Starting heating from scratch

15 years ago

We are buying a ranch that is about 1,200 square feet. It needs to be gutted. It currently has electric heat. It is built on a slab foundation, kind of unusual in our cold NJ climate.

Is it worth installing an alternate (more efficient) heating system? Just as we would not put in designer finishes ($$$) in a smaller than average house, we are considering just how wise it would be to invest in a totally new heating system. We are not flipping this house, but we like to take resale value into account when we make remodeling choices.

Natural gas, unfortunately, is not an option.

Also, we have never lived with electric heat before and I'm wondering if anyone has tips on house to save on heating costs, i.e., is carpet going to insulate the floor better than other types of flooring?

Thanks for any advice you can give us.

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Comments (5)

johnhvac
15 years ago
Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

Best windows money can buy

A heat pump with backup electric heating then would be the ticket. Or with a backup lp furnace.
david_cary
15 years ago
I don't know about best windows money can buy. Windows are expensive beasts. Insulated window treatments can get you to the same place for a fraction of the cost. Usually the only cost effective option is more attic insulation but you said you are gutting so something for the walls maybe possible.

Heat pump is definitely the way to go and worth it.

Your best bet on slab would probably be to add insulation but you get a tiny bit of r-value from carpet and pad.
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neohioheatpump
15 years ago
carpet will be more comfy in a slab. I've been in slabs that have cold floors because of unconditioned space under-neith.

You definitely want to get an air-source heatpump. They don't cost much more than straight A/C. Get the highest efficiency single stage. You want one with demand defrost.

Straight electric heat is the most expensive form of heat.

How old is this house? How much do you pay for electric per KW? What are your winters like? Does it have forced air?

I hear that NJ has expensive electric. If so, you really need this heatpump otherwise your electric bills will make you think buying that home was a mistake. Even with a heatpump your bills might not be cheap.

I would seal leaks and insulate attic with blown cellulose. If you have extra money replace windows if the old ones are drafty.
energy_rater_la
15 years ago
air seal and insulate
heat pump with R-8 MASTIC sealed ducts
ducts leak a lot, and duct tapes fail
to mastic seal will seal leakage and mastic
lasts for years.

best of luck
alisonn
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all your help. We have 3-4 month of below 40 temps at night, so I'm questioning the heat pump, although I know they have them with electric heat as a back-up. We will look into that.