[original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On Sat, 11 Sep 2004 12:47:03 -0400, TN wrote:

I am in the process of building a 3000 SQFT house that my builder
spec'ed for two zone heat. He called my yesterday and said after he met
with his mechanicals subcontractor that two zones were probably not
enough since the room over the mudroom and the room over garage were (I
guess) to far away from the furnace to be efficiently heated. He was
suggesting we add a heat pump for those two rooms (with AC of course).
We live in Northeast and I am worried this would be terribly expensive
solution. I questioned him about adding a third zone and he said he'd
get back to me after talking to the sub again. Does a heat pump make
sense? I don't understand why a third zone couldn't be added fairly
easily. Is this a cost issue? Wouldn't a larger BTU furnace do the
job? Our contract specified two zone heat, is this something I should
have to pay extra for or would this be his cost.
Thanks in adavance for any advice you have.

In the Northeast, air exchange heap pumps are extremely expensive to
operate during heating season. The backup heat (electric?) will be doing
most of the job for heat. So you get and expensive air conditioner and
expensive heat.

Geothermal heat pumps might be energy efficient but total lifetime costs
seem to be up for debate. A lot of equipment to maintain and expensive
ground exchanger to install.

Will two zones work? There are well established design guides any heating
contractor should have used. Ask for the calculations.

If this is a forced air system, by far the most common problem in the
northeast is poor return design. Particularly upper floors overheating in
summer. Each room that might have a door closed needs a proper return.
Somehow the zoning must accommodate seasonal changeovers as well.

gerry


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