A/C opinions, please. Heat pump or straight cool? (house, buy)

[poodlestix]

Our upstairs unit went out on us. Our a/c guy is trying to convince us that we should go straight cool since it's a cheaper unit and we don't get that many super cold days in this area. We have tried researching online, but after weeks of trying to decide while our daughter puts up with a window unit to stay cool, we don't feel any closer to a decision. I would like to hear peoples' personal experience with both types.

[Pete C]

Hmm, I can't speak from experience, but after reading up on straight cool I wouldn't do it. It probably depends on your tolerance for a cold house. I don't even let my house get below 72 in the winter. I know some people that would open their windows on a night like last night. Definitely not us.

"While you may pay significantly more for an air conditioning unit with a heat pump, this is the route that many homeowners are choosing for new installations – since it allows them the benefits of an air conditioner and a heat pump. For homeowners with new construction homes with more than three units, it’s optimal to go with an air conditioning system with a heat pump because it is more efficient and also costs less to install the electrical service, since straight cool systems pull more amps when heating. While a heat pump is much more costly upfront than a traditional straight cool system, the cost savings may be worthwhile depending on how frequently you use your heat. If you don’t often turn on your heat during the winter, even when the temperature is very cold outside, a straight cool system will work for you just fine."

[davephan]

I wouldn’t want to be without central heating when we buy a house in Florida. Setting up a bunch of space heaters would be a hassle, it’s less safe, and not even heating.

I would suggest checking out a two stage central air conditioning unit, instead of a single stage air conditioning unit. We have a two state central air conditioning unit in Minnesota, and it works much better than a single stage unit. It alternates between cooling and dehumidification. So, you can reduce the humidity without lowering the temperature too much. The two stage air conditioning works great in the short humid part of the short Minnesota summers. The two stage air conditioning would probably work much better in Florida where you can benefit from reduced humidity in your house without having to lower the temperature too much, during the long cooling season. The two stage air conditioning costs more than a single stage unit, but it’s worth the extra cost, as long as you can afford to spend a little more money to improve your comfort level.

[MyITGuy]

Whats the cost difference that he is trying to sell you on?

In looking at a page that came up via Google: Carrier Packaged Unit Price List | WebHVAC.com

A 3 Ton Carrier 15 Seer unit would run:
A/C Only - $3,999
A/C with Heat Pump - $4,799

Personally, I would go with the heat pump. $800 isn't worth the hassle/risk of setting up space warmers, sleeping downstairs or freezing my @ss off.

[Reynex]

Virtually all central AC systems have heating coils so "space heaters" don't figure into the decision.
Heating a house isn't a large expense in central Florida.
Electric resistance heating while inefficient, might cost you on the order of $100.00-200.00/ year on a 2000 Sq. ft. home.
A heat pump might save you. $50.00-$100.00/year on electricity.

[ByeByeLW]

Originally Posted by Reynex

Virtually all central AC systems have heating coils so "space heaters" don't figure into the decision.
Heating a house isn't a large expense in central Florida.
Electric resistance heating while inefficient, might cost you on the order of $100.00-200.00/ year on a 2000 Sq. ft. home.
A heat pump might save you. $50.00-$100.00/year on electricity.

Thanks for clearing this up.

In other words, straight A/Cs are what they call “reverse cycle” for heat, correct?

[Reynex]

Originally Posted by ByeByeLW

Thanks for clearing this up.

In other words, straight A/Cs are what they call “reverse cycle” for heat, correct?

No, "reverse cycle" is when an Heat pump/AC system is warming the house in heat pump mode.

[ByeByeLW]

Originally Posted by Reynex

No, "reverse cycle" is when an Heat pump/AC system is warming the house in heat pump mode.

Okay, since my AC has the heating cycle it’s actually a heat pump then?

Gets confusing because I’ve heard the term reverse-cycle AC frequently.

I was also confused by your comment stating that virtually all ACs have heating coils.

The term heat pump just gives me the impression of being something separate.

So my ideal unit would probably be a 2 stage heat pump I guess. I’ve heard the 2 stage is more efficient and helps reduce the humidity more than single stage. Heard that from customers, not a salesperson.

[poodlestix]

Thanks, guys! We have decided to stick with a heat pump like our old unit had.

[ByeByeLW]

...so the electric coils that are found in most ACs providing what’s called electric resistance heating.

Did I finally get it right? Lol