|
Natural Gas Furnace Prices
QUESTION:Saw something in the news that said heating bills could go up
50% this winter due to the hike in Natural Gas prices.
I am getting ready to replace my system, and was going to
go with a "gas-pack" (sp)....but now I'm wondering.
What do you guys think...is Natural Gas still the best way
to go?
ANSWER: if you are looking at the long term, consider a 'dual-fuel' heat pump,
which combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. The furnace should be
in the 90% AFUE range and the heat pump should be at least 12 SEER.
Either system alone would give you a reasonable operating cost, but
when combined, the efficiency of each is maximized (gas furnaces
operate optimally in colder conditions, and heat pumps are most
efficient in moderate conditions). The point (outdoor temperature) at
which the heating operation switches from heat pump to furnace is
controllable for purposes of comfort and economy.
dual-fuel systems are available as a 'package' unit (like a gaspack)
or as a 'split' system.
there are a few things to consider in addition to the initial cost,
but for the short term, say 5 years or less, a gaspack would be
suitable.
|
|
|
|
