cross-posted from: https://feddit.online/c/tech@piefed.world/p/2033162/the-opportunity-for-heat-pumps-to-put-downward-pressure-on-electricity-rates
cross-posted from: https://feddit.online/c/tech@piefed.world/p/2033162/the-opportunity-for-heat-pumps-to-put-downward-pressure-on-electricity-rates
While electric radiators are 100% electricity efficient (meaning 100% of the electrical energy turns into heat), they are very far away from an economical way to create heat. I understand the cost of a central heat pump can be expensive. If you’ve already modeled your heat use around specific smaller spaces to heat to comfort level, you may benefit from a small window mounted heat pump that costs $340.. The one I linked here shows a power consumption of 800 Watts (on a better site). If you’re in the USA, your electric resistive heaters are likely drawing 1500w.
Here’s how that would translate to energy consumption costs (assumptions: you pay 25 cents per KWh of electricity):
So this unit would cost just about half the electricity to run, and produce 36% more heat! Obviously neither heater would be running full blast for 24 hours, and the heating efficiency will vary depending on how cold it gets outside, but the savings would likely still be substantial. You might even be able to run the window heat pumps longer and use less natural gas. More expensive than a window unit, but still far cheaper than a central heat pump would be a mini-split. These are usually even slightly more efficient and far cheaper than central heat pumps.
Considering you’ve already got a PV solar setup, your solar power would go significantly farther in reducing your monthly energy bills.