[lmcleester]

We have two systems in a split level house. Heat pump upstairs, gas furnace downstairs. Some ductwork runs from downstairs to upstairs. After replacing our gas furnace our electric bill has increased a ton. Any suggestions what could cause this problem and how to fix it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CodeMatters]

T-stat set to circulate air constantly?

 

[roughneck]

Are you certain it’s not coincidence and there’s a problem with the heat pump?

 

[digitalplumber]

Did your power rates expire or change?

 

[CaptTom]

My first assumption would be the heat pump ran more than usual.

As for why, the most obvious would be a difference in the way the two thermostat are set, relative to each other. Also, a change to the balance of the furnace duct work could cause the heat pump to come on more often, if less warm air reaches its thermostat.

I'd start with simple things like that, first.

 

[lmcleester]

Thanks for your responses. There is something funky going on between the furnace and the heat pump. We did a large comparison of our daily electric charge from comparing last December and January to this year. So we compared last year's daily electric charge from our electric company and this year's daily charge. We then compared these charges based on the daily temperature so we could compare correctly. The daily electric charges are 50% higher every single day in our comparisons after the furnace was installed. We need to figure out why our heat pump is working overtime.

I did start changing the thermostat settings to try getting more heat upstairs at night which is most likely when it'll be coldest and need more heat. I also have the installer coming back out to try to figure it out as well. Thanks!

 

[user_12345a]

You need to look at absolute consumption, not charges.

It's not possible for a gas furnace double electric usage especially when you have electric heat for the second floor.

Have thermostat settings changed?

I would not assume it's related to the furnace;

Heatpumps with electric aux heat can appear to work when the outdoor unit fails - the aux heat can cover it up.

In very cold weather, it's normal for heatpumps to run a lot, if not continuously. But - the aux heat shouldn't be coming on that much.

 

[beenthere]

How much warmer are you keeping the upstairs now? Are you sure the heat pump is running, and not just the aux heat? Did the heat pump thermostat get accidentally changed to emergency heat.

 

[raylo32]

Sound to me like this is just a coincidence... you had the furnace installed, then it got cold and the upstairs stat started calling for the heat pump... and the heat pump has an issue, perhaps only or mostly running on aux heat.

 

[huesmann]

So, is it doubled, or 50% more? They are not the same thing.

 

[lmcleester]

Thermostats have not changed. I'm hoping its not a coincidence and that there's something wrong with the heat pump. Its only 3 years old. I do still hear the condenser come on outside when I'm out before bed with the dogs. How do I tell if aux heat is coming on instead? The thermostat hasn't changed from heat. I keep checking it to see if it changes to aux heat but it hasn't visibly changed on it.

The bill has increased by 50%. I realize the title says doubled. I know they are different. I thought it was an easier title to read and would catch someone's eye to provide help.

 

[More Power!]

The bill has increased by 50%.

But did actual consumption increase 50%? That is the question. Our bill shows actual consumption in KWh. Does yours?

 

[lmcleester]

Our bill states kWh used. Sticking with my comparisons of last January and this January, it changed from 1780kwh to 2777kwh. Nothing else has really changed besides the new furnace. Even our weather has been about the same as last January. Both have been mild winters with average daytime temps in the mid 40s and night time temps in the 30s. We even set the thermostats to decently cool temps to begin with. The upstairs heat pump is set to 66 as a high and only for certain times throughout the day. It really shouldn't need to struggle.

 

[More Power!]

2777 / 1780 = 1.56. That's actually a 56% increase. Yeah, I'd say something is amiss.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

It's time to do some KW usage of your unit(s) and quit guessing.


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