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I have an old heat pump and am thinking about purchasing another one from a friend. The questions are how do I know if the other one will match up? The other one is shorter but wider and has energy efficient on it. I don't know how to tell if it cools and heats like mine or is just one or the other. The Hertz are the same and so are the ACVolts. What is the cost of switching and would a electrician be able to do the job?
For something like this you should consult with an HVAC company. A mistake can be co$tly. There is more to it than just the electric. Are both heat pumps the same size? Will your duct work need to be modified where it hooks up to the evaporator? Has the unit been well care for and serviced by professionals? You could be getting problems that you or your friend may be unaware of. Is the SEER rating and Energy Efficiency Rating better than what you have now? If it’s a package roof mounted unit, will it fit the existing stand and what will it cost to have the old one removed and the new one craned in place? Just a few thing to think about if you haven’t already ;-)
Thanks jkochan, Just don't have those answers since I know absolutely nothing about heat pumps. know the other has the coils for furnace but is shorter than mine. Was gonna haul it myself don't think a crane will be necessary. I just assumed all heat pumps hooked up to heat ducts the same and would just be a matter of switching over. Do know it was used only two years and has been in storage for many years.
Heat pumps, Ac and furnaces all need to be sized to the heat load and/or cooling load of the structure they are meant to service. I'm assuming since you are saying "it" that it is a package unit. Even though the "box" may be the same size as yours, the compressor may not be, and if it has a "furnace coil" it's probably not a heat pump. There are enough questions here that I think you need to call an HVAC Co. or maybe technician that you know, in for a consult. A "smoking deal", even if it's free, can turn into a money pit and a mechanical nightmare in a hurry. I'm sure they will try to sell you a new system and with all the rebates and tax breaks you might want to consider going that way. A new high efficiency system here is at about 60% of normal cost right now with the rebates and such, and with a motivated contractor trying to keep his business running, you might do even better.
jkochan, Thanks for your input, mine also has a coil inside a furnace door and it is a heat pump for sure. Don't know what all this is for but will have to have someone look at it that knows. Certainly don't want more money problems but if the switch is just then a good deal indeed. I'm sure you know a lot more about it than me and will take your advice and get a heating and cooling professionl to take a look. Mine is so old afraid it is going out anytime and electric bill is stupid.
The heat coil is to supply heat when the outside air is too cold to let the compressor
system work. If your system is very old, it may not match the type of refrigerant the
other unit requires. I don't think you can mix different systems. This is a job for a
professional or at least a highly skilled handy man. I am about to shell out about
7 grand for a new furnace and a/c unit and wouldn't think of doing it my self even
though I have done my share of mechanical work.
