Would you get a heat pump if you could? (insulated, insulation, gas)
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Wood is a PITA compared to coal. Anybody that has ever burned wood and switched to coal doesn't regret it. If you want to save yourself money cutting your own wood, sell the wood, buy coal and stick some money in your pocket. I know a lot of former wood burners that were doing that.
Whether you are dealing with a hand fired stove or automatic stoker the only advantage wood has is less ashes. For example with a hand fired coal stove you can get up to 24 hour burns however most people get on 12 hour schedule. With an automatic stoker the only difference between conventional heat is taking a few minutes each day to put coal in one end and take ashes out of the other.
On that front anthracite is suitable in any urban environment, at most you might get a whiff of sulfur on warm humid days if the wind is blowing the right way. The flue gases are clear, no soot.
I have lots of experience with wood and little with coal but I agree. Wood is a PITA. That said, if you have the right equipment and mindset, it's not bad. I use it for exercise and it's somewhat therapeutic. It give's me time in the woods and a nice sense of accomplishment when I see the woodshed filling.
Quote:
Originally Posted by thecoalman
On that front anthracite is suitable in any urban environment, at most you might get a whiff of sulfur on warm humid days if the wind is blowing the right way. The flue gases are clear, no soot.
This was in response to my post which referenced politicians and stating I prefer the smoke of a fire to the stink they generate. That said, when my stove(s) are burning right, there's nothing visible coming out of the chimney(s). Yea, they smoke when I add wood but only until they change from smoldering to burning.
oh hell no!!!!! I hate heat pumps!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first experience with them was when I lived in Charlotte, NC, and they DO NOT help in the cold winter. We had 3 ice storms the first winter I lived there and I froze!! if it werent for the fireplace in my apartment, I don't think I would have survived. Nnow that I'm in Savannah, GA, I still hate them. Laying in bed in the cool winters, and cold air blowing on my isn't my idea of fun...... I don't know what knucklehead thought of this but they should be flogged....
oh hell no!!!!! I hate heat pumps!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first experience with them was when I lived in Charlotte, NC, and they DO NOT help in the cold winter. We had 3 ice storms the first winter I lived there and I froze!! if it werent for the fireplace in my apartment, I don't think I would have survived. Nnow that I'm in Savannah, GA, I still hate them. Laying in bed in the cool winters, and cold air blowing on my isn't my idea of fun...... I don't know what knucklehead thought of this but they should be flogged....
Ummm, are you changing your thermostat to use the inside heat strips instead of the heat pump on cold days? Heat pumps aren't intended to be used in temps that low. If you switched to the strips, there would be plenty of warm air coming out of the vents.
I am a licensed HVAC contractor in state of Texas.
Heat pumps require astute technical knowledge. This goes far against the grain when dealing with the typical HVAC company.
Older systems can't be compared to newer technology. In consideration of this there are limitations. A heat pump works best in temps above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, they can work in lower temps, but you will need back up heat while the heat pump goes into defrost mode. Defrost mode on a heat pump is a drag on efficiency.
When the unit goes into defrost mode is when chilly air from the vents is typically felt. Your system is only as good as the sum of it's parts. If your back up or emergency heat isn't up to handling the load of the dwelling what can you expect? (failure)
The OP has the right idea in using the heat pump as a back up to use on warmer days. Fuel oil isn't cheap and that is the whole point.
The best advice is to use an HVAC contractor that has experience in both oil fired furnace and heat pump system configuration and design.
Heat pumps have come a long way, but only when you size the emergency heat correctly especially in colder climates.
to the OP, do you have access to natural gas, and how much does it cost?
To all of the naysayers, is anyone actually using a MODERN Air source heat pump with an HSPF of 9-10 such as a Mitsubishi FE18? Technology has changed a lot. And they are coming out with one significantly more efficient very soon. A Mitsu Fe18 is 275% efficient at 17F. About 200% efficient at 5F. i am stating these numbers based on their documentation. Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Cooling & Heating | HVAC
So if your average for the winter was 250% efficient, you are still beating a 96% efficient propane boiler at $1.88 a gallon, and that is if you can lock in that low.
Last edited by joe moving; 06-04-2014 at 03:48 AM..
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