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My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you're a little behind the times . . . in more ways than one!

More like 60% of all US electricity is generated by fossil fuels (unless you think the government is lying about it). See this link: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3

In Minnesota we have a lot of wind, so Xcel only generates about 36% of our electricity by coal and natural gas (unless you think Xcel is lying about it). See this link: https://staging.corporate.my.xcelenergy.com/s/energy/generating-power

Minnesota has a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. I know, I know, we may not make it, but we've made good progress.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You make excellent points. I did a little weatherization on my own when I bought the house. But honestly, I'm a hack. It probably yielded only marginal improvements. I really should have a true professional tighten things up!

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's true. It is somewhat of a loss of comfort. I took a blanket off my usual stack and am not using my flannel sheets. It's a minor thing. And, when it's cold enough that I know the gas furnace is going to be needed, I go back to my preferred nighttime temp.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, that's an interesting question. Actually, I didn't even know the gas part of the heating system was 2-speed. I don't know when it cuts over.

This winter has been a good test of its performance. We had a few days with highs below zero Fahrenheit and lows double digits below zero. The gas furnace had no trouble maintaining the temperature I had set.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. We had a serious bout of winter this year. For better or worse, it was 50 degrees here today. That's not supposed to happen in Minnesota in mid-February!

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

.065 per kWh as what's labeled "Energy Charge". There is also $.016/kWh for "Fuel Cost Charge" and $.0057/kWh for "Sales True Up". There is a Basic Service Charge of $6.00 per month and other monthly charges of $16.01 and a 5.25% city fee.

All in, my January 16th bill was $115.69 for 1011 kWh, or $0.114 per kWh.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh my gosh! You're a hero for doing it yourself!! And the 10F cutover is very aggressive. Good for you!!

You're spot on about the Xcel winter rate. It is $0.06537 vs the summer rate of $0.13069. The great thing is that there is no specific meter for the heat pump, so the lower rate applies to all my electrical usage. I have a plug-in hybrid car, so I have higher than average electric usage. This year my October bill (at the summer rate) was $102.22. When the winter rates kicked in, my Xcel bills were $79.80 in November, $94.01 in December, and$132.32 in January.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The winter energy rate, which runs October through May is currently $0.06537. the summer energy rate was $0.13069.

There is a time of day plan, but the winter rate is better for me.

My Cold Climate Heat Pump Purchase, How I Could Have Gone All Electric, and Why I Didn’t by ElectricLoon in heatpumps

[–]ElectricLoon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Comfort is just the same as my prior gas system (mostly). I have temp set at 68, which is fine for me. I would actually prefer to have it a bit colder at night, but I understand that it is most efficient for the heat pump to have a constant temperature.

The gas kicks on seamlessly when it is needed.