HEAT PUMP vs FURNACE/AC 1

[08201950]

Recently my client asked me to look into the feasibility of using the Mitsubishi Zuba Central heat pump for heating and cooling the house we are building for him.
Product literature claims Zuba saves up to 60% in fuel consumption compared to conventional furnace/AC.
It also claims the heat pump works to -30 degrees outside temp.
It doesn't use natural gas -runs on electricity alone.
Is this type of product suitable for fairly large houses (up to 5000 sq.ft.) and in a locale like Toronto, Canada where we need heating 6 months in a year?
Electricity is still relatively inexpensive in Toronto, but is this really environmentally sound?

 

[willard3]

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Is this type of product suitable for fairly large houses (up to 5000 sq.ft.) and in a locale like Toronto, Canada
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No......

An heat pump is a carnot cycle whose maximum efficiency is around 30%. The only reason they are cheap to use is that you don't have to pay for the heat source/sink....at least next week.....we will all pay for the heat source/sink eventually.

If you have to turn off the refrigeration cycle, and you will below about 30-40F, and turn on the elec heat, any furnace/boiler with any A/C system is more efficient than a heat pump.

The closer OA temp is to desired indoor temp, the more efficient the carnot cycle.....in winter, this does not apply to Toronto.