Posted on 11/07/2010 4:26:48 PM PST by plinyelder
This was a tough one to figure out what category this should go in!
Well .. Anyway .. I need some advice from an expert on electrical use.
Been out of work for over two years now and I am 'squeezing' every dime to survive!
Here is my question: I live in a two story, vinyl sided home.
I have an electric fireplace downstairs (12.5 amps +120 volts= 1500 watts) and the same upstairs.
I also have .. what I think is a 2.5 ton 'Heat Pump'.
I have No Clue, (being from Florida) What or how a heat pump works so .. Would it be 'cheaper' to run the two fireplaces to heat the home, (heat pump off) or should I just use the heat pump?
The fireplace upstairs is in the master bedroom and Really does the job but the one downstairs, really only warms two of the four rooms on the lower level.
I think that electric runs between 11 and 13 cents per Kilowatt hour.
Oh yea .. Both fireplaces can be set to turn off and on as needed (thermostat?) but the one on the lower floor has to run on high .. all the time to do the job.
Thanks Everyone
Looks good.
As an aside to your question you can if you haven’t done so already do some things to help reduce the load on your heat pump/strip heaters. Caulking is cheap and isn’t that hard to apply around doors, windows, eaves, pipes, etc. to help stop air infiltration. Also look at your door/window seals and replace if worn or not stopping air movement. Depending upon your attic insulation you may look at adding some as a do it yourself project.
Heat pumps will be cheaper to operate than strip heat although at some point they will need their auxillary strips to kick in to help. Good luck.
gorush
THAT .. Is a BEAUTIFUL Home!!
Thanks...we love it.
I’m not a HVAC tech, nor do I play one on TV. I can only speak from experience in Phoenix.
Heat pump I’ve had for years is good for raising the outside temperature in the ‘30’s to 75 degrees inside, but more importantly, reduces 120 outside to 75 degrees inside.
Works well for those cases.
Adults generate roughly 400 to 600 BTUs per person/hour, depending on their size. So I suggest you invite lots of people over in winter, after supper of course. In summer, you visit them.
I would also have a sealed door between upstairs and downstairs and basement. Control and/or timer both your heaters depending on activity. Check seals on windows, seal the fireplace flue if you are 100% electric. Wear heavier clothing, but I don’t go less than 55 - 60F, it’s a little too uncomfortable. On the bright side, if you are shivering all the time you are burning cals and will need to eat more. Life is a trade-off.
“Electric fireplace”... Huh?
If it’s 1500 Watts, that’s the same as a blow dryer. Sounds like a toy rather than a heating device.
It is all so confusing .. really.
I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and I honestly don’t remember IF we ever had to use any type of heater to warm the home in the winter.
I will say this though .. Until I went away to service, I never had the luxury of AC either!
(Well .. Didn’t have AC in southeast Asia either but did have it when I came back to the states!) 8)
Good point MM, tank blanket + setting back the thermostat saves money.
I Think they are 1500 watts?
Not sure if I did the math correctly but .. They are Big units and Really put out the heat .. "If" you run them constantly! 8(
Just imagine how warm the house would be if you fed everyone beans.
Give me a break !
I made "draperies" for my windows using quilted material. We've been using them for years & they really hold the heat in! The material is already quilted when you buy it, just have to edge it with binding. It comes in colors and patterns and works great.
Another thing I installed last year was one of those clothes dryer flap kits. In the summer the exhaust goes outside as usual then in the winter I divert the exhaust into the basement, it tends to be a bit more humid but my house needs it in the winter.
The frosting on the cake is Mrs. gorush's cooking. ;)
Wouldn't that make for .. a very explosive situation? 8)
Love it!
Arm or a leg? heat pumps in florida don’t work below 40 degrees. Not enough heat in the outside air.
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