Heat Pump operating cost questions.

[teleamp]

I am considering a heat pump for my heating. How are the operating cost compared to resistive and natural gas heat?

Thanks

[78tsubaki]

The biggest benefit that we have is that it allows for a consistent temperature throughout the year. I have found that the supplemental heat (resistive component) does come on if we are not careful. People have a tendancy to go for the thermostat when it gets a little cold out.
The heat pump does not really blow hot and that takes some getting used to if you are going to realize the savings as advertised. We have a 16 year old Trane system and we probably save 100.00 a winter over our old natural gas system. We supplement with a wood stove same as we did with the natural gas. We probably give that back if it gets hot in the summer due to the AC feature.

[Solomon]

It is more critical to properly size heat pumps than a gas forced air furnace. For example, slowly exhale onto the back of your hand. Feels warm right? Now blow hard onto the back of your hand. Feels cool, no? The temp of your breath did not change.