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by lm28469 156 days ago
Overly complex and fragile in the long run, the savings are meaningless if you're already self sufficient. I'd much rather spend the money in insulation and self sufficiency than these voodoo appliances.

That's my reasoning my new build house with plenty of land. In other scenarios it might be more beneficial to go for them.
3 comments
NoLinkToMe 156 days ago
Heatpumps are a proven technology, have been in use for more than a hundred years, and are one of the most efficient (and thereby cost-effective) ways to manage heat.

They're also technically simpler and have fewer components that can wear out. And they're a single system that works both for cooling and heating, rather than needing multiple system investments.

The majority of experts believe that its the future technology stack to manage heat, not a gimmick at all.

That having been said, always start with good insulation first.

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fastasucan 156 days ago
Thwre is nothing voodoo about heat pumps. Not really that complex and not at all fragile either.
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UltraSane 156 days ago
Heat pumps are no more fragile than air conditioners.
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dahfizz 156 days ago
Which are famously reliable and cheap to service...
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UltraSane 156 days ago
In my experience they are quite reliable if they are quality brands. My parents have central AC for 20 years with no need of repairs
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lm28469 156 days ago
Yes, and that's why I have none.
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mrspuratic 156 days ago
No fridge? That's a heat pump.
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RussianCow 156 days ago
Not everyone lives in an area where they can afford not to have one, especially with climates changing and temperatures hitting higher/lower extremes.
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lm28469 156 days ago
It all comes down to building techniques, insulation, airtightness, eliminating thermal bridges, &c. There are also many low tech solutions for heating/cooling, such as air/air heat exchanger couples with ground/water or ground/air heat exchanger at a fraction of the price and a fraction of the maintenance.

Of course the average american living in a mcmansion which wouldn't pass regulations in 1992 Poland cannot use such solutions, but really it isn't a problem of climate, you'll find passive houses from africa to norway and everywhere in between, most of them without heat pumps

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