Are Heat Pumps worth it in New England?
I live in Southern Connecticut and I have been told, after my yearly checkup, to replace my two 30 year old forced air oil furnaces. With oil prices up and down so much, our contractor suggested a dual fuel heat pump/oil furnace to help protect against future price spikes. But the heat pumps from all the major manufactures (Train, Bryant) seem to have suggested balance points of 40-45 degrees. We keep our thermostat at 60 and really only need the heat once the temperature goes below 45 degrees. In this case does it really make sense to get a heat pump? Does anyone know of a heat pump that will work well in cold climates or down to 20 degrees? Thanks!