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Actually, it turns out modern inverter-driven air-source heat pumps (either mini-splits or the highest-end ducted systems) are almost as efficient as ground-sou
by sgerenser 8y ago
Actually, it turns out modern inverter-driven air-source heat pumps (either mini-splits or the highest-end ducted systems) are almost as efficient as ground-source heat pumps, at a much lower installed cost. Basically, GSHPs are now sort of a boondoggle, except in the coldest climates that don't have access to natural gas. Yet the government of the U.S. still incentivizes installing them with a huge 30% tax credit, with nothing for high-quality ASHPs.
So its actually a good thing that most people don't consider GSHPs, they should instead be considering 20+ SEER ASHPs.
- JoeAltmaier 8y agoReally? I live where it gets below freezing for months. At these times the ground continues to be what, 55 degrees F. How can an air-source pump be anywhere in the ballpark of efficiency?
- sgerenser 8y agoIn very cold climates, you're better off with just burning fuel (natural gas is available in most of the U.S. very cheaply, although this is probably not the case outside the U.S.). But it turns out that GSHPs have a lot of losses related to pumping and other inefficiencies to where the difference in efficiency between a state of the art inverter-driven ASHP and a GSHP really isn't that high. Especially considering the often HUGE upfront cost of installing a GSHP. Google for "Inverter Air Source Heat Pump vs Ground Source" or similar. For example, see: https://www.homepower.com/articles/solar-water-heating/domestic-hot-water/ask-experts-air-vs-ground-source-heat-pumps https://www.homepower.com/articles/solar-water-heating/domes...