Re: “Heat pumps boom in Maine, despite frigid cold and oil industry pushback” (Feb. 8, Page C1):
I installed a heat pump at my home, and this is my second winter of using it as the primary heat source for my house. I use my natural gas furnace (with thermostat set at 63 degrees) as a backup, and have found it to work very well.
When the temperature is less than 10 degrees out, I turn off the heat pump (though it is rated down to 20 below zero), as the furnace goes on frequently to back it up, and just use the furnace. This lessens the amount of electricity I pull from the grid at a time it is under stress and allows me to keep the house at a higher heat in case of power outage.
I have not had any issues with freezing pipes, and enjoy the cooling function of my heat pump on the days it gets really hot during summer.
Elizabeth Garnett
South Portland
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