On 4/20/2020 5:14 PM, micky wrote:
Have heat pumps improved much in the last 30 years, wrt to heating a
home in Baltimore?

I was under the impresssion that the limiting factor is often the
outside temperature, and if it's not over 45 or 40 or 35 or 30 (I forget
which), that it's hard to extract enough heat to keep a place warm.

And that since it's colder than that a lot here, the supplemental
electric heat will go on and that's much more expensive.

The salesman today, called by them a saleman, tells me that things have
improved a lot in 30 years and it can heat the house. But I don't see
how you can change the laws of physics.


My sister had one in her house in NJ. Worked OK but she moved from it
10 years ago so I have no details.

Mine here in FL works great but the lowest temperature I've seen in two
winters is 38 degrees. I have a well insulated house and mild winter
climate. Winter electric bill was only $40. I have no supplemental heat
and don't need it here.

I'd look at other options if you have to replace your present system but
it may be a good option. You mentionel oil heating in another thread.
If you have to replace an old oil burner check out
www.energykinetics.com They have some good systems and cut my oil use
in CT by 40%. It paid for itself in oil savings.