Central AC vs. Window AC Electricity Cost

[JHZR2]

What do I care about having it as a heat pump? My 97% mod/con boiler is better and Ill bet even my old 86% boiler and 62% WH was cheaper to run!

I dont really get that heat pump bit, but I guess those in climates where heat is run three times a year do!

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
What do I care about having it as a heat pump? My 97% mod/con boiler is better and Ill bet even my old 86% boiler and 62% WH was cheaper to run!

I dont really get that heat pump bit, but I guess those in climates where heat is run three times a year do!


A heat pump makes sense when natural gas is not available, regardless of the climate. Especially if propane or heating oil is pricey or unavailable, or if its unrealistic to have such frequent deliveries of propane. Propane has safety issues with automated combustion equipment too, IMO. Being heavier than air it tends to settle and accumulate if there's a leak, whereas natural gas will tend to rise and dissipate.

 

[JHZR2]

No I know... just self-centeredly talking about my situation

 

[PandaBear]

I don't think anyone will choose a typical central air over a ductless split system because it can be used as a heat pump. Most likely the reason would be installation difficulty and existing infrastructure.

If you already have duct in your house and existing tubing connecting between evaporator and compressor / condenser, it make sense to take advantage of that and install central AC, even if you will install window unit to supplement some rooms.

If you have no duct and no space to put in a monster size central air compressor, then it make sense to install ductless split.

A lot of the decisions are already made when the house was build.

 

[Cujet]

I have a large Florida home, with a 16 SEER central AC.

For many years, I simply used a 10 SEER window unit to super cool the bedroom at night. No need to cool the entire house for just one occupied room.

My electric bills actually went down when I removed the window unit and simply cranked down the central AC, to a nice, comfortable 63 degrees.

I suspect the window unit actually drew in a small amount of outside air all night long, and warmed the remainder of the house. Thereby making it far more difficult to re-cool in the morning.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Just a note regarding ductless systems, they are not known for quality dehumidification.

 

[JHZR2]

Works fine in the humid caribbean. We sleep comfortably on sticky humid late summer nights because of mr slim. Maybe not as good as central? Ok.

Thing with central is that I'll get a sore throat from it being too dry. There is cold and damp (nasty), cold and dry (painful) and just right.