A century ago, the leading energy sources to heat homes was wood or coal. Usage of wood to heat homes peaked in the 1940s at one-third of the housing stock in the United States. By 1970, wood heating dwindled to 1% of homes. This homeowner in Cortlandt had a pellet whole house furnace.
He wanted to decommission, remove, and replace his wood furnace with a modern, energy-efficient, and clean-fuel alternative heat system.
We first removed the unit.
We checked the adequacy of electrical supply to the home. In this case, the panel was sufficient, but if needed, we work with licensed electricians to upgrade homeowners.
The Mitsubishi Hyper Heat Pump we installed checked all the boxes. The installed pieces are:
- MXZ-SM60NAM2 condenser
- PVFY-P54NAMU-E1 air handler
- Ducted R410 refrigerant system
The oil shock of the 1970s spurred demand for alternative fuels with less volatile pricing and more stable supplies. The invention of pellet stoves ushered pellet furnaces, which sparked wood heaters to increased market share of 4% by 1990:
- biomass materials such as wood chips or sawdust enjoy stable prices and are carbon neutral
- highly compressed and low moisture material produce a dry, radiant heat
- pellet furnaces are 70%-80% efficient
- when properly built, there is no creosote by-product
- the pellets come from wood waste, which is renewable and sustainable
- the units do not need to rely on electricity, so can work during power outages
Pellet packets that supply furnaces can become a heavy lift for older homeowners as some can exceed 40 pounds. Of the 8.6 million households in New York, almost 120,000 deploy wood furnaces.
Cortlandt, a town in Westchester County, includes Croton-on-Hudson, Montrose and Buchanan and a dozen other villages.
Several sites within its confines are among the National Register of Historic Places, including:
- Old Croton Dam critical to the aqueducts that provides local drinking water, including New York City
- Bear Mountain Bridge at the northwestern tip
- Connection to the Appalachian Trail
The population of 42,000 experiences similar, albeit milder, weather than the New England states. The Northeast, with its prolonged cold spells, uses wood-based heat systems more than the 2% national average. Vermont (14%), Maine (10%) and New Hampshire (7%) comprise 3 of the top 5 highest-usage states.
Since 2000, electricity, and solar, have gained market share from fossil fuels such as gas, oil, propane, and coal. Heat pumps sales have soared due to their:
- 300% to 500% fuel efficiency
- improved cold climate performance
- tax rebates or utility incentives to lower acquisition costs
- Municipal support to usher decarbonization
Heat pumps operate similarly to refrigerators. Air drawn in is cycled through refrigerants in coil to be heated or cooled and then released as warm or cool air. Heat pumps serve the dual purpose of providing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.
With colder air outside, heat pumps become less efficient. The Mitsubishi Hyper Heat models provide significant heating capabilities down to -13F. A supplemental heat system can be combined with a heat pump for temperatures well below zero. For example, a space heater, fireplace, or smaller wood furnace could supplement on extremely frigid days.
Homeowners are advised to plan for the typical temperature range throughout the year. Careful consideration should weigh their heating needs for the coldest days against their cooling needs on the hottest days.
Like a furnace, heat pumps cycle themselves on and off per thermostatic control or manual overrides. When professionally maintained, systems can last fifteen years or more. Heat pumps are efficient, environmentally friendly, and easy to install. Most models run on electricity and have a modest footprint suitable for most homes. The heat pump works seamlessly with a generator in case of a power outage.
We utilized the existing house ductwork (with minor modifications) to convert the home to a cold-climate, heat pump system.
Annual savings for a 3,000kWh heat pump ranges from about $450 to $1,000 compared to replacing electric or oil systems. Heat pumps reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40% – 50% compared to a gas furnace. Additionally, heat pumps obviate oil odors customers may notice during fuel deliveries.
Some may prefer the radiant heat of furnaces to the ambient heat pump warmth. Thermostat control indicates that temperatures are objectively measured.
In most scenarios, heat pumps boast lower operating costs and simpler operations. With every model year, there are improvements in energy efficiency, price, or cold-temperature operability. Find out more about rebates or call us at 914 909-4108 to discuss whether heat pumps or another climate-control option is best suited for your needs.
