Most ACs are reverse cycle these days since it’s a very minimal extra cost to allow it to both heat and cool - it just needs a four-way reversing valve. There’s no point making it only cool when you can instead make it both heat and cool for a similar price.
The USA is weird though. Companies still make units that only cool, and strangely there’s a big price difference between cooling-only systems vs reverse cycle systems. I haven’t seen this in other countries.
I’m sure it varies a bit by region, but that wouldn’t be a crazy price for the NE. HVAC is just expensive these days.
I’d recommend getting at least three quotes. If different companies propose different setups (e.g., all heads vs ducted vs mixed), try to get at least two quotes for each. I ended up getting six quotes due to how much they varied in both price and design. My highest and lowest quotes were more than 20k apart for a <1500 sqft space.
If you have access to a 0% financing program, don’t wait too long. Those run out quick because it’s such an amazing deal.
I had a similar situation (except baseboard heat instead) and ended up with a mixed system. It’s really dependent on layout. I’d be careful with anyone who doesn’t take a good look around before giving you a recommendation, unless you have zero room for ducting for instance.
Our guy said splits are great for 2 or 3 units, any more a heat pump is more cost effective so that’s what we went for. Went with a city recommend installer and they were awesome.
Same in the pacific northwest. Had a heat pump put in this year thanks to an interest free loan from the city. Used to not hit triple digits here.
Does it pump heat variably in both directions?
Most ACs are reverse cycle these days since it’s a very minimal extra cost to allow it to both heat and cool - it just needs a four-way reversing valve. There’s no point making it only cool when you can instead make it both heat and cool for a similar price.
The USA is weird though. Companies still make units that only cool, and strangely there’s a big price difference between cooling-only systems vs reverse cycle systems. I haven’t seen this in other countries.
Dang, I need to get one installed. Just dont know who around Portland to trust. Had one estimate and it was like 20 grand for a 4 head install.
I’m sure it varies a bit by region, but that wouldn’t be a crazy price for the NE. HVAC is just expensive these days.
I’d recommend getting at least three quotes. If different companies propose different setups (e.g., all heads vs ducted vs mixed), try to get at least two quotes for each. I ended up getting six quotes due to how much they varied in both price and design. My highest and lowest quotes were more than 20k apart for a <1500 sqft space.
If you have access to a 0% financing program, don’t wait too long. Those run out quick because it’s such an amazing deal.
Yeah my issue is I have no ducts. My old house has no existing forced air anything. Just sketchy radiant ceiling heat.
I had a similar situation (except baseboard heat instead) and ended up with a mixed system. It’s really dependent on layout. I’d be careful with anyone who doesn’t take a good look around before giving you a recommendation, unless you have zero room for ducting for instance.
Our guy said splits are great for 2 or 3 units, any more a heat pump is more cost effective so that’s what we went for. Went with a city recommend installer and they were awesome.
Aren’t splits using a heat pump though? Or did you get central air installed? My place has no vents.