topic Re: Heat Pumps in Community Chat

Heat Pumps

elated — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:06:27 GMT

I moved into a house that has a heat pump. I thought they were suppose to be energy efficient. Much to my surprise the bills have been very high and I don't know what to do. I am not use to these high charges. Does anyone have any suggestions ?

Re: Heat Pumps

kate2357 — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:15:39 GMT

Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

Re: Heat Pumps

D Kay — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:17:25 GMT

My only suggestion would be to lower the temperature on the thermastat and use an energy effecient space heater in the room/rooms you stay in the most. Also, use an electric blanket if needed. And, energy efficient windows if you don't already have them Heat pumps in general are not as warm as gas heat.

Re: Heat Pumps

geezerette — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:22:10 GMT

A lot depends on where you live and how old the heat pump is. Older heat pumps are inefficient in very cold weather.

Also, have you had the unit checked? It may need part or coolant replacement.

Re: Heat Pumps

elated — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:33:03 GMT

@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.

Re: Heat Pumps

sann — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:35:37 GMT

I have a heat pump, and my home is total electric ....I've lived in this house almost 20 years and the most expensive bill thus far was 156 dollars and that was due to arctic blast several years ago...most times it runs from 75 to 100 dollars per month

Re: Heat Pumps

Meowingkitty — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:44:24 GMT

I live in Arizona and have a total electric house built in 1986. Our a/c with a heat pump was replaced about 8 years ago. For a 2100 sq foot, two story house with no pool our electric bill on the managed payment plan is $130 a month all year round. We keep the a/c at 79 in the summer and 73 in the winter.

Re: Heat Pumps

goldensrbest — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:43:18 GMT

There are many heat pumps being put into homes here in MAINE.

Re: Heat Pumps

geezerette — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:47:18 GMT

@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.

@elated

Is it actuallly cold or does it just feel cold to you?

Heat pumps work differently than regular gas furnaces. They pull heat from the outside and bring it inside. It will do this even with a degree or two, so it can often feel like the blower is putting out cold air. Unlike a gas furnace for example, which heats the air and definitely feels warm every time it blows air into your home.

I've lived with a heat pump for years, and quite honestly, when it's cold and cloudy I'm always a bit cold in the house. Also, my highest bills are always in the winter in the coldest months, as opposed to when the heat pump is cooling in the summer. However my heat pump is just a few years old and is much cheaper to run than the one I replaced.

Re: Heat Pumps

fthunt — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:52:45 GMT

For real cold climates = HP's stink, Had to get warm by using the kitchen stove. (not safe)

Re: Heat Pumps

pachutabelle — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:05:19 GMT

I would call the power company and see if they will do an energy audit and give you suggestions. Also check your insulation.

Re: Heat Pumps

PickyPicky3 — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:20:16 GMT

When a heat pump is low on refrigerant, it can't handle high or low temps and the alternative source kicks in. You need a service call.

But be forewarned: not all service folks know how to deal with heat pumps. Ask your neighbors for names. When you call, be really obnoxious about demanding the best heat pump technician. Let them know you'll throw him out and not pay a penny of the service call if they send a beginner. I called a company that was manufacturer certified, and they sent a lumpkin who didn't even know heat pumps use refrigerant.

I'm usually quite pleasant, but in this situation some theatrics are called for.

****Do we know if you're an owner or a renter? Who is responsible for a service call?

Re: Heat Pumps

kate2357 — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:09:48 GMT

@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.

@elated

It might still be worth it to find out what the budget plan would be for you now (using old home owner's infoO and also ask if they redo the plan after you have lived in house for a year. Just to see if it makes sense for your budget.

I was talking w/ someone from Kentucky yesterday and they did say that it's been cool where she was and they had already had snow a month or so ago. So could it just be the weather is cooler?

Also, for after holidays, but call now for appointment, find out if a local heating company will come out and check your heat pump and furance to see if running efficiently. Usually the charge is $150 or so (at least here is Seattle) to come and do that service. DO NOT let them talk you into something new right now, but you could check to make sure everything is running as it should. Maybe ask a neighbor who they use and trust??

Lastly, because I run colder than my husband, I have a little space heater I use to warm up the room I am in. Our house is kept (not kidding) at 66 degrees in the winter. Why yes, yes that is cold as all get out. The space heater I use is the Lasko heater shown below for $46.99 as I'm not trying to heat up a huge room.

Re: Heat Pumps

CrazyDaisy — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:10:19 GMT

Heat pumps do not push out hot air, so you always seem to have that "cool breeze". That is unless the secondary source, usually electric heater kicks on. Usually has to be below 20 degrees for that to happen.

Electric rates have also sky rocketed in many places.

I have found that getting a humidifier really helps make the room feel warm.

Re: Heat Pumps

Sunshine Kate — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:12:52 GMT

As far as I know, the US is experiencing much higher rates for utilities. That may be the reason.

Re: Heat Pumps

elated — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:27:53 GMT

@kate2357 wrote:
@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.
@elated
It might still be worth it to find out what the budget plan would be for you now (using old home owner's infoO and also ask if they redo the plan after you have lived in house for a year. Just to see if it makes sense for your budget.

I was talking w/ someone from Kentucky yesterday and they did say that it's been cool where she was and they had already had snow a month or so ago. So could it just be the weather is cooler?

Also, for after holidays, but call now for appointment, find out if a local heating company will come out and check your heat pump and furance to see if running efficiently. Usually the charge is $150 or so (at least here is Seattle) to come and do that service. DO NOT let them talk you into something new right now, but you could check to make sure everything is running as it should. Maybe ask a neighbor who they use and trust??

Lastly, because I run colder than my husband, I have a little space heater I use to warm up the room I am in. Our house is kept (not kidding) at 66 degrees in the winter. Why yes, yes that is cold as all get out. The space heater I use is the Lasko heater shown below for $46.99 as I'm not trying to heat up a huge room.

I am having a technician come out on Monday to check the unit. It has been cold here but I used to live in Colorado so I know cold. I lived in an apartment with gas and electric so it was always warm. I can't get use to being cold. I am sick now and it is not helping being cold. I wear sweatpants, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt and a sweater to keep warm. I am not happy being cold all the time.

Re: Heat Pumps

Icegoddess — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:28:23 GMT

Heat pumps work best in moderate temperatures. They don't do well in either very cold or very hot temps. I save money in summer because I'm cold natured. No matter what I have it set on in winter, generally 72 or 73, as it gets cold outside, it seems colder inside. I often put a robe on and when it gets colder outside I'll have 3 layers on under the robe even though the temp says 72. I'm in N AL and we have fairly new units and we get them checked out twice a year. Not looking forward to the cold snap coming tomorrow. We do have a pellet stove to fall back on if needed.

Re: Heat Pumps

RedTop — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:28:46 GMT

@elated

Heat pumps are clean, they are energy efficient, but they are not a cheap source of heat.

I am in WV, four seasons country, in an all electric home with a heat pump. Our thermostat setting is 72 year round, which keeps the 4 adults in this household comfortable and complaint free.

A normal bill for this house would probably be $150+ a month. However, this household is not normal, so our bills run from $225 to $400 a month.

On our normal Heat setting, the outside unit draws in air, warms it and blows it thru the ductwork. When the outside temperature is extremely cold, the outside unit has to run longer and work harder to keep the house warm. In the most frigid temperatures, I change the setting over from Heat to EmHeat, which takes the outside unit out of the picture and our heat comes solely from the heat exchanger of the inside furnace unit. While the house is warmer due to direct heat, this setting uses more power, and increases our electric bill. I only resort to this option when forecasters use the word frigid, or polar vortex.

Re: Heat Pumps

kate2357 — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:36:16 GMT

@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.
@elated
It might still be worth it to find out what the budget plan would be for you now (using old home owner's infoO and also ask if they redo the plan after you have lived in house for a year. Just to see if it makes sense for your budget.

I was talking w/ someone from Kentucky yesterday and they did say that it's been cool where she was and they had already had snow a month or so ago. So could it just be the weather is cooler?

Also, for after holidays, but call now for appointment, find out if a local heating company will come out and check your heat pump and furance to see if running efficiently. Usually the charge is $150 or so (at least here is Seattle) to come and do that service. DO NOT let them talk you into something new right now, but you could check to make sure everything is running as it should. Maybe ask a neighbor who they use and trust??

Lastly, because I run colder than my husband, I have a little space heater I use to warm up the room I am in. Our house is kept (not kidding) at 66 degrees in the winter. Why yes, yes that is cold as all get out. The space heater I use is the Lasko heater shown below for $46.99 as I'm not trying to heat up a huge room.

I am having a technician come out on Monday to check the unit. It has been cold here but I used to live in Colorado so I know cold. I lived in an apartment with gas and electric so it was always warm. I can't get use to being cold. I am sick now and it is not helping being cold. I wear sweatpants, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt and a sweater to keep warm. I am not happy being cold all the time.

@elated

I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. It's a drag being sick ... but being cold on top is just too too much. Hope you feel better soon. And I now all about wearing lots of clothes to stay warm and then still feeling cold. Are you well enough to take a warm bath or shower to warm up your body? Sometimes I do that to try to get a bit of warmth and it helps for a bit.

Glad you have someone coming out to look at your heat pump soon.

Re: Heat Pumps

elated — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:41:57 GMT

@kate2357 wrote:
@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
@elated wrote:
@kate2357 wrote:
Where do you live? The reason I'm asking is heat pumps do not work when temp is below 32 degrees (or there about). Below freezeing our heat pump turns off and whatever your other source of power is, electric, natural gas or oil kicks in for your furnace.

I live in the PNW and we have relatively low electric rates so we get a break on our power bill when the temps are above freezing. Natural gas is much higher this year, so our total power bill is much higher this year vs last year.

One of the options our utility company offers is a budget plan to even out power bills. Not sure if they can/will do this for new accounts, but you could call and ask. Basically they look at what that house uses in power for a year - say it's $1200 annually, they then bill you about $100 month.

Good luck ... I know our last power bill was way higher than we expected as were our neighbors. I do not like surprises when it comes to paying out more money.

I live in Kentucky. I checked into a budget plan but it stated you need to live in the home for 10 months or use the previous owners'bills. I moved into the home in September. I keep the thermostat at 72 degrees but the house is still very cold.
@elated
It might still be worth it to find out what the budget plan would be for you now (using old home owner's infoO and also ask if they redo the plan after you have lived in house for a year. Just to see if it makes sense for your budget.

I was talking w/ someone from Kentucky yesterday and they did say that it's been cool where she was and they had already had snow a month or so ago. So could it just be the weather is cooler?

Also, for after holidays, but call now for appointment, find out if a local heating company will come out and check your heat pump and furance to see if running efficiently. Usually the charge is $150 or so (at least here is Seattle) to come and do that service. DO NOT let them talk you into something new right now, but you could check to make sure everything is running as it should. Maybe ask a neighbor who they use and trust??

Lastly, because I run colder than my husband, I have a little space heater I use to warm up the room I am in. Our house is kept (not kidding) at 66 degrees in the winter. Why yes, yes that is cold as all get out. The space heater I use is the Lasko heater shown below for $46.99 as I'm not trying to heat up a huge room.

I am having a technician come out on Monday to check the unit. It has been cold here but I used to live in Colorado so I know cold. I lived in an apartment with gas and electric so it was always warm. I can't get use to being cold. I am sick now and it is not helping being cold. I wear sweatpants, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt and a sweater to keep warm. I am not happy being cold all the time.
@elated
I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. It's a drag being sick ... but being cold on top is just too too much. Hope you feel better soon. And I now all about wearing lots of clothes to stay warm and then still feeling cold. Are you well enough to take a warm bath or shower to warm up your body? Sometimes I do that to try to get a bit of warmth and it helps for a bit.

Glad you have someone coming out to look at your heat pump soon.

My bath tub is very cold when you get into it. I have to turn on the hot water to heat up the tub.