651–660 of 809 posts
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 :-)
Have you actually validated this?
I got quotes a few years back for mini-split install. All heat-pump, from a large, reputable brand and the best installer in the area. Very close to the price you're asking.
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> The rest of the world has heat pumps figured out A single digit percentage of homes globally are using heat pumps, most of the world does not have it figured out. That's specifically why Electric Air exists, they're chasing what is going to be a gigantic market (if it were already such a figured out market they couldn't get funding without a revolutionary 10x approach, YC would have little interest).
I'd say in New Zealand we definitely have them figured out. Every rental needs a heat-pump if there's no fireplace. Landlords will prefer the heat-pumps primarily because it's less maintenance. Apparently 25% of all households in NZ have one: https://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/tips-and-tricks/articles/use... ) you may also be interested in: https://figure.nz/chart/HkvN4YjwyylwL2A4 Ours are exactly the same sort of units…
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.
Just chiming in to say your company's website is really well done.
> In addition the process of getting a heat pump is painful, including finding a trustworthy contractor, sorting out financing, and wading through rebates. Have you actually validated this? I got quotes a few years back for mini-split install. All heat-pump, from a large, reputable brand and the best installer in the area. Very close to the price you're asking.
[1]https://youtube.com/@buildshow
[2]Building Science
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Same thought as well. I recently self installed an 18k BTU unit. The lines came pre-charged, but I wanted it to be run exactly to length. For someone to come and do just that part (cut, flare and vacuum/charge the lines) cost me just $150. I got the unit (a pioneer) for under $900. The rest of the world has heat pumps figured out, no need for a tesla-ish version charging a premium. Cost will be the biggest factor for…
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 region are you in? Local contractor knowledge around heat pumps is quite regional.
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> 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 differe…