switch from forced heat to heat pump

[Jan]

We are in the process of buying our first manufactured home. The home we're trying to get has no air conditioning but it does have forced air electric heating. Do you know if the forced air heating can be switched over to a heat pump to provide both cooling and heating? Thanks

[rmurray]

Yes...there are 2 types os heat pumps...if you are adding to an existing home...

1)...uses the existing air handler inside and the existing heat unit as an emergency back up..This unit will connect to the home with 2 copper line for the freon to move in and an added coil in the furnace.....
2)..The other system is self contained all outside the home...it connects to the home with 2 ducts...for the conditioned air to run through...It will have heat strips in it for emergency heat...

Back up heat must be with a heat pump because they do not work when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees..

If you are buying from a dealer they will be fully informed about this..Otherwise get advice from a qualified air conditioning company..

[Mark]

Go with the single package heat pump.. you will never miss NOT hearing your heat/ac run.

[rmurray]

You might miss the extra energy (money) they use...Self contained units loose some of their energy transporting the conditioned or heated air from the unit to the home..

A/coil units are the most efficient...

[Mark]

The tiny amount you loose from the extra ductwork is well worth it, and those losses can be minimized by placing the unit to make the duct run as short as possible, and ensuring good quality ductwork of the right size is used.

My electric bill was only $120 last month, for 2300 sq ft, 4 people. about 35% of that is for hot water (I'm switching to a gas tankless come spring).

[rod]

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HEAT A DOUBLEWIDE HOME,WHEN ELEC
POWER GOES OFF FOUR A DAY TO A WEEK.ANY THING OTHER THAN WOOD BURNER.
THANKS

[don]

Generator and an electric heater or two