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?

Heat pumps need to be sized for their cooling loads. If you don't then the equipment will run in short cycles during the summer. This means higher humidity, higher electricity bills, and a shorter life span. Over sized 2-stage equipment is a little more forgiving, but in the low stage most 2-stage equipment operates at 70-75% of total capacity. How do you currently heat your house? If it is fuel oil, then a dual fuel system makes a lot of sense. If it natural gas, then you may not be saving much money with a heat pump. Post the rates of your fossil fuel and electricity and a calculation can be done to compare the relative operating costs.

Oh good one. It's always interesting to get different perspectives on the whole paint and color thing. Very cool. Thnx for sharing kd.

The heated or cooled refrigerant from the outside unit isn't immediately hot or cold when it's first turned on. And just as the air in the supply duct moving from the coil to the register, the refrigerant doesn't travel in the blink of an eye down the lineset to the coil. No matter how close it is. As I described with my own systems (which are less than 6 months old and work great), it does take a few minutes for the moving air to reach the temperature you expect. Use a setback thermostat and ignore when it comes on. Or, turn it on, go fix yourself a nice glass of wine or a beer, and by the time you're sitting and ready to enjoy it, you'll be happy with the temperature.