T&T: Fw: Heat Comparison Costs (was: Physically Impossible Heating Claim)

[Larry N. Brown]

> Jim,
>
> That was a good set of cost numbers you posted. To summarize:
>
>   Resistive electric = 5.9 cents per 1,000 BTUs
>              Propane = 2.5 cents per 1,000 BTUs
>           Heat Pump  = 2.8 cents per 1,000 BTUs


Raw heating and cooling numbers can never tell the tale because they can't 
factor in usage. Changes in latitudes. . .etc., etc., etc. Here in s. 
Louisiana and Florida and points south, frequently we need to ward off a 
chill but we rarely need to actually heat a boat.  Latitudes above 30d are 
different.

Flagship Marine sells a very simple, self contained, unit that is an 
air-conditioner. For $150 more, you can add strip heat, but it's still an 
air-conditioner with strip heat. Selling point--which I figure is a way 
around the fact that this saves the company money-- is you only use the 
compressor half a year in climates such as mine.

I have no idea the wear rate of compressors and reversing valves but I liked 
the unit and the cost so I have 4 of them.

Now, since we're experiencing one of those nice, Louisiana winters, the 
doors and windows are open. I turned one 16.5K Flagship on to heat and then 
immediately turned it on to cool. Most un scientific because temperature 
never stabilized, etc. But. Air, including raw water pump drain was 9 amps. 
Heat was 14.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: 64 Cypress Road
          Covington, LA