 | Robert Freeman
is president and co-owner of Fenix Heating and Cooling. Robert, along with other principals, stared Fenix Heating Cooling in 1988, and is now one of the top 130 Lenox dealers in the U.S. Fenix specializes in residential and commercial installation for both remodel and new construction. Robert can be contacted at Fenix Heating & Cooling, 802 W. 2nd, Wichita KS 67203, by phone at (316) 945-4842, or by fax at (316) 265-4768. |
Heating & Air Conditioning
2001-09-01 11:00:00
Heat pumps
Answer: The problem of your furnace not providing even heat distribution raises the question "Do you have good cooling distribution?" If your cooling gives you good air movement and even distribution, the heating distribution problem may be solved by increasing the blower speed when the furnace is in the heating mode. If this doesn't solve the problem, the furnace sizing may need to be increased. Before considering changing the furnace or making any other changes, I recommend checking the furnace blower, and, if possible, increase the blower speed.To answer the question about changing both the air conditioning and the furnace when the air-conditioning is working fine, you should evaluate the heating/cooling currently installed in your home. When evaluating your system, consider the following: (1) does your system provide you with year around comfort? (2) how much are your year-round operating costs? (3) what is the age of your equipment? (4) cost of future repair (increases as your system ages). And finally, how long are you planning to stay in your home? I cannot answer the first two questions, but can give suggestions for the others. If you do not know the age of your equipment, find the model number and call your local dealer. They should be able to give you an approximate age from the model number. Most any type of equipment more than ten years old is not anywhere close to the efficiency of heating/cooling equipment made today. By finding the approximate age of the air-conditioner, this will help you anticipate the cost of future repair. If you are planning to live in your current home more than 5 to 7 years it may pay you to install new high efficiency equipment. Generally speaking, the new equipment will pay for itself in operating cost savings in 5 to 7 years.To answer your question "Will a heat pump going to save money in operating costs?" Probably not. A heat pump in the cooling mode will have almost the same efficiency as your current air conditioner. With ever increasing energy costs, it is difficult to predict what type of system will be the best.But one fact remains: Whether you are heating your home with a gas furnace or a heat pump and cooling your home with a regular air conditioner or a heat pump, you can expect the operating costs of your existing equipment will increase, due to increasing energy costs.
