VN Boards Archive

[VN Boards Archive]

Welcome to the Vault Network forum archive.

This is not a complete archive, time didn't allot us the opportunity to properly backup the majority of the boards deemed "expendable". Most boards on this list have at least 20-40 pages archived (non-logged in pages, 15 topics per page).

Popular boards may have as many as 250 pages archived at 50 topics per page, while others deemed of historical signifigance may be archived in their entirety.

We may not agree with how the board shutdown was managed, but we've done what we could to preserve some of its history in lieu of that.

Please enjoy the archive.
~ Managers, Moderators, VIP's, and regular posters.

Author

Topic: Heat pump vs central ac

Gaevren Title: Wat do? Posts: 18,183 Registered: Sep 15, '04 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 17,906 User ID: 967,012	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	We have AC units...put in by our builders when the house was built, yadda yadda. Well...apparently there is a BIG reason why anyone with any sense puts heat pumps in homes here in TX as opposed to central ac units...lots more efficient! Which means less money on your electricity bill. Everyone we know who lives in a house with similar square footage to ours, similar house temps, similar lifestyles (lots of computers, and a stay at home mom) still have bills that are an average of $100 less than ours per month. Guess why? They have heat pumps! We had an energy audit done and yep...it's the AC units driving the bill up. So now we're looking at switching them out for heat pumps...but oy it's going to be expensive. They'll pay for themselves though within a few years though, so I'm thinking it's definitely worth it. Gonna get lots and lots of bids... -----signature----- There are no automatic doors, just very polite ninjas
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-Kestrel- Title: Ancient Taker of Blame The Man Posts: 25,164 Registered: Oct 26, '03 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,777 User ID: 848,854	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	We had a heat pump when we lived in Florida (panhandle). Now, this was >20 years ago, and maybe they've improved, but I never felt it cooled or dehumidified as well as a central AC. And in this part of the country (South Dakota), while they are sold, they aren't well-regarded. When it gets hot here, it gets HOT, and they simply don't cool as well as air conditioners. On the plus side, power isn't as expensive here as it is in other parts of the country. (And why do you have AC units?? One unit should be able to cool the entire house--and if it can't, a bigger single unit would be more efficient than two smaller ones, I'd think. I'm no HVAC expert, but I understand the general theory--unless you have such a huge house that you need industrial units! ) -----signature----- Age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill. My goal in life is to die young...as late as possible. »» It's always my faultâ€”except on Tuesdays. ««
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Gaevren Title: Wat do? Posts: 18,183 Registered: Sep 15, '04 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 17,906 User ID: 967,012	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	One for the first floor, one for the second. Our house is roughly 2500 square feet, and the separate floors really do have separate ac needs. The bottom floor is much shadier and cooler than the upper floor, so usually the only AC running is the one for the upper floor. I'm no HVAC expert either...perhaps I should become one. Most 2 story houses around here that I've seen though all have dual units, one per floor. -----signature----- There are no automatic doors, just very polite ninjas
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Silverwuf Title: Have trike will babble Posts: 32,958 Registered: Jul 5, '01 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 32,296 User ID: 225,902	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	This is true. We have a friend who lives in Austin, TX and he has two units as well. I thought it was odd until I read this thread. Of course, I work for an air conditioning/air handling manufacturer so keep on buying those two units per home! Silver -----signature----- Women who behave themselves rarely make history. My Give-A-Damn's Busted. http://www.thewufs.com/2003venture/motortrike.htm
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-Kestrel- Title: Ancient Taker of Blame The Man Posts: 25,164 Registered: Oct 26, '03 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 21,777 User ID: 848,854	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	Ahhh, okay Gaev...that makes perfect sense. Well...except...you can set a single AC unit to use two thermostats. Of course, you have to set up the ductwork and electrical from the start to work that way. But yeah...a second ac for the top floor...Wish we had that. It'll be 74 on the main floor, 68 in the basement...and 90 in my computer room. -----signature----- Age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill. My goal in life is to die young...as late as possible. »» It's always my faultâ€”except on Tuesdays. ««
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Synnah Title: Yankee Grrl Posts: 20,759 Registered: Sep 16, '00 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 19,587 User ID: 44,521	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	heat pump? is that like a "swamp cooler" ? here in good ol' albuquerque, new mexico where the weather is dry dryer and dryyyyy as can be I don't think I'd ever change back to central air... but I've never heard a of a heat pump. We have 2 "swamp coolers" (lol that phrase still cracks me up after being here 3+ years) and although we don't have a temp controlled thrmostat type dealy for it, I wouldn't change. It throws enough water into the air while cooling us down that I wouldn't do anything else. so uh, anyway, what's a heat pump & is it different from a water based cooler/fan system (aka a swamp cooler) ? -----signature----- The One and Only Ary'anna. Nothing's Perfect. "The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee."
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pkhere Title: Yes, they are real Posts: 54,387 Registered: Sep 4, '03 Extended Info (if available) Real Post Cnt: 53,345 User ID: 835,741	Subject: Heat pump vs central ac
	We have central air and a temp controlled thermostat. Heat pumps are not as efficient. IMO -----signature----- "I wish I could lag during sex." - Reapist Jezza, so you know, you've been moved to the number 1 spot of my list of people with horrible taste on the board. -Wolfgar-
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