Convert propane combi-boiler with air source heat pump
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Hi like-minded people! I live at 8000 ft amsl in SW Colorado and have a pv system that powers my home utilizing our utility’s net metering program. But, I rely on propane to fuel a combi-boiler that provides hot water and heats the water for my passive infloor system. I’d like to convert the propane water heating system to an air source heat pump system. Is it possible? Can I utilize my combo-boiler, or keep it as backup for the coldest days? Thanks!
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Replies
Yes, it’s possible but uncommon. You’re looking for an air to water heat pump and they do best at in-floor heating due to the low temps required. You can keep the combination boiler as backup.
Propane costs around me about the same as electric resistance heat.
A small resistance boiler is pretty cheap. If you have the PV capacity to offset the cost, the fact that it is running at COP1 doesn't matter much. You can even add a large buffer tank to store excess PV during the day instead of sending it back to the grid.