I understand the confusion around the install. The process for homeowners won't be fend for yourself and twist a contractor's arm to do an install, Electric Air will have local contractors that we connect you with.
Vertically, no, would mess up condensate return path. Not recommended under a bed or behind a headboard either, you ideally want it high up on a wall so it has the best chance of mixing its supply air with the rest of the room.
Pricing on the main product page. In the future I'll link to pricing from the preorder page as well. Been answering comments all day so no time to change yet!
Exactly. There's lots of stuff you can stitch together yourself, and if you're a DIY person, its more fun/rewarding to do it that way. I think the majority of homeowners will want something that doesn't require doing the install themselves, or having to worry about overall system integration.
Wholeheartedly agree with the comment about oversized heat pumps - this also has the side effect of lots of homes in the Northeast being told they can't use their duct work without a major upgrade, or an unnecessary electrical panel upgrade.
Definitely hearing the feedback that we need better communication on pricing and sizing! A 24kbtu at 5F heat pump is much bigger than a 24kbtu heat pump at 47F so its not an apples to apples comparison. You're right about ductless offering more opportunity for zoning, but I think most homeowners with ducts would like a drop-in replacement for their furnace, not a bunch of extra hardware in each room.
I would agree with you if there was major technical risk, but this is a system integration problem. Re manufacturing, there are millions of heat pumps made every year, and an ecosystem of contract manufacturers and thermal parts suppliers.
No problem if you don't want to use an app, just use the thermostat. The system runs fine without internet connectivity. What you get with a wifi connection is the thermostat can access signals that increase system efficiency (demand response, weather, TOU rates) and you get remote commands from your smartphone.
Great question, for that type of system, you can either do a mini-split install which Electric Air could support, or an air to water heat pump which would still utilize your existing wall radiators or radiant (underfloor) heating.
Some background on CO2 systems. On the one hand, great, because CO2 has a GWP of 1 as you point out. On the other, the operating pressures are much higher than other conventional refrigerants (80+bar vs 20bar). Because of this high pressure the components are more expensive, and you don't see any field installs of refrigerant lines like in a mini-split setup. Instead the CO2 systems typically come as factory sealed air-water systems.
24V controls: Any inverter heat pump will run best with a communicating thermostat. We can make efficiency sacrifices to run the system on 24V controls, but it would not be my recommended setup.
Refrigerants: this is largely dictated by compressor availability. At this point it looks like R454B is the winner (GWP 467)
You're right about new construction builders wanting whatever is cheapest. They don't bear the cost of ownership, so there's very little incentive to go for efficient equipment. Doing replacements on oil is great! The monthly savings when moving from electric resistance, propane and fuel oil are huge.
Connectivity - system runs fine standalone without any internet connection.
If you decide to get in the heat pump game come say hi at the next AHR expo!
Electric Air gives you (1) easy purchase, financing install (2) built in air quality sensors and controls (3) a thermostat that's actually good, and fully utilizes the efficiency of your inverter heat pump and uses demand response, weather, and TOU rate plans to lower your bills.
Regarding the overall energy story, do you think decarbonizing the economy should be a national priority, and if so, what is the proper approach to take?
Thanks for sharing your perspective! Cold weather and general performance has come a long ways thanks to variable speed equipment and vapor injection. Re climate change messaging, I think you're right. The product page doesn't have any climate change messaging on it, and I'm interested in making a product that homeowners find compelling outside of its climate motivations.
Wow, sorry you had to go through that setup hassle. I would also say you are probably in the 1% of motivated homeowners trying to get those details right. A lot of this difficulty seems like it stemmed from trying to get the Ecobee to play nice with the Bosch. With Electric Air I hope to avoid setup issues like this, the thermostat is specifically designed to work well with the other equipment.
Though somewhat controversial, ZoomLock also seems promising. Agreed though, there are obvious benefits to having a fully factory sealed refrigerant loop.
It's a different but valid approach. You still need a pump station and someone comfortable with hydronic loop install/fittings. Some areas also ban PEX. Northeast is definitely the place to do this, as there is way more hydronic knowledge than other parts of the US. System efficiency takes a hit because the secondary water loop adds more lift to the heat pump.
Good question. The uniform temp is really within a room, what you're describing is the not uncommon experience of having unbalanced duct work. A few options for you (1) DIY or pro duct balancing. You change the position of dampers and vents, might have to modify duct work (2) actuated zone dampers, these live in the duct work and install is expensive (3) a smart vent that you can DIY, battery life is surprisingly good https://flair.co/ (4) mini-split system, every major room gets a wall unit connected to an outdoor unit (condenser), and you can control the temperature of each room the mini-split is in. Electric Air offers wall units for this if you're not able to make a ducted install work. (5) hybrid setup, you use a centrally ducted furnace for most of the house, heat pump or otherwise, and use a mini-split in the upstairs rooms that are not reaching the desired temperature.