Before you go that route, you might want to do some homework and
compare the cost of heating with propane vs electricity. Given the
cost of electricity up there and the severity of winter, you'll
probably find that the heat pump won't get the job done.

For a water-sourced heat pump, you must first determine what size you
need and then evaluate your well to see if it will flow enough water.
Most wells drilled for potable water won't, at least around here. If
you're not going to return the water to the ground via another well
then you must test your well over an extended period.

If you're looking for a brand name, most all the major brands are
good. If you're going to hire the installation, I'd pay a LOT more
attention to the contractor than I would brand names. If the guy is
an independent (not an authorized dealer for a brand like York) then
he'll probably use Rheem or Ruud for conventional heatpumps. No idea
for geothermal heatpumps.

One last comment. I've bought houses with heat pumps on a number of
occasions. I have never liked them. The air isn't nearly as hot as
produced by combustion appliances. Even though the room may be in the
comfort zone, I always felt chilled and I generally like it colder
than most folks. I've almost always installed some sort of gas heat
to replace the heat pump. I install 'em for people on occasion but I
certainly don't like 'em.

John

On 16 Sep 2005 11:01:50 -0700, "szilagyic"
wrote:

Hello:

I am looking for suggestions on Heat Pumps, to replace my current
propane furnace. I am heating about 2200 sq. ft. and I have a well. I
live in Michigan so our temps range from 0 - 90 deg. farenheit
throughout the different seasons. I know somebody that lives near us
that has had a Bard brand Heat Pump for about 15 years and they love
it, that uses their well water and discharges it outside.

I don't know what the current models are, and am looking for
suggestions for the different types of Heat Pumps, and brands. I would
like a unit that will provide both heating and cooling for the
different seasons. It seems that the type that uses the well water and
discharges it outside would be the best way to go, for both cost and
easy installation (based on the people that I know that have one).

I appreciate any and all feedback, and hope this will help others, too.
Especially with the increasing price of natural gas and propane! Our
propane has doubled since 2003.

Thanks much,
---
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.johngsbbq.com
Cleveland, Occupied TN