Electrical questions for heat pump

S

Smgchandler

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2018
Messages
109
Location
Piedmont triad
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
I am replacing a gas pack / 3 ton ac unit with a 3 ton heat pump. I do not have the unit yet but my question is - the heat pump (Goodman) will come with heat strips. Will the heat strips require their own circuit ? Or will the strips use same circuit as heat pump ? I’m not a Hvac guy but i did put the gas pack in 25 yrs ago. Did all except gas line but I’ve never installed a heat pump. Any suggestion appreciated. I will probably pay to get another circuit if needed !
 
I believe mine has a circuit for each. If I remember I’ll look when I get out to the garage today. I’ve also got a disconnect at the unit outside.
 
I believe you’ll need a dedicated circuit for the air handler (where the heat strips reside).
 
The heat pump will require a separate circuit as it will need to be much larger than the one for the compressor. Off hand, I would guess it is going to take at least a 50 or 60 amp circuit. Figure your 3 ton heat pump is 36,000 btu/hour. To get the equivalent of this in heat strip, you need 36,000 / 3412 (btu/h equivalent to 1 kw) or a little more than 10.5 strips. 10kw / 240vav is a little under 42A so you’re likely looking at a 50A or 60A circuit. There are other factors that impact the actual circuit sizing, but that gets you in the ball park.
 
Button Pusher said:
Why not replace the gas pack?
Click to expand...
There is something to be said for that. For starters a split heat pump is going to require a separate air handler which is going to be more wiring and likely duct work. Also, below about 35F or so, a heat pump isn’t very efficient and gas heat will feel a lot warmer.
 
mine has two circuits. one for the compressor outside, one for the air handler and emergency heat inside. I also wonder why you would want to downgrade to a heat pump if you already have a gas pak setup?
 
Last edited:
Well with lp gas so high and plan is to not us heat pump. The propane heat was warm but would spend couple hundred bucks a month on LP if you wanted to stay warm and house is very well insulated. House has existing water stove but need to do some work on building the stove is in (roof). the heat pump is for convenience for moderate temps but qmostly for ac in summer but have a little heat in easy months but I’m still going to install heat strips because they came with system. Deal is - my son and his fiancé are moving into my rent house i have and i wanted to make it easy for them at least expense . Main heat will be water stove but would like heat pump for after march. I placed unit today onto pad and i see it will need a separate circuit dedicated to heat strips and fan. I have room in breaker box for another circuit and the ac side has 25 amp already there - for heat pump but will need separate circuit for heat strips. Will post requirements for strips and will need help with what size wire and breaker. Will post specs shortly
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom