pepsi

no dual fuel with propane backup!

first choice. go high eff HP with var speed air handler and heat strip backup.

second choice. keep the LP gas furnace and add new HP and evap coil.

what efficiency is your LP gas furnace? how much for LP?

run the numbers on attached fuel comparison calculator.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

Sorry, meant that I was getting quotes to replace my all propane system to an electric/propane. Do not know the eff of the gas furnace and LP is will be at least 3.14/gallon this winter.

Pepsi, what part of the triad are you in? I just recently had a new dual fuel system put in. Currently it's set up for propane, but I'm trying to get natural gas ran to my house. I live in Winston-Salem.

Thinking back to my old home with propane only for heat... PHEW I am glad I am rid of the big white tank. There is no way I would want to feed it now. I have a lowest of the low on heating and a/c system and it still whips the propane heat at the rate it is now.

pepsi

run the numbers on the fuel comparison calculator.

NC has mild winters, relatively inexpensive electric rates and the price diff between propane and electricity will only grow.

you will need to have dealer check your electrical service capacity to provide the necessary electric strip heat supplemental/backup.

here are the specs you should consider for HPs.

15 SEER,12+ EER, 9 HSPF
matching var speed air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic defrost preferred
staged backup heat strips
thermostat that controls blower speed

plain and simple, propane is a big mistake if operating costs are important to you.

IMO

My system is a few years old, 12 SEER. I chose propane (no natural gas at my location) as my auxiliary heat for the downstairs heat pump because a propane furnace can be operated by a moderate size portable electric generator. It would require a relatively large generator to operate a heat pump.

Pepsiman:

What is your delivered cost of electricity (in cents/kw-hr)? Delivered means generating + transmission + distribution.

A heat pump is your best bet. You can keep the propane furnace as back-up to the heat pump, or replace the furnace with electric strips if your electricity is cheap enough.

I prefer Pepsi over Coke.

Good luck.

I'll drink Pepsi, but I think Coke is better. :)

pepsi

this thread may have gotten off subject a little bit.

using an electric rate of $.10/KWH and a COP of 2.75 for HPs and $3/gal LP gas and a 94% eff for high eff furnace all which is on conservative side, here are the results.

Cost per 100,000 btu of useable heat

Electric baseboard: $2.64
Heat pump: $1.07
Propane: $3.49

how can LP be a good choice for backup?

IMO

IMO..I agree with your numbers ,but how much would the backup run? How long would it take to make up the difference If I were to spend 3900 dollars to install a heat pump and keep my furnace vs the 6800 dollars for an entire new system?