snowednboston t1_ixwl897 wrote on November 26, 2022 at 11:09 PM

Reply to comment by Heavy-Humor-4163 in I want to get off the grid. What are my options for heat and hot water? by pencil_2b

Thanks for this honest feedback.

Was looking at mini splits 10 years ago after MassSave audit and with one of their “approved” vendors.

It felt like an Anderson Renewal window scam. For 1200sqft condo was quoted $14 and change discounted from $18k.

I can’t see in any scenario how I would’ve made out from this.

Heavy-Humor-4163 t1_ixx0sgt wrote on November 27, 2022 at 1:14 AM

YES!! We did the Anderson Renewal “presentation “ too!! After 2 hours, was told 32k for 9 windows!!! Cheapest option. What a waste of time!!

And the mini split racket is the same. Our first quote was 25k but we wound up knowing someone and they did it for 10k.

We were running window or portable ac units very noisy and costly so just the quiet was worth it!!

I guess if you can get all this from solar it, you will see returns in your lifetime

But our small house didn’t have enough roof space ( as per a solar company’s inspection) to make enough for all our needs. Maybe that’s changed from 10 yrs ago.

MajorProblem50 t1_ixwzd3w wrote on November 27, 2022 at 1:02 AM

It really depends on your situation. My heat pump is actually much cheaper than the oil furnace I replaced. My highest bill last year was $450 but I have no gas or oil bill while my neighbor was paying close to 1k to fill up his tank every 1 and a half month, I would say I made it out like bandits compared to him.

Gas on the other hands cost pretty close. Gas might be a little bit cheaper but it is more comfortable than heat pump heat. On the other hand though, if you use window AC then getting a heat pump is a no brainer.

Heavy-Humor-4163 t1_ixx7ava wrote on November 27, 2022 at 2:07 AM

Yes, I would hate to just have heating fuel as the only option. We spend about $300/yr in pellets fuel for primary heat from October thru June on cool days. and only run the furnace for 45 mins in the AM when temps go into the 30’s.

The pellet stove is a pain in the ass, dust, cleaning and lifting 40lb bags to fill stove, but it does heat well, and I guess we are saving a few bucks vs fuel alone.

We considered a propane wall heater , but glad we didn’t as LG prices have skyrocketed this year too. I just wish we could have solar, but not enough space 😞🫤

snowednboston t1_ixx9h0f wrote on November 27, 2022 at 2:26 AM

No option for pellets :)

The Green Energy Consumers Alliance has webinars on the newer heat pumps. I know technology has improved, but it’s good to hear from someone who actually had it done and doesn’t have skin in the game.