This really is an excellent application for one of the ultra high efficiency mini split heat pumps. They are very quiet to near silent and have a SEER of 19+, work down to near 0degF. We have been very happy with the LG unit we installed in our master bedroom but others have reported similar good results from Fujitsu and Mitsubishi. I think Fedders is getting into this market but have not seen thier units. For the price, I was very impressed with the level of technology included in my LG. Variable speed blower, varialble speed compressor, varialble speed outside fan all microprocessor controlled. Full function remote control with temp readout and did I mention its quiter than our hunter ceiling fan?

I think I understand what you want. HVAC is not my trade, so others may chime in with better information. I think you want dual-fuel controls. The heat pump would do the heating alone until the outdoor temp dropped to the preset level and then the oil furnace would take over the heating. They would not both operate simultaneously. Mine with propane furnace backup is set at 28 deg. Propane heats at outdoor temps of 28 deg and below. I would argue that setting higher than 32 degrees is a mistake. Depending on the setup of the air handler, the heat of the furnace added to the air stream over the heat pump indoor coil while operating could send refrigerant pressure to levels that would damage the system. So the dual fuel controls operate one or the other, depending on the outdoor temps. The degree-day system for scheduling oil keep-fill service refills will not work as before and you may have to check the tank oil level yourself and request fillups as necessary.

Wallynut, So would I be correct in saying that I need to find out how many kilowatts are needed to keep this house at X temperature using Hydro-air and compare that to kilowatts used, using the electric baseboard. I probably can find the existing usage from my local power company, but where could I find how much power these Hydro-air units use? Would the installer be able to provide me with estimates? I am in NY so I'm guessing were in the same "boat". Any help would greatly be appreciated. Jim

Honestly because I don't like a heat pump. I had a heat pump at my old house thinking that it would be great and I really wish I hadn't done that afterwards. I don't like that the heat isn't really hot and never really felt that comfortable after doing that system so didn't want to do that again and DH felt the same way - actually more so than me, but I tried to like it since I'd spent the money and convinced him it was the way to go. Honestly I didn't really see much savings from it either. My electrical bills weren't that much lower and in that house I had only electric heat. I'm going to get out with the caulk gun and see what I can find if the temp is ever in a good range around here. I know it is well insulated so air leaks would be the only thing. The problem is the ducts and the placement of the unit. One issue is the flex duct used is also smushed together going over there. Only way to fix that one is to re-route it and thus making it longer. One of the companies that have experience with zoning gave us other options, but no matter what the bedrooms on the other side of the house still will be less in temperature or higher depending on outside temp due to the long run of the ducts. Any suggestions on what you think could be done to improve this then without zoning? Can I just change to a variable speed fan or does it mean the whole unit? I miss having two units as I did with the old house. I also don't like heating/cooling the main parts of the house while sleeping and although in the winter I use a really warm cover and am not bothered by the cold in the master - only the baby's room is bothering me here, in the summer it just feels too warm at night even with ceiling fan on and no covers. The master is very close to the unit so duct length etc. is not the issue there and airleaks doesn't seem to be the issue as I've not detected any drafts in there, but using a candle. Did this when we first moved in due to temp diff. After that they did some air balancing. Do I have any other options in getting the house to be more comfortable and not having to heat/cool areas we don't use? In my old house the main areas weren't heated/cooled during the night as much and the bedrooms weren't during the day. Here we do need to heat/cool the baby's room during the day, but not the master. In the end though I'd just like something that feels comfortable and to not have the main part of the house at 73 so the baby's room and master can be 67. Sorry for the ramblings and the book I wrote. Just getting really frustrated by this and we have moved on to other companies than the one the builder used as we are tired of dealing with the builder and the hvac company and not getting anywhere after 2 years.