A. Heat pumps, which provide both heat and air-conditioning, are popular in warm-climates, where they are quite efficient and cost-effective. However, typical air-to-air heat pumps, which draw heat from outside air in winter to provide heat inside the building, aren't very effective in cold temperatures, causing expensive all-electric backup heat to kick in. It is possible to substitute oil or gas heat for backup in some pumps.

I have talked to a number of heat-pump owners in cold-climate areas, and some who own conventional air-to-air pumps are very unhappy with the winter performance. Some newer air-to-air models of pumps are more effective in lower temperatures, and pumps that draw heat from the ground or underground water are also more efficient (and more expensive to install) than typical air-to-air models. If you are very interested in a heat pump, ask the contractor for names of others in your area who use them. Check on the performance. If the reports aren't positive, and judging from the information you supplied, I would keep the existing heating system and consider updating the air-conditioning unit only.

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QUICK TIP

Ceiling fan blades should be set to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction during hot weather to provide best cooling action. If the fan is used during the heating season, the blades should rotate clockwise to circulate warm air that otherwise collects near the ceiling. Most fans have a knob or switch to control blade direction.

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(Questions and comments should be e-mailed to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com. Send regular mail for Gene Austin to 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422)

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(c) 2009, Gene Austin

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