The $50 heat pump vs window unit decision that saved me $90 last August

I was dead set on getting a window AC for my bedroom in Phoenix because they're cheap and everyone uses them. But my neighbor who runs an HVAC side gig talked me into trying a small portable heat pump instead. The window unit was $180 and the heat pump was $230 so I almost walked away. But he showed me the heat pump uses like half the electricity on the cool setting plus it works as a heater in winter. I ran it for 3 weeks and my electric bill was $42 less than the same month last year with my old window unit. Has anyone else made the switch and seen real savings on their power bill?

2 comments

2 Comments

brooke_walker2314d ago

So did you actually run both units side by side with a watt meter or are you just comparing your bill month over month? Because Phoenix summers are all over the place with temperature swings, and last August might have just been milder. I'm asking because I almost pulled the trigger on a heat pump but my neighbor said the savings depend a lot on how tight your window seal is and if you're running it 24/7 versus cycling it.

grant90113d agoMost Upvoted

Ngl I think the watt meter stuff is a bit overblown. Month over month comparison is still legit if you account for the weather, and Phoenix summers are hot no matter what. Running it 24/7 vs cycling depends on your insulation, but the heat pump just works smarter with the compressor.