Comments
baseketball t1_iy8m0nw wrote
I would like to do this. Can someone who has gone through the process explain what kind of system they got and how much it costs to run?
nattarbox t1_iy8ou4i wrote
They're offering big rebates to switch from fossil fuel heating to heat pumps, either ground or air sourced:
https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/air-source-heat-pumps
https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/ground-source-heat-pumps
If you have natural gas this will probably cost you more on monthly basis because these use electric power. But if you have oil chances are you'll be saving money, and also have a warmer house (plus AC in the summer).
For a smaller rebate you could augment your oil heat with these to reduce your oil bill and make the house a little warmer. My parents are running that setup in Maine and it is a huge improvement over oil alone.
Installation cost and effort depends on the system, house size, wether you have existing ductwork that can be utilized, are OK with wall head units, etc.
I spent $10k for a 24k BTU system with two head units on our 1200sqft townhouse, took about two days to install. Runs to around $200/month in electric costs middle of winter / peak of summer for a very comfy temp.
Would start by talking to some installers about options/costs, and mention you're specifically looking to utilize these rebates. They have 0% loans that might be an option too.
baseketball t1_iy8shpt wrote
Appreciate the info. $200/month isn't bad. Just paid over $700 for half a tank of oil which will probably only last a month.
Master_Dogs t1_iybqkof wrote
Might want to check on Mass Saves insulation rebates too. That high of a heating bill in general sounds like a lack of sufficient insulation problem. Would suck to drop $$$ on a new system only to still end up with $400-$500 heating bills.
New windows/wrapping drafty windows in plastic wrap can help too.
NoMoLerking t1_iy8l6gm wrote
If you can afford to turn on your heat, turn on your heat. It doesn’t have to go up to 75 in the house. But if it’s 35 degrees in your kitchen, your pipes are very much on the brink of freezing. Set it to 45 if you want, but jeez man, a burst pipe is a real problem.
nattarbox t1_iy8pn56 wrote
Need to do 55F+ if you have pipes in exterior walls. The inside of those walls is cold as hell and will not be the same temp as your interior.
Minimal_Suck t1_iyado78 wrote
My upstairs neighbor had the genius idea once of trying to save money by not turning on the heat. I think the water damage to her apt and everyone below was several years' worth of heating oil.
sweatpantswarrior t1_iy8m7z7 wrote
Fuck it. If people say I'm not a New Englander that's fine by me. I care more about being warm than I do about some townie's opinion.
WinsingtonIII t1_iy9fywd wrote
It's fine to try to save money, but I don't understand the people who act like they are morally or physically superior because they keep the heat at 55. It's your financial choice, and that's valid, but it's not something to brag about.
bostonchef72296 t1_iy9l3tg wrote
My fiancés parents live in Vermont and act like it is a fucking competition to keep the heat as low as possible in the winter. Sometimes when we visit we can see our breath at night. I have to pack like 3x the normal amount of clothing that I usually would because of there not being adequate heating. We are going to see them in January this year and I am dreading what the weather inside, and outside their house will be like.
Liqmadique t1_iy746xk wrote
Hasn't been cold enough for the heat yet, heck I'm still wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt indoors.
TheAVnerd t1_iy937oz wrote
Sipping my ice coffee in flip flops.
Apprehensive-Hat-494 t1_iyas7xt wrote
Even the Boston "wimp" who turns on the heat before the Red Sox season ends is braver than people from South Texas/South Florida who start fussing when it gets below 60.
Personally I'd rather hack my own firewood and set up a wood stove in my kitchen than suffer in the cold. And as others have commented, once the pipes burst you're not brave, you're just stupid.
While some people turn it into a war of wills, others have to pick and choose whether there's heat or food for dinner.
coldsnap123 t1_iy9zu84 wrote
You can’t idle your car more than 5 minutes, but you can set your heat to 72 in November 🙄
fitdude19 t1_iyd06xw wrote
It sounds like a proud aspect of being a New Englander is being in menopause. Pass
Visible-Education-98 t1_iy7oors wrote
Doesn't get cold around here til late December.
nattarbox t1_iy8g963 wrote
You might be annoying
And/or need to get off oil heat with those MassSave rebates.