Posted: 10/21/2012 10:01:44 PM EDT
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My new to me home has a dual fuel heat system where the thermostat defaults to the electric heat pump when the outside temp is above freezing. I think the cut off is 35 degrees where it switches over to gas fired heat.
Now, we live in OK and gas is cheap. Most homes I've lived in have been gas fired heat in the winter so I'm used to the toasty feeling (and that nice smell) when the heat kicks on in the winter. I'm also used to how in the winter, my electric bill gets cheap and the gas bill gets high. I am unsure how to do the price comparison between electric vs gas for heat. I have read that heat pumps are more efficient at keeping a home warm, but of course this information was coming from the heat pump manufacturer's website. 
Similarly, I have read that heat pumps put out a less "warm" air which isn't as toasty and nice as fire heat. This of course came from the Centerpoint website. I guess I'm prodding to see if anyone here can tell me what works based on past experience. |
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No contest, natural gas is cheaper for heating. I have read that heat pumps are more efficient at keeping a home warm, but of course this information was coming from the heat pump manufacturer's website. That is comparing electric heat (like baseboard heaters) to a heat pump, not natural gas heating. |
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unless they've made great strides in the product since I worked in a hvac factory air to air heat pumps suck ass in Oklahoma; you will need electric heat strips installed in the unit for when it gets really cold to be comfortable; and the heat pump doesn't stop running.
plus electric "heat" cost a lot compared to the cost of "gas" heat to get the same level of comfort. I think it's ong that has the cost calculator comparing electric heat to gas heat to the same felt comfort level. |
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Quoted:
Ground source heat pumps trump all, but the dual fuel you suggest is great for our state!! For reference, I built over 200 houses and am a certified Energy Star rater for houses, although I haven't been in that field for 3 years.......... Been too busy at the truck stop? 
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