heat-pump vs top end a/c

5 years ago

I intend very soon to install either a heat-pump or a top end air conditioner (not in window). My understanding so far is the best brands to consider are either Mitsubishi or Lennox. I've heard Fujitsu mentioned a lot (but only after Mitsubishi), and I've heard Carrier mentioned a lot but only by people who considered Carrier but chose Lennox. Perhaps Mitsubishi is ideal for a heat-pump (HVAC) & Lennox is ideal for central a/c in a house? The only reason I've so far heard to prefer a heat-pump over a top a/c is to save money on the cost of home heating, and I've heard that it may cost as little as 30% to heat with a heat-pump than with electric base-boards. However, I intend to install hybrid power for my entire condo within a year with a solar panel on the roof. Is a solar panel prohibitively expensive and is there a reason other than reduced Hydro bills to pick a heat-pump over a top-end a/c? On the Mitsubishi electric website only 3 contractors are indicated as authorized local dealers/installers: I've no doubt they know their products well, but they don't sell or install anything else. Does anyone know whether I'd be happy with Industries Guaranties at 5420 Pare in TMR? Any other suitable companies anyone can recommend? Any comments would be much appreciated.

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Comments (6)

klem1
5 years ago
If you have nat gas or reasonable propane price,I lean toward straight cooling with fossil heat or as you said hybrid. Suplimental solar and it's a no brainer. Locally ( Tx,Ok,La,Nm) Trane is viewed as bang for the buck and everyone install's and services them.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
Y'all need to read more carefully - It's a condo, it's in Canada (calls electricity "hydro" and asks about an HVAC company in Montreal) and he's comparing a heat pump to electric resistance heating, Oil if no yard, gas if not provided to the building, may be off the table. Quebec has historically had low (or lowish) electricity rates and all electric HVAC is common.

Andrew, the answers to your questions depend a lot on local factors and conditions. This forum is primarily visited by Amis. You may get a useful response but you might do better looking for sources more familiar with your setting. And you may not get them answered until you call in a couple of HVAC contractors for quotes. Good luck.
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fsq4cw
5 years ago
First of all Andrew, welcome & let’s play a little 'Geography'. Are you related to Naomi?

Guaranteed Ind. on Paré is a long established company that would be good to do business with, particularly if you prefer Lennox. S & S Conversions would be good if you prefer Carrier, as would be Klimfax.

I would advise investing the money that you’re considering to put into solar and buy a higher-end heat pump, such as a Carrier Infinity. Would forget the Solar.

Do you already have natural gas for HVAC, cooking or a fireplace? If not, then I’d suggest all-electric with an Air-Source Heat Pump.

Carrier Infinity, possibly Greenspeed, depending on your situation might be preferred.

There are plenty of Canadians on this site - You can always return here for advice.

IMPO

SR
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
'There are plenty of Canadians on this site"

You're the only one I've previously taken note of. Are there others you can name that you've noticed?

Do you disagree with my suggestion that informed advice and practices can vary greatly by location?
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
No responses, all the Canadians who participate here must be on vacation.
w0lley32
5 years ago
Montrealer, here! Unfortunately I am no expert in HVAC, but I can tell you that my mother really likes her Fujitsu mini-split.

As many experts pointed out, quality of install is way more important than the brand. When she owned her house, she had a no-name ICP heat pump installed the same day Berlin wall went down. The first three years were nothing but problems, then my dad went to another vendor for the service, they fixed a bad brazed joint on the freon line, rewired some controls, and the system has been almost trouble free until at least June 2018!