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Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

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Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#643

Post by yafbum »

Dumb question perhaps - I'm going to be shopping for an HVAC system for an area that needs heating in the winter and AC in the summer. Any chance that heat pumps can serve both cases? I mean, we're just compressing gas at one end and letting it expand at the other, right :-)

Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#646

Post by andrewem »

snark42 wrote: post #521
hcrisp wrote: post #356

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree, in fact a couple things in the pitch don't add up. > ... where the 80M single family homes in the US replace their furnaces with heat pumps. Where did they get this statistic? I already have a heat pump and know many that do too. Are we included in this 80M estimate? What about those in the northern half of the US that also need back-up heat for when it is very cold? They aren't going to replace their furnac…

> What about those in the northern half of the US that also need back-up heat for when it is very cold? This heat pump is supposed to work to -15F and includes back-up resistive heat. Theoretically it can replace a heater and air conditioner anywhere. I know people north of Chicago that use a similar heat pump and resistive backup system and it's been fine to -30F keeping the house at 69F. > I don't know the contract…

My gas-powered water heater failed in my northern US location. I asked a friend who’s a plumbing engineer (!) who said to get a heat pump. I called the HVAC company which had installed the gas water heater and gas furnace some years before and asked for a heat pump water hearer, and they said oh yeah we sell one of those and people love it. I get the feeling that as you say 5-15 years ago it would have been a different story but now it’s routine.

Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#647

Post by acyou »

Heat pumps are a mature and well adopted technology. Their efficiency and value will not be significantly improved. I have some ideas on how heat pumps could be turned into a more compelling offering. Improving the appearance and UI of the heat pump isn't on my list.

Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#648

Post by cmui »

saenns wrote: post #588
cmui wrote: post #564

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Mind sharing some details of your install - equipment model/size, controls, and cost of install?

I'm looking at this 36,000 BTU/h unit for $3,750. Pre-charged line sets make it accessible to homeowners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FGLMZB8?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=e...

The size ratings are confusing. This is really a ~19kbtu unit at 5F. Most homeowners do not want a DIY solution, they want it professionally installed. And this system lacks air quality features (HEPA, fresh air intake, humidifier) and the thermostat.

Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#649

Post by uptown »

I wish some company would make more aesthetically pleasing ceiling cassette units suitable for residential use instead of the wall mounted mini-splits. Most cassettes are 24x24 which is great for commercial applications but a nonstarter for residential ceiling joist widths.

Re: Launch HN: Electric Air (YC W23) – Heat pump sold directly to homeowners

#650

Post by cmui »

acyou wrote: post #647

Heat pumps are a mature and well adopted technology. Their efficiency and value will not be significantly improved. I have some ideas on how heat pumps could be turned into a more compelling offering. Improving the appearance and UI of the heat pump isn't on my list.

Thanks for your perspective. What do you think is needed to move the needle on heat pump adoption/ make them a more compelling product?
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