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So much bad info in this thread. Almost all new construction already uses forced air heat pump systems for energy cost reasons. Supplemental gas (or electric) h

by 14u2c 5y ago

So much bad info in this thread. Almost all new construction already uses forced air heat pump systems for energy cost reasons. Supplemental gas (or electric) heat is only turned on by the unit when it's too cold for the heat pump to function well. All this change means is that units with supplemental electric heat will be chosen over those with gas supplemental heat. Additionally the compressors in these systems use far less than 50 amps, typically typically around 12 for a 3 ton unit. The type of system you described is generally used for old construction where adding ducts is impractical. Because it's used for a special situation it will of course be more costly.

mlyle 5y ago
> Almost all new construction already uses forced air heat pump systems for energy cost reasons. Here, natural gas is typically $2 a therm. Efficient furnaces are better than 90%, so $2 for 90,000 BTUs into the house or $1 buys 45,000 BTUs into the house. Electricity is about 30 cents a kilowatt hour. Good air source heat pumps have a COP in mild weather of about 4-- much worse when cold. This is about 45,000 BTUs/$ best case. So here, heat pumps are about breakeven vs. natural gas or slightly worse in energy costs... And they're more expensive in capital costs.