I ended up going with All in the Family Heating and Air. They are a small company right here in Laurel, DE. There are 2 employees who also happen to be the owners, Jere and Hollie Marvel. Down to earth and honest people who tell it like it is. No games, just what is best for the customer! Their shop is right at their house so their overhead is very low. This is how they can afford to do it for less.

Jere recommended a Bryant Evolution series 16.5 seer heat pump. And a pair of Rinnai tankless water heaters for the domestic hot water and the heat pump backup (and to heat my small shop).

The Evolution Series control is amazing. It tells you the inside, outside, and requested temperature all at once. There are many ways to set it to reduce energy consumption. It alerts you if there is a problem, or the unit requires service. And it is very quiet. This was important to my wife as her office is right next to the outdoor unit.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: What Do I Think So Far?

Well, Jere and Hollie have basically the same system that I have. They have 2 teens living at home. I have just my wife and myself. So I suspect that I my energy consumption will be less than theirs. I was getting 4 deliveries of gas a year. They are getting less than one. That should save me around $80 – $90 per month. The bad thing is that with reduced energy consumption, comes higher prices per gallon. Seems like no one wants a customer who doesn’t use much gas!

I have been checking my electric meter for the last 4 days. We have had a couple of nice days and a couple of VERY cold days. So it should be a good indicator.So last March I averaged 90 KWH per day. And for this first check I averaged 56 KWH. WOW! I really think that I am going to like this.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: The Bottom Line

I had saved a little bit of money because I knew that this project needed to happen. I also got a couple of checks from my credit card company offering me interest free money for a year. That came at a good time and I took advantage of it. Thank you Discover! I think that the money I save in reduced energy consumption will cover the payments. So I will definitely see a payback on this project in just a few years.

But there are also other advantages besides reduced energy consumption. I have and endless supply of hotter water that is only made if I “call” for it. The air from this new system feels warmer at the same setting. The new system is quieter than the old. I have a lot of additional storage space in the “boiler room”. Both Rinnais are mounted on the wall so the floor is empty. Used to be a big old boiler and a huge water tank.

My advice to you? If you have an old inefficient system start checking out the new systems that can reduce your energy consumption. And remember what Jere said. “You can pay now, or you can pay later”!