Has anyone installed a heat pump for a 6500 ( 6000-6800) Sq foot home? If so, what size heat pump ('s). Spare me the talk about all the specifics needed (before you can tell me the size). I just want to know what you installed (size) for a specific job-- etc. etc..

Sorry but you are asking a question that to be any way near correct would need more information. First I would not talk about a single size since a home of that size actually will need to separate systems. You can play the ballpark game by using 400 to 600 square foot per ton. Somewhere in there it should hit the mark.

Now if I were to ask what size conductors I needed for a service panel the first thing you would ask is what size panel and is it a main or a sub panel,copper or aluminum etc. HVAC size does not have specific sizes like electric so our job is actually harder. We have 32 code books for various adventures in HVAC where as you only have to deal with the basic NEC. BTW I am a certified Electrical Safety Inspector so I know the differences between the two trades. You pull wires and we take them and actually make something work.LOL

hvac1000 is correct. You have to know if the house is multi level and what direction the house faces. Also windows, wherer and how many. I was an AC contractor for several years and there is a lot you have to know before sizing a heat pump or any type of unit.
Good luck.

Has anyone installed a heat pump for a 6500 ( 6000-6800) Sq foot home? If so, what size heat pump ('s). Spare me the talk about all the specifics needed (before you can tell me the size). I just want to know what you installed (size) for a specific job-- etc. etc..

Any hvac contracter worth his oats wouldn`t touch this question with the needed information,, guesswork is not the way it should be done

Most companies will provide estimates free of charge. No obligation. You could "use" a couple of them, just don't tell them who suggested it. As hvac1000 suggests, two systems may be necessary. The bonus: separate zone control, and a comfortable area to occupy if one breaks down.

Damn Sparkies trying to get in on our work. Ever think that it really toasts their asses that we can do what they do but they can't do what we do?

Maybe that's the burning smell when one is around...

Just saying we may need two systems answered my question (I figured this).
Thanks guys!



Damn Sparkies trying to get in on our work. Ever think that it really toasts their asses that we can do what they do but they can't do what we do? LOL :D! Never have to worry about me doing anything outside of my trade! Trust me!

HVAC size does not have specific sizes like electric so our job is actually harder. We have 32 code books for various adventures in HVAC where as you only have to deal with the basic NEC. We have more than just the NEC! We have a number of reference materials that come into play, and are mandated (ordered by the authority) by jurisdictions.

We have more than just the NEC! We have a number of reference materials that come into play, and are mandated (ordered by the authority) by jurisdictions.


In our state on electric the NEC is the entire ball game for electric. Now we do have some other reference manuals for fire alarm etc but the electric code is nothing compared to the HVAC codes. The NEC is laid out in order also where as the mechanical codes are not. I guess it is all what you get used to using.

BTW jurisdiction that adopts there own codes/special codes is insane as have been proven time and time again in a court of law. Now if they reference the NEC or other accepted code that is OK. We had a case locally where the county adopted some of there own made up codes and it backfired on them when someone got hurt. They ended up paying a pretty penny in a wrongful death suit. I just told the truth on the stand where there code was much more lenient than the nationally accepted code. The jury heard exactly what I was saying and after deliberations made the award.


Most folks are not aware of all that is encompassed in the HVAC trade. You need to be a pipe fitter,tinner/sheet metal man,carpenter,plumber,electrician, and last but not least a low voltage/pneumatic control specialist. Now with the advent of the new style computer controls an entire new industry within the HVAC trade has started to bloom and it will be necessary to have specialists in this category also. The greening of America has just begun but at my age I will not be around to see the final product. That is why I try to teach the younger generation both old and new skills. I would like to also add that I have also learned a few things from the younger generation since they come up with some of the craziest questions that I would not have thought of. LOL

No matter what trade you are in they all require intelligence, skill and a bunch of hard work if you are going to be good at your job..


Here is a picture of a first class hot water job. The installer should be proud of this one.

Now I dig that. It might sound odd but I do take a little pride in my pipe design/layout. It can look like e and still work but I would much rather it look great and function even better. I mainly do refrigeration piping and most people won't see my work.

I always figured it cost 20% more to go first class. Same thing for installs. It takes a bit more time to do it correctly but when done it looks so much better.

So many times I have gone on a service call and when I first arrive the system looks like junk. It seems to be harder to repair just because of that fact. Then you go on a job that really looks professional and the repair just goes so smooth. I can never figure out exactly why the difference but it always seems to be one.

I always figured it cost 20% more to go first class. Same thing for installs. It takes a bit more time to do it correctly but when done it looks so much better.

So many times I have gone on a service call and when I first arrive the system looks like junk. It seems to be harder to repair just because of that fact. Then you go on a job that really looks professional and the repair just goes so smooth. I can never figure out exactly why the difference but it always seems to be one.
I agree!

Now would you look at that. All the pipes are straight and the plumber's didn't get there first.

Looks like a lotta fun.

Now would you look at that. All the pipes are straight and the plumber's didn't get there first.

Looks like a lotta fun.


It was. The young were educated in what a level is used for.

Then I guess the level wasn't used as a tomato stake?

Not in my world but I remember my dad using a level for something in his grape barber setup.

They make terrific window props...

There`s a little town here in WV named :Level"

The founder of the town was named Hammer


Is that what you old folks are talking about

The level was invented long before its intended purpose was discovered.

The level was invented long before its intended purpose was discovered.

I still use the square and level in some of my work. Knowledge is Power. Still going with different funding.

Just saying we may need two systems answered my question (I figured this).
Thanks guys!

LOL :D! Never have to worry about me doing anything outside of my trade! Trust me!!

That size house may be in order of three systems for better comfort. 2 systems would be the minimum but maybe 4 zones for comfort.