09-10-2019, 06:32 PM
Have a ~25 year old heat pump. Been nickel and diming parts and repairs for the past few years. Been considering replacement on our own terms, rather than mid-January in 10 degree weather or mid-July in 100 degree/75% humidity weather.
I've got a couple more estimates coming, but just got one from the company I like best, and just wanted a gut check on which route is likely to make the most sense for us.
They could give us pricing on 14 SEER units on the low end, and 20 SEER on the high end as well, FWIW.
A few items for consideration:
So perhaps the question is two-fold:
1. How much efficiency is worth paying for in a heat pump? I'm sure there's a calculation that would give a clear answer. Is it a function of cost of electricity? or is it a function of the expected usable lifespan of the unit?
2. Our old heat pump is single speed. What do we know about reliability of 2 stage and variable speed compressors? Run away fast? Or embrace them as a natural advancement in compressor technology?
This is not a "done deal". Possible we will wait until spring, but wanted to at least get some numbers to see what the possibilities are. Looking for your experiences and recommendation. thanks!
I've got a couple more estimates coming, but just got one from the company I like best, and just wanted a gut check on which route is likely to make the most sense for us.
- 15 SEER unit - single speed compressor + indoor blower unit + thermostat + install + 1 yr labor/10 yr parts warranty ~$5500
- 17 SEER unit - 2 stage compressor + indoor blower unit + thermostat + install + 1 yr labor/10 yr parts warranty ~$7500
- 18 SEER unit - variable speed compressor + indoor blower unit + thermostat + install + 2 yr labor/10 yr parts warranty (12 years for compressor) ~$8500
They could give us pricing on 14 SEER units on the low end, and 20 SEER on the high end as well, FWIW.
A few items for consideration:
- We are likely to be in the house for at least 10 years
- We have PV solar, so our normal electric bills are low/non-existent in spring-fall. Winter we are still generating of course, but typically not enough to cover the monthly bill (maybe 4-5 months). So perhaps a $100 electric bill in those months, but very low/no bills the other 7-8 months.
- Our appliances are entirely electric -- no gas/oil/etc.
So perhaps the question is two-fold:
1. How much efficiency is worth paying for in a heat pump? I'm sure there's a calculation that would give a clear answer. Is it a function of cost of electricity? or is it a function of the expected usable lifespan of the unit?
2. Our old heat pump is single speed. What do we know about reliability of 2 stage and variable speed compressors? Run away fast? Or embrace them as a natural advancement in compressor technology?
This is not a "done deal". Possible we will wait until spring, but wanted to at least get some numbers to see what the possibilities are. Looking for your experiences and recommendation. thanks!