"Usenet text" wrote in message
...
I just moved into a house in SE PA in november and the temp around here
has
dropped and I'm having a hard time getting my house warm. It has a heat
pump with a programmable thermostat.

Peco has told me my electric usage is really high. I'd almost be ok with
that, because I know its because the heat pump seems to be running day and
night, but the houses lower floor (no basement) rarely gets above 62
degrees
even though I set it to 69.

I've put new insulation around my doors and sealed the windows and can't
find heat escaping anywhere.

I'm not sure where to go from here. This is my first home. Do I call a
specialist for the heat pump? Do I have an audit done of the houses
electrical use? I didn't get the bills from the last owner, but peco has
told me that there is a significant difference from last year.

Is there a good heater that I can get for just my downstairs? What type
should I look at? I can't run anykind of exhaust because its a town home.
Are there closed systems that burn fuel?




Clueless in PA



I think you have two problems. First, the heat pump is not operating
efficiently and probably needs to be recharged. Second it sounds like the
heat pump is never switching to resistance heat when there are low outdoor
temperatures. You need a heat pump technician to verify that the heat pump
is operating properly.

How old is the heat pump ? If it is old and needs major repairs it may be
more cost efficient to replace it with a newer, more energy efficient model.
Have you talked with your neighbors about their heat pumps? Is PECO
charging you the half price winter RH electric rate ?