Heat Pump Question

[A Brand New World]

We recently purchased a home that has a new heat pump with propane as the back-up heat source. We have no experience with heat pumps. We live in Ohio so I understand that once it gets real cold that is when the propane back-up kicks in. My question to those with heat pump experience is: Does it take a while for the heat pump to heat up the house? Yesterday morning it was 50 degrees here. The heat pump came on at 5:30 am and by 7:00 am when I went to work, the heat pump was still running and had only raised the temperature in the house by 1 degree. Is this normal? Or should I call the installer back?

BTW: as you can see, DU is more source for all things.

[FSogol]

1. Yes. The heat pump should operate at 50 deg F without

requiring the supplemental heat. If propane is available, why do you have a heat pump? We typically only use heat pumps when gas or propane is not available.

Did the heat pump run constantly or did it cycle on and off? It should run constantly until the temperature setting is satisfied.

[A Brand New World]

2. RE: Heat Pump

I was told that heat pumps are a cheaper way to heat but that we had to have the propane as a back-up for the very cold periods (below 32 degrees or so).

The heat pump ran constantly but it took at least that 1 1/2 hours to only raise the temperature by that one degree, possibly longer because at 7 I left to go to work and it was still running. I just think that period of time is excessive to only raise by one degree but as I stated I know nothing about heat pumps and it may not be excessive. I just don't want something to be wrong with the new unit and, through our ignorance of heat pumps, we don't have it repaired.

[orwell]

3. Depending on your price of propane...

...heat pumps can be more efficient.

Your post doesn't and probably can't supply enough information to analyze the problem. A one degree rise over 1.5 hours seems too slow but many factors come into play. It is best to get a trained A/C person out there and make sure that the system is sized and installed properly for the house and it's level of insulation and average outside and inside temperature demands. It is also important with a heat pump that the exchange coil, if you have an indoor air handler/furnace, is the proper size for the pump. I beleive it generally needs to be rated at a higher tonnage than the heat pump itself.

Bottom line: Call an A/C person. Many times they will check the system at no charge in hopes that they can sell some service or equipment.

[orwell]

5. Also be aware...

...that the heat of the air that comes out of the registers from a heat pump is lower in temperature than the hot air from a propane furnace by a significant margin. This throws a lot of people at first.

We use an electric heat pump with electric furnace back up where I live and it is very efficient and comfortable. It does take some adjustment however when you are used to that blast of hot air from the electric or propane furnace.

If you want, you can usually disable the heat pump feature entirely at the thermostat and go with straight propane. Then the heat pump becomes solely an air conditioning unit.

[hankthecrank]

4. Doesn't sound like it is working right

Best time to get heating system tune up is while its still warm.

If you wait till you every one needs it you will wait a long time

If it needs parts can get them on the way

[A Brand New World]

6. I think I'm going to call the installers who put it in back in June.

It doesn't sound like it's right to me. It will be interesting to see what they say. It's a reputable dealer so hopefully they will back up their work.

[hankthecrank]

7. Yes if it was put in June, Warranty

Should be covered under warranty. One hour to raise house 1 degree is not going to cut this winter.

But then my APU has been giving me crap all summer. I finally had to take it to different dealer to get it fixed right. Works good now. Wanted a one eyed buffalo and I got one.

[Digit]

8. Here is a link with tips on using heat pumps.

Is this a brand new house or could the previous owners have a special set back thermostat designed for heat pumps?
Generally, you just leave the temperature setting where it is or just nudge it a couple of degrees at a time. The link explains why.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/heatpump