Heat

[David A. Andersen]

Coil size is larger which improves absorption/rejection.
More complex defrost controls in the high end units cuts down on the a/c running in the winter.

However, gov. mandated efficiency basically relates to putting a 2 ton compressor in a 3 ton unit. They just don't work like the old mules did.

Improving defrost so it does not happen unless there is a coil restriction from frost.
Staging electric heat so you don't overshoot set point.
Preventing electric heat coming on when turning up the thermostat if the outdoor air is not cold enough.
Proper purge cycles after shutdown.

These save you lots.

Now variable speed and geothermal will get you way up there in savings. But $$$

[David A. Andersen]

Originally Posted by bkelly1

The space heaters are definetly pigs, I still see some people buy them thinking they are doing themselves a favor. A friend of mine bought about three for his home last year to "help save money". He soon learned that it didn't.

The only way you save is if you can shut down the rest of your house.

As for your garage dwellers, consider IR heaters. They don't heat the air directly but keep the tenants warm at a low $$$.

I have them in my horse barn. You can keep things from freezing at 20 degrees. You can't stop ventilation in a barn or your vet will become rich! But you can heat in a 20 mph wind with these things!
They have plug in units the size of your computer.

[bkelly1]

ONe of the contractors here is starting to put in geothermal units, they are very clean, and run like tops. I might even look into that in the future. Where do you get your IR units from?

[David A. Andersen]

I did all the west KY schools!
They are the way to go if you are going to stay in your house for a good while.

They don't defrost.
There is no equipment outdoors.
They heat with 60 degree water and cool with 60 degree water. Air units try to cool with 95 degrees and heat with 20!
The head pressure of the compressor is substantially lower using less power to pump and a lighter equipment load related to longer life.

The only drawback is the water source.
If you have a problem with that, you really have a problem.
Try to stick with a closed loop system. There are too many minerals in our water to deal with. Also if a well dries up, which should not be a problem in your area, your out of business. Being on the other side of the river, your geology is not that same so don't take my word on it.