Replace w/ high SEER heatpump or AC economics

[zekeman]

Can somebody show me why I should buy a SEER14 HP if I presently use a SEER 9 and my electric rate is $0.16/KWH and the average ambient outside temp during summer is 80 for 4 months (location southern CT). Or should I just consider staight A/C and forget the heatpump. If possible please point me to the calculations needed to make the decision including outside winter temps ( I think 40 degrees would be reasonable).

 

[MintJulep]

Simple answer is that if your existing equipment is still in working order the payback on energy savings would likely be a really long time.

To do the calc you will need hourly temperature data, total UA of your house and occupancy pattern.

This site:

http://www.fypower.org/res/tools/products_results.html?id=100130

has a table of "typical" potential savings, and a link to a calculator

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/bulk_purchasing/bpsavings_calc/Calc_CAC.xls

I didn't download it, but it might do exactly what you need. If not, one of the other hits probably will.