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Why Heat Pumps Are the Future, and How Your Home Could Use One
(www.nytimes.com)
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this post was submitted on 14 Apr 2024
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They haven't been standard in colder parts of the US — people use natural gas, propane, or fuel oil depending on where in the country.
I can believe that because many people choose the absolute cheapest solution rather than looking at the 5-10 year cost of ownership.
Technology connections YouTuber is in Chicago and chose a heat pump because it's cheaper. I have a relative in Minnesota and they are on a ground sourced heatpump because it's so much cheaper long term.
There's not much population in the US further north than the middle of Minnesota.
Last time I looked in to it I'd still need a supplemental heater for when it's too cold for the heat pump to be effective (there were a handful of weeks just this/last year where we would be in trouble) in Chicago.
Ground source makes a lot more sense for new construction where you're already digging.
Backup heat is standard with all whole house heat pumps. You pick electric or gas based on cost.
Also doesn’t help that a lot of houses in the US are just really old and still have their original fossil fuel based heating.