regulations should be tighter, IMO.

if utilities would stop builidng new plants & invest in updating the older existing plants utility costs wouldn't rise so much,

glad you are seeing some savings.
add blankets to water heaters & when replacing
refrig.freezers shop for ones with more insulation..
thicker walls, doors etc.

best of luck.

the fact is that we are running out of natural resources.
the myth is that we are not.

conservation is what will reduce usage of our natural resources and make other forms of energy more viable.

look at what other countries are doing.

roses smell pretty good, thanks.

Energy rater did not hyjack your thread. He just made a comment about coal fired power plants. I am no greenie but coal is a dirty fuel, can be expensive to clean up emissions. I think they still use scrubber technology. And not only is it very dangerous to harvest but can do environmental damage to both the land and ground water. I know the industrial revolution was powered by coal in many pLants and factories but coal is very
problematic even today.

Insulation is cheap compared to cost of energy.

We could debate this all day long but I don't believe coal is a big part of our
country becoming energy independent. Perhaps a bridge fuel until our country develops a true national energy policy. No doubt the US is just drifting in the wind now. Sorry for the pun. And then we have Solyndra but that's another subject all together. Going green is fine...as long as it works, is practical, and cost effective without government credits that our country can't afford.

I am glad you are happy with the Greenspeed. Perhaps it is living up to the promise that the Hallowell Acadia failed to do.

IMO

Nuclear has to be part of energy independence. In fact, Duke Power is building one of the first new nuclear fueled generation plants in many years in SC Upstate.

I was surprised last nite to see an electric recharging station for autos in an underground parking garage at a Marriott. Of course all the parking spots at this station were taken by conventional gas fueled cars...LOL...

IMO

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/tesla-rebuts-times-story-secret -data-trail-test-155525527.html

The phase-out of coal burning power plants is happening already, the debate is long over. The damage they cause is too severe to allow the practice to continue.

PS to all the gang - I think Energy Rater is a she, not a he.

Thanks for the history lesson. Now how about that nuclear reactor for my closet.

"PS to all the gang - I think Energy Rater is a she, not a he."

And it does not matter to me.

As far as the Greenspeed system goes it seems to be really impressive and it will be great when other brands can follow suit. I would replace the water heaters with marathon units by Rheem which are heavily insulated and have a lifetime warranty.

Energy is very knowledgeable and helpful in here as are many others and greatly appreciated.

The opportunity to be proactive passed many years ago. Power will be more expensive. Next crisis?

Can we please get back to Carrier 25VNA please? I am in the market of replacing 26 yr old oil furnace... I have a quote of $12,300 for Carrier 25VNA36... Contractor claims my heat will only cost $1000 a year based on .16/kw. This would be my only source of heat...

What state do you live in for temp purposes? (I live in Massachusetts)
Cost of system?
How much square feet is your house?
How many zones?
Is your house well insulated?
Any idea of savings to date?

Thanks a ton in advance!!!!

I have also been given an option to install an oil/heat pump hybrid which is $9942 install with an estimated cost to heat of $1600. (I am paying $4.00 a gal for oil and it keeps going up and up)

I have no way of segregating my costs for the heat pump. KWH usage is down, but cost per KWH is up.
The 25VNA036, FE4ANF005 air handler and Infinity Control Thermostat cost $ 12,400.00...Metal, insulated trunk lines, Flex supply and return lines, Electrical upgrade and 10 year warranty made the total $15,650.00, but I got rebates of $1,800.00 so the net cost was $13,850.00...single zone...1800 sq. ft.....3 1/2" insulation in walls and 12" in attic

Do you live in a colder region like New England, USA?

Did you have electric heat prior to the Carrier 25VNA being installed (I am asumming you did)?

I also live in MA and want to install Carrier Greenspeed. Does the quote you received include cost of installing duct work? I'd be interested in getting your contractors name to get an estimate. Some details on your quote would also be helpful like tonnage, area of the house 1-2 floors etc.

Gross Cost = $19,000 (Net after rebates= $16,350)

Equipment:
- Carrier 25VNA036A003 --> 3 Ton Variable Speed Heat Pump
- Carrier FE4ANF005 --> Variable speed high efficiency fan coil
- Carrier Programmable thermostat
- Carrier KFCEH1601315 --> 10 kw electric heater, 2 stages (5kw,15kw)

System efficiencies: 20 seer, 14 eer, 12.4 hspf

Work includes:

-Remove and dispose of oil furnace, oil tank and metal chimney.
-Installation and connection to existing duct work.
-Install new insulated steel duct work up to second floor with supplies into 3 bedrooms. (current duct work is not getting any flow)
-Install new floor return grille on first floor.
-Concrete pad for heat pump.
-All power and control wiring from existing service panel.

Does anyone know how to set the outdoor temperature at which the heat strip turns on to supplement the Heat Pump??

Have you found that keeping the thermostat at a steady temperature is the most efficient or do you set the temperature back when you are not home or asleep? If you set back, how many degrees do you set back?

Any other pointers for a newbie like myself?

Thanks again!!