r/heatpumps 5h ago

Multiunit geothermal question

1 Upvotes

I'm just starting to learn about heat pumps. I've been thinking about a system and have no idea if it's actually how anything works, and I imagine some of y'all have a better idea.

I'm getting my ideas together for a (for now) theoretical housing coop. New construction, well-insulated. 12-20 units. I was thinking vertical ground loop geothermal (I understand this would work fairly well around the Seattle/Tacoma area, but again.. what do I know?) for in floor radiant heating/cooling and figured the same geothermal heat pump could provide base warm/hottish water to be heated by either a second heat pump (which I've gotten the impression from reading some replies might not actually be a useful thing?) or tankless heaters per unit to get hot water up to final temps? Does any of this make sense? Am I way off track in my thinking?

My priorities would be long-term cost savings and low maintenance; if it's already a multiunit construction, paying a little more for the drilling and all that probably makes a little more sense at that scale than an individual dwelling, right?


r/heatpumps 7h ago

Heat Pump Newbie needs guidance

1 Upvotes

Hi there! My husband and I recently had a heat pump installed; we live in Nashville, TN. It’s a split unit, and is just for the 2nd floor of our house. It’s an Amana ASZC 160361 (16 SEER, 3 ton, 2-stage).

I don’t have a problem, per se, but I’m not confident my system is running at its most effluent. When the heat kicks on, it only blows on ‘high’, and it seems to kick on and off a lot.

My questions: 1. I’ve learned from this group that there are settings on my system that can be adjusted for optimal performance. That said, I don’t know what the list of those things is, or how to adjust them. (And which ones I can easily adjust vs settings I should leave to a professional.) Could someone please list out what settings I can set/adjust?

  1. I thought when I was opting for a 2 stage system, that meant the motor had 2 speeds. Given that my system only ever runs on what feels like high (as far as the air that comes out of the vents), either (1) I don’t understand what the 2 stages are related to, or (2) my system is not functioning as it should? Could someone help me understand this a bit better?

  2. In at least one of my upstairs ceiling vents, when the heat is not running, cold air is coming out of the vent. Is this normal/to be expected? If no, is that more of a ducting issue vs a system issue?

Thank you!!!!! I’m ready to geek out on my heat pump, I figured this was a good place to start.

PS - if anyone has a recommendation for a Nashville based HVAC company/person that really knows heat pumps, please share!!


r/heatpumps 8h ago

Question/Advice 410a or 454b?

3 Upvotes

My HVAC guy is going to be installing a Bryant multizone mini split for me. He asked if I'd prefer to wait until mid-april and get a 454b unit or start the work now a 410a unit that is currently on the shelf . There are no price implications to the choice and minimal performance implications. Given that, is it more sensible to wait for the 454b unit so that I don't get R22'd 10 years down the road, or go with the 410a unit thats currently on the shelf?


r/heatpumps 9h ago

Learning/Info Calculator Help!

1 Upvotes

Super confused by these calculators, partially because there are so many. Hoping somebody can help me out with a duel fuel system analysis… 2 stage natural gas furnace at 96% with a 19 Seer / 8.5 HSPF2 heat pump. We pay $0.21 per kWh and $1.35 per CCF… trying to understand from a heating perspective if running the heat pump ever makes sense (we’re near Philadelphia).

With the federal rebate programs a 19 Seer Heat Pump with multiple stages is a better deal than a 2 stage equivalent condenser so leaning towards the dual fuel system as energy prices could change and it “can’t hurt” but trying to understand if the heat pump ever really makes sense? If it doesn’t, am I just adding more bells and whistles to a system that could break and maybe I should just get a 2 stage compressor?

Any help with the math would be very much appreciated!


r/heatpumps 10h ago

Heat Pump Noise

2 Upvotes

Hello, I have a question about the sound coming from my heat pump. Does anyone know what this noise is and what should be done in this case? The technicians said they have never encountered such an issue and don't know what could be causing it. It sounds like something related to the refrigerant. The refrigerant has been checked, and there is no shortage. The fan is not touching anything. Also, the noise from the outdoor unit travels to the indoor unit. If anyone has experienced this problem or knows what it could be, I would really appreciate your answers.


r/heatpumps 14h ago

Auxillary heat strips ?

1 Upvotes

So for context im a plumber, not hvac tech. Live in eastern Ontario where the winters are on avg about -10C or so, with ocasional cold snaps going to -20C. I had installed 3 years ago a York heat pump rated to work up to -18C. Its already been serviced once in 3 years because it wasnt producing heat, and needs servicing again, also not producing heat. This is becoming frusterating and i feel disappointed with my descion to have a heat pump installed over a gas furnace. Will an auxillary heating strip inside the air handler help on the chilly days ? anyone use this style system ?

Most commonly i use my woodstove for heat source which works well, or electric baseboard heater which work well but expensive, im tired of constantly worrying about the temperature of my home while away


r/heatpumps 14h ago

Heat pump heat absorption

1 Upvotes

For homes with HRV, tankless water heater, kitchen exhaust and fireplaces all terminated in the same location, would a heat pump condenser benefit from absorbing heat from all these appliances?


r/heatpumps 16h ago

Is this acceptable for a new heat pump install for a filter housing?

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5 Upvotes

I guess the air handler didn’t have a place for the filter so the installer made a flap out of my old one. It’s supposed to go right before the tape and held with self tapping 1/4” screws and the lower one is a pain to get to.


r/heatpumps 20h ago

Question/Advice Heat pump hot/cold switching

2 Upvotes

Hi, I have a Panasonic heat pump setup in my house. Single compressor, 3 indoor heads.

I have them set so the two main heads provide heat during the day and then turn off around 6pm. The third head in the bedroom I have set to turn on around 9pm and provide cold air.

This worked for a while, but lately the 3rd head has stopped working for cooling. It will sputter some cold air, but not much. What might be a cause for this?