Community Chat

[kittymomNC]

Marp2, I just thought I might add my son's experience with winter heating vs summer cooling. His electric bills are a little higher in the summer using the A/C, but I wonder if that is partially because our summers are a lot hotter than our winters are cold. Does that make sense? In other words, the A/C has to run more to cool because we have so many really hot days, whereas in the winter, our average temp is not that low so the heating part of the unit doesn't have to work as hard. He hasn't had to use that much propane. I hope you're happy with whatever you decide to do - I've been there a couple of times, and it's a big decision to make.

[Marp2]

Kittymom, once again thank you for your very helpful input. What you said about winter makes a lot of sense.

I guess a big part of my indecision has to do with Duke and their constant asking for and getting rate increases and now they want customers to pay for the coal ash cleanup which I suspect will at least be partly granted and will raise bills even more. Still, I keep going back to how little propane your son has used and that is enticing. Even though I average about 350 gallons a winter it really adds up.

[kittymomNC]

On 5/12/2014 Marp2 said:

Kittymom, once again thank you for your very helpful input. What you said about winter makes a lot of sense.

I guess a big part of my indecision has to do with Duke and their constant asking for and getting rate increases and now they want customers to pay for the coal ash cleanup which I suspect will at least be partly granted and will raise bills even more. Still, I keep going back to how little propane your son has used and that is enticing. Even though I average about 350 gallons a winter it really adds up.

I might add that his house is older and is not the most airtight, well insulated house but I've never felt the least bit cold when I'm there during the winter. (I think he bought it because the property has a barn that's bigger than the house!) He's working on the house and may add on to it at some point--it's between 1200 and 1300 square feet, so it may be smaller than yours which could be why he's used so much less propane. But he's been pleased with the hybrid unit. And I agree about Duke - every time I think about that whole situation I have to grit my teeth!

[Marp2]

I wanted to once again thank you all for the information you shared. I signed a contract this afternoon for a dual-fuel heat pump system feeling confident that I made the right choice. Y'all made the decision much easier and definitely more informed.

[Marp2]

Kittymom,

In light of our mutual comments about Duke and power bills I know you will appreciate this.

I got quite a start when visiting my mom this afternoon. Chatting with the nurse I told her about the AC and that I'm replacing it with a heat pump. She said, "Oh, no."

She went on to explain that this winter her power bill was sky high and she never felt quite warm enough. Turns out she has a straight electric heat pump so when needed the heat strip gets activated. When I told her I refused to even consider straight heat pump and went with the dual-fuel she smiled, patted me on the shoulder and just said, "Smart girl, you'll be happy you did that." Went from mild panic to a big smile.

Can't you just imagine her distress if Duke gets its way.

[kittymomNC]

On 5/14/2014 Marp2 said:

Kittymom,

In light of our mutual comments about Duke and power bills I know you will appreciate this.

I got quite a start when visiting my mom this afternoon. Chatting with the nurse I told her about the AC and that I'm replacing it with a heat pump. She said, "Oh, no."

She went on to explain that this winter her power bill was sky high and she never felt quite warm enough. Turns out she has a straight electric heat pump so when needed the heat strip gets activated. When I told her I refused to even consider straight heat pump and went with the dual-fuel she smiled, patted me on the shoulder and just said, "Smart girl, you'll be happy you did that." Went from mild panic to a big smile.

Can't you just imagine her distress if Duke gets its way.

Poor girl! If Duke gets to raise rates because of their own "dir*ty deeds" (pun intended), everyone will pay the price. I hope the Feds get their way with Duke and our illustrious gov!!

[Marp2]

I'm so glad you saw this. Again, thank you for the information you shared. I really appreciate it.

Now I'll stop pestering you.

[kittymomNC]

On 5/14/2014 Marp2 said:

I'm so glad you saw this. Again, thank you for the information you shared. I really appreciate it.

Now I'll stop pestering you.

I've enjoyed our "conversation"! I hope your new system is everything you hope it will be.