Electricity Question For my Heat Pump

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Electricity Question For my Heat Pump

I have an old electric central heater that's consuming a LOT of electricity.

Seems to be a D15 (60 amps).

I have a 100 amps board for the house.

I am looking for a central heat pump system with exterior and interior units and most installers are telling me that even tough it'll consume a lot less electricity, I would need to change my electric installation to 200A for this.

Why do I need more if the new system needs less electricity?

Question from user reivned at heatpumps at reddit.

Answer:

The recommendation to upgrade your electrical service from 100 amps to 200 amps when installing a central heat pump system is related to several factors, primarily the electrical load and compatibility of your home's electrical system with the new equipment. Here's why this upgrade is often recommended:

1. Simultaneous Electrical Loads: While the new central heat pump system may indeed be more energy-efficient compared to your old electric heater, it can still require a substantial amount of electricity, especially when it operates in heating or cooling mode. The issue is that when your heat pump is running, it may coincide with other electrical appliances and systems in your home, such as lights, appliances, electronics, or even charging electric vehicles. These simultaneous electrical loads can strain a 100-amp electrical panel, potentially causing overloads or tripped circuit breakers.

   
   

2. Code Requirements: Building codes and electrical regulations often require that new installations, especially those involving significant electrical loads, comply with the latest standards. In many cases, installing a central heat pump system will necessitate compliance with modern code requirements, which may include a 200-amp electrical service to ensure safety and adequate capacity for your home.

   
   

3. Future-Proofing: Upgrading to a 200-amp electrical service provides you with additional electrical capacity for future needs. As technology advances and you potentially add more electrical devices or appliances to your home, having a 200-amp service panel can help prevent electrical overloads and the need for further upgrades down the road.

   
   

4. System Efficiency: While the central heat pump system itself may be more efficient, it may have a higher initial electrical draw when starting up or during peak operation. A 200-amp service panel can handle these spikes in electricity demand more effectively, reducing the likelihood of electrical issues.

   
   

5. Avoiding System Strain: Running a central heat pump system on a 100-amp service panel may cause the system to work less efficiently or result in frequent tripped circuit breakers due to overloading. This can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment and potentially affect its longevity.

   
   

Overall, the recommendation to upgrade to a 200-amp electrical service panel is intended to ensure that your electrical system can safely and effectively support your new central heat pump system and accommodate any future electrical demands. It's a measure taken to prevent electrical issues and ensure the reliable and efficient operation of your heating and cooling system. Consulting with a licensed electrician and adhering to local building codes and regulations is crucial when making such upgrades to your home's electrical system.