A heat pump system with an A-Coil connected to an existing forced-air furnace provides year-round heating and cooling.
A conversion from a propane furnace to a hybrid heating and cooling system.
The Challenge
Hybrid Heating and Cooling: Cold-Climate Heat Pump with an Existing Furnace
A homeowner based in Washago, Ontario won a heat pump system at a local music festival from Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. The retired couple’s 1,500-sq.ft. raised bungalow already had a propane-fired forced-air furnace, but they were interested in adding some air conditioning for the few weeks in the summer that they would need it
The Solution
After consulting with installation company MAK Mechanical, they decided to install a Hybrid Heating and Cooling system which is made up of a Mitsubishi Electric Cold Climate heat pump and the PAA (A-Coil) indoor unit. This system can now work in tandem with their current furnace to provide year-round efficient central heating and cooling.
Heat pumps provide consistent heating and cooling in one unit, and do so extremely efficiently. In fact, some models have an energy efficiency of up to 425%**. Unlike propane- or natural gas-fired furnaces, an electric heat pump does not produce any greenhouse gases on site.
The system was connected to the home’s existing ductwork and has been designed so that the heat pump is the home’s primary source of heating and cooling, with the existing propane furnace supplying supplemental heating if needed.
“We didn’t have an air conditioner. So, when we won the contest, our initial thought was to mount one on the wall of our bedroom. But, after talking to Alex McIntosh [of installation company MAK Mechanical], we decided to do the whole house and see if we could cut down on the amount of propane we used.” Homeowner and MESCA contest winner Tom Kavanagh
The Results
The installation was completed within one day, and the homeowner was impressed with the quality of the job.
“The installation went perfectly. The installers were professional, courteous and cleaned up after themselves.” Tom Kavanagh, Homeowner
Speaking in late fall, Kavanagh said:
“Normally we would have had to refill our propane tank by now. When I checked last week, it was still 50 per cent full. I don’t believe that the propane furnace has kicked in at all.” Tom Kavanagh, Homeowner
The outdoor unit was mounted on floating patio stones at the rear corner of the house.
“It’s near our bedroom but when it kicks in at night, you don’t hear it.” Tom Kavanagh, Homeowner
THE MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC HYBRID SYSTEM CAN CONNECT TO ANY EXISTING PROPANE, GAS OR ELECTRIC FURNACE THAT IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER
Summary
Location: Washago, Ontario
Size: 1,500-sq.ft. raised bungalow with a partially finished basement
Contracting firm: MAK Mechanical (Barrie, Ont.)
Challenge:
A couple won a prize package from Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada. Their 1,500-sq.ft. raised bungalow already had a propane-fired forced-air furnace, but no air conditioner.
Key criteria:
- Needed to be able to work in conjunction with an existing propane-fired forced-air furnace
- Minimal damage or disruption from installation
- Quiet operation
- Provide heating and cooling, while reducing energy bills
Solution:
Install a Hybrid Heating and Cooling System to work with the client’s existing propane furnace.
Indoor unit: Multi-Position PAA-A30AA1
Outdoor condenser unit: PUZ-HA30NKA
Paired with homeowner’s existing propane forced-air furnace.
THE MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC HYBRID SYSTEM CAN CONNECT TO ANY EXISTING PROPANE, GAS OR ELECTRIC FURNACE THAT IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER*
* Furnace must comply with the ANSI Z21.47.CSA2.3 standard. Excludes oil- or drum-type furnaces. Restrictions apply. See Installation Manual for further information.
** COP of 4.25
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a hybrid heat pump system work with an existing furnace?
A hybrid heating and cooling system uses the heat pump as the primary source of heating and cooling, while the existing furnace can provide supplemental heat when needed. In this project, the Mitsubishi Electric cold-climate heat pump was connected to the home’s existing propane forced-air furnace and ductwork.
Can a hybrid heat pump system provide both heating and air conditioning?
Yes. A hybrid heat pump system can provide efficient central heating and cooling from the same system. In this installation, the homeowner added whole-home air conditioning while also reducing reliance on the existing propane furnace.
Can a Mitsubishi Electric hybrid system connect to an existing furnace?
Yes. The Mitsubishi Electric Hybrid Heating and Cooling System can connect to an existing propane, gas or electric furnace that is in good working order and meets the applicable installation requirements. Oil- and drum-type furnaces are excluded.