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Dmurphy2016 OP t1_j433c9m wrote

Reply to comment by techorules in Let’s talk heat pumps by Dmurphy2016

Doing my research.. going to be doing new construction. Thinking of doing heat pump with oil/propane backup ( also needed for hot water) but just looking for opinions as I’m new to the heat pump thing.

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individual_328 t1_j434mam wrote

You can do hot water with your heat pump too. Like the previous poster said, you really don't need oil or propane backup. If the temp gets so low the heat pump doesn't do much you can get temporary old school resistance heat through the same unit. Yeah, it's more expensive when it runs that way, but it will rarely be used. Certainly not more expensive than installing an entire second heating system.

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techorules t1_j434wqh wrote

If your new construction includes air ducts for forced air then just make sure the ducts are specced big enough for heat pump heating because I've been told that "older" forced air duct work is often inadequate. Shouldn't be an issue for you but thought I would mention. Was not an issue for me in my 15 year old house.

Also look at hybrid heat pump electric hot water heater. Those also save tons of money and would help you avoid needing to burn fossil fuels in your house - no need for a oil/propane furnace. Propane and oil are both insanely expensive. If it were me no way would I sign up on oil/propane reliance. Before I converted I was being charged well over $4/gal for propane. Crazy expensive. I have favorable math because my electricity is cheap (~$0.13/kWh) but even with more expensive electricity prices avoidance of oil and or propane is very wise IMO.

If you go full blown electrification as I did (I even got an EV last year) just make sure you plan for 50 amp circuit for air handler backup heat, and a 40 amp circuit for hybrid electric hot water heater.

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BobSacamano97 t1_j45lgq6 wrote

Ugh did the installer mention the thing about old ductwork? My FHA duct work is 20+ years old. I want to add a ducted system but hoping this doesn’t limit me.

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techorules t1_j467os4 wrote

Yeah one of the three HVAC installers I had over to provide quote told me this. Do your own research - it may not be a pervasive issue. Also the Mitsu ducted air handler is pretty big so it may not fit in every furnace replacement scenario. But it won't cost you anything to find out. Go to Mitsu's web site and call diamond contractors in your area and ask for a quote. And worst case is you can still do ductless mini split heat pumps if you can't put in a ducted a system. Honestly that is what most people do - I don't think tons of people are converting their whole house system like I did. Adding on some ductless minisplit units is also a pretty wise move if that's your only/best option.

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