dual fuel

Posted by Jim Murphy on January 22, 2006, 7:46 am

In my other post, I ranted and wailed about the propane industry. Since my
home is ten years old, I probably have another 3-6 years on the Goodman
propane furnace before it craps out. I want to replace it with a dual fuel
system, i.e., a heat pump for the good days with ambient above 40 or so and
kick in the propane when the HP would call for auxillary heat.

Who's got dual fuel, are you pleased with it, does this have any drawbacks I
have not yet discovered, and did you do a cost/economy analysis before and
since the install.

Of course, the region is of great importance, as is the relative cost of
electricity and propane. Here, central North Carolina, propane can be had
for ~$1.70 gallon and the sparks run $0.083/kwh.

Yes, I understand the impact of increased efficiency on a new unit (HP as
well as new propane burner), just wondering if you have determined WHEN the
increased initial cost has been offset and you start saving.

Posted by Bob on January 22, 2006, 8:10 am

There are too many variables for anyone to give you an answer that you can
relate to your situation. I've replaced several heat pump systems with
combination propane / heat pump. This entails new 15 amp electric, gas line,
vent for the furnace, etc. Most people seem to think it takes about 2 to 4
years for that payback, but I seriously doubt if they ever did the math. In
your case, it's a relatively simple change out. The hardest part might be
pulling new low voltage wires to the thermostat and outside unit. You'll
have to do a heat loss calculation on the home to figure the 'economic
balance point'. You also must realize that typical heat pump supply duct
temperatures are lower than your body temperature. If you change to a
'comfort balance point', all the math you did is irrelevant. This Penn State
web site may help. http://energy.cas.psu.edu/energyselector/

> In my other post, I ranted and wailed about the propane industry. Since

> home is ten years old, I probably have another 3-6 years on the Goodman
> propane furnace before it craps out. I want to replace it with a dual

fuel

> system, i.e., a heat pump for the good days with ambient above 40 or so

and

> kick in the propane when the HP would call for auxillary heat.
> Who's got dual fuel, are you pleased with it, does this have any drawbacks

> have not yet discovered, and did you do a cost/economy analysis before and
> since the install.
> Of course, the region is of great importance, as is the relative cost of
> electricity and propane. Here, central North Carolina, propane can be had
> for ~$1.70 gallon and the sparks run $0.083/kwh.
> Yes, I understand the impact of increased efficiency on a new unit (HP as
> well as new propane burner), just wondering if you have determined WHEN

the

> increased initial cost has been offset and you start saving.

Posted by Red Neckerson on January 22, 2006, 9:02 am

> In my other post, I ranted and wailed about the propane industry. Since
> my home is ten years old, I probably have another 3-6 years on the Goodman
> propane furnace before it craps out.

Don't hold your breath.....

Posted by Bob on January 22, 2006, 9:06 am

He might be able to hold his breath, because with a Goodman, it could crap
out any minute.

> > In my other post, I ranted and wailed about the propane industry. Since
> > my home is ten years old, I probably have another 3-6 years on the

Goodman

> > propane furnace before it craps out.

> Don't hold your breath.....

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