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The study determined the potential impact on utilities of residential heat pumps with oil or natural gas furnace backup heat (hybrid heat pumps). In order to characterize hybrid heat pump energy consumption and costs, the SAI Seasonal Performance Model (SPM) had to be modified. Using the bin method, the SPM was run to determine space heating seasonal energy costs for hybrid heat pumps, conventional heat pumps, fossil (oil or natural gas) furnaces, and electric resistance furnaces for sets of weather data for twelve locations.

Life-cycle cost calculations, which were performed using energy consumption costs differential equipment costs and potential utility load management benefits, indicate that considerable quantities of hybrid heat pumps could be sold in this country with sufficient publicity from manufacturers and utilities. The hybrid heat pump represents a significant potential opportunity for load management with winter peaking electric utilities.

Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, Volume 86, Part 2, Denver, Colorado