Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
Originally Posted By: HosteenJorje
I opted out of the heat pump promotion by the local REA co-op fourteen years ago and went with electric heat. All the other seven houses on the block were built with heat pumps. Saw the local HVAC guy make many visits up and down the street to fix heat pump problems. Never had to have him look at my Rheem/Ruud electric furnace/ac. Did the same on the house we just completed but went with another brand.
Are heat pumps that power hungry? IMO, electric heat is very expensive. The exception was last winter when propane was way more expensive.
I would take propane any day over electric, it produces a warmer heat, and you can plumb in a propane kitchen stove, buy the right furnace and it will work with no electric power(like ice storms).
I hate electric, just take one of your summer monthly bills, and quadruple it. That's what it's like heating with electric.
...then you loose power during ice storm, out comes the kerosene heaters/wood stove.
Propane creates a "warmer heat "?
That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
As far as electric vs gas/propane what's more efficient is home specific.
For example let's consider building a basement suite in an existing home. The cost of furnace moving,heat ducting and so on,without replacing the furnace itself starts at 10k.
Now let's consider electric. I can put a radiant electric heater,with a room thermostat for under 200 a room. Now decide how warm you want each room.
On new builds I try and sell radiant floor heat. By far my favorite type of heat and is very cost effective and efficient once all the equipment is bought.
Glycol/wet type system with zone adjustment is fantastic.
So one must consider an entire package and not just one aspect.
So making blanket statements like yours shows you really aren't paying any attention and proves lack of considering any other application other than your own.
