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[Scott Chilcote <scottchilcote AT earthlink.net>]

On 08/30/2010 11:01 AM, Tarus Balog wrote:
> Thanks for the info. I had a chat with my neighbor who knows more about these 
> things than I do, and at the moment I'm thinking about getting the smaller 
> unit repaired, as the compressor is still pretty solid and these damn heat 
> pump things are expensive.
>
> The main driver I had for getting a new unit was the tax credits for SEER 14+ 
> units. But the advice I got was to go with a lower SEER unit (say a 12) 
> simply because the electronics involved are much, much less complex. It's 
> like buying a original VW Beetle. Sure they aren't as efficient, but the 
> money you save in initial cost and a lifetime of repair more than offsets 
> dealing with issues with the electronics once they are out of warranty.

Hi Tarus,

If your heat pump is more than ten years old, I think it might be worth 
considering the upgrade.  I used to see complaints about the complexity 
and unreliability of HVAC systems with SEER ratings above 12 seer when 
they began showing up in the late eighties/early nineties, but these 
systems have been in production for many years now and are mass 
produced.  The kinks have been worked out.  So unless you want to go 
with 18 SEER or higher I would not be concerned.  The systems in your 
car are several times more elaborate, and (depending on brand/model) 
they can be made very reliable.

I'm thinking about upgrading our dual zone setup myself, ours is what 
the builder installed in '92 and is wearing out.  We're paying close to 
$300 a month for electricity right now, and every wasted watt is putting 
more carbon in the skies.  I'm taking a close look at the alternatives. 
 You might want to consider having an energy assessment of your home 
performed, you can get them for free.  There might be ways to improve 
your home's cooling & heating without spending a lot.
One example is to buy the cheap fiberglass air filters and replace them 
every month.  They resist airflow much less than heavy filters and allow 
more cooling.

But I digress...  Good luck with your systems.

   Scott C.