Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

DifferenceMore5431 t1_j6dzpct wrote

The best way to compare efficiencies is via the Energy Star ratings. Those tests are done under carefully controlled conditions. Anecdotal remarks from Joe Homeowner are not going to tell you anything since there is no real way to do a perfect comparison due to changes in heating needs from one winter to the next, changes in electric rates, other differences in the exact models, etc.

5

metalandmeeples OP t1_j6ee2zd wrote

Yeah, I have all of the submittal sheets and whatnot but if there's someone here who has used both at the same residence they might have an idea of the kWh impact each one had on their monthly usage.

1

DifferenceMore5431 t1_j6eets4 wrote

...but that's exactly what the Energy Star tests are for, so you can compare the actual difference. How could anyone get data like that in their house?

1

metalandmeeples OP t1_j6efnk6 wrote

Energy Star reports simply list SEER/EER and HSPF. Heat pumps perform differently depending on the outdoor temperature. When I was sizing heat pumps for my Portland house I used degree-days data along with the Energy Star rating of my existing boiler and the setting of my thermostat to determine how many BTUs I used. Any response I get here might be anecdotal, but the response could still be cross-referenced against degree-days data.

1