Heat pumps sold so fast in Maine, the state just upped its target::undefined

  • eek2121@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    It gets below zero in the north east in the winter. Heat pumps stop working at 20-30F and the system has to switch to classic/emergency heat. They are great for fall/spring (or summer as an AC), but useless for winter.

    The bigger issue is that it is extremely expensive to install ductwork, wiring for 1 or more thermostats, and a shiny new heating/cooling system in many existing homes that use classic radiator heat. Depending on where the oil tank is located, it may require removal as well (example: if it is underground, depending on state/municipal laws).

    • Thorny_Thicket@sopuli.xyz
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      1 year ago

      Heat pumps stop working at 20-30F

      Yeah crappy ones. This does not apply to the ones designed for cold climates. Mine still beats electric radiators in efficiency at -22f

    • Honeybadger77@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      That’s not necessarily true now the newer systems can go to as low as -15F which in the north only happens for a few hours a year so still a reduction in heating gas/oils needed

      • Buelldozer@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        …which in the north only happens for a few hours a year…

        I know the guy in the TC video used Chicago as an example but the “few hours a year” thing simply isn’t true for many of us.

        Where I live we had many days below -15f including a week where itpretty much stayed between -20 and -30 for nearly a week straight.

        A Heat Pump will still work, even here, but you need to be careful about which one you purchase and how it handles cold weather.