Modern heat pumps are pretty reliable.

Good to know. I'm comfortable with the quality of the company and their technicians. Service contract, definitely. Rebates, available. Don't need to know exactly how much lower the bill will be. (Not worth firing up the ol' pentagram...) Someone's coming out tomorrow to do measurements and calculations. Thanks for that link! I will peruse it at length tonight.

You might want to ask whoever comes out about the state of your ducts. Duct sealing can save a significant amount and should be fairly reasonable when they're already there.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

That's just sad.

He's going to be in the attic looking at the condenser (I think that's what's up there) so I'll have him check the visible ductwork too.

You are an invaluable resource, Ginger!

According to a number of on-line sites the contractor is more important than the heat pump brand. And yes, checking your ducts. Also secondarily have him check the weather sealing on your doors and windows and check the quality of your insulation. If any of that needs an upgrade, when you are replacing your heating system is a good time to do that.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

Well. I agree with Zen. That's just sad.

Sorry for my little freak-out. It's been a freak-out-generating kind of day. The heat pump was just the safest thing to vent it on.

You know, I think one of the prime signs of ownership must be a deep interest in ductwork.

Or it's a sign of a deep interest in the movie Brazil.

Brazil is the funniest movie I ever saw that left me depressed for days afterwords. (And yes, that is totally a favorable review.)

The only time I went inside a cooling tower, I recognized the torture area immediately.

Timelies all!

Happy Birthday Noah and Grace!