the $12K investment would be worth it vs. the $32oo to replace my unit. David

**beenthere** · 06-01-2010, 06:19 PM

$8,800.00 goes a long way in paying heating and cooling bills for lots of years to come.

Get quotes on 15 and 16 SEER packaged heat pumps. They can save a lot of money on heating and cooling cost also. And hav a lower upfront cost then a geo.

yuri · 06-01-2010, 06:39 PM

Factor in the expensive repair costs for a geothermal and they are not as cheap to own or run. Very specialized equipment and you are married pretty well to the installer, hopefully he stays in business.