- Heat Pump Delivery
Our house is finally up to normal temperatures after several weeks of the puny (and I hasten to add, very expensive) ‘emergency’ heat that kicked in when our heat pump failed. Choosing a replacement was mind-wrenching, partly because every single interview with contractors happened at times that Nyel couldn’t be here. I was on my own!
It’s not that I doubt my ability to ask the right questions or even to understand the sometimes rather technical answers. Nor did I have difficulty in conveying the information to Nyel once he returned. It’s just that it seems easier with two sets of eyes and ears to make judgments – especially when comparing apples and oranges. Because, believe me, every contractor had a different take on our heat problems.
I was even on my own when the installation of the new heat pump occurred. I watched as the technician installed an additional air return and as the thermostat was checked and recalibrated. I showed one of the men the access points to the crawl space under the house and took pictures as the old heat pump was wrestled out and the new one was hooked up. And I kept my fingers crossed that we had made the right decision in our choice among all the confusing and conflicting solutions we had been offered.
The process took me back to the days when I was my own ‘contractor’ for my little house on the bay. When I asked Ossie Steiner if he’d build that house, he said “yes, but I don’t have a contractor’s license so it’ll be up to you…”
It was one of the stellar experiences of my life. Ossie explained every option throughout each step of the construction, told me the pros and cons, the approximate differences in cost, and what he would suggest. But, at the end of the day, I had to make the decisions myself. The resulting house was just about as close to perfection as I could have desired!
Replacing a failed heat pump was not nearly so exciting or so complicated, but getting on with the decision felt just as crucial during our recent cold weather. And, during the process, I learned a little more about the quirks and limitations of this 143-year-old house. I guess I shouldn’t complain. The building is probably more accommodating that we are and we’re little more than half its age! I don’t know about the house, but we are happy to be feeling toasty once again.
Sydney, I’m so glad to hear that you’re comfortable again! I felt rather guilty sitting in a comfortable spot while reading your blog and knowing that you were cold and miserable (especially during the power outage). How in the world did your mother stay warm in that house before? Did she just get by with the baseboard heat, or did she make herself cozy next to the nursery stove the way your grandparents did? May you have many days of pleasant temperatures with your new heat pump.
My folks had electric baseboard heaters plus cadet wall heaters in every room in the house. We had them all removed when we insulated and installed the heatpump. I don’t think this old house can ever be really “comfortable” in the winter. It’s just the way it is — an opinion reinforced by every heating contractor I talked with! But thanks for thinking of us! Warm thoughts always help!
I love our pellet stove because wood heat, even from pellets, is penetrating, but lifting big bags of pellets is going to get old and electricity is expensive. We may look into getting a propane stove after the pellet stove dies. I’m glad you all are toasty again, Sydney!