A Long Island homeowner's $722.68 February electric bill raised questions about whether their heat pump was adequately equipped to handle New York winters.

But the discussion in r/HeatPumps forum about replacing the equipment also pointed to other potential problems, including backup heating and insulation the homeowner acknowledged needed work.

Here's what to know

Backup electric resistance heat strips were part of the setup described in the homeowner's Reddit post. 

The original poster's 1,500-square-foot house also has a Nest fourth-generation learning thermostat, an indoor air handler, and a 36,000-BTU outdoor heat pump. After describing their system, OP asked, "Is this system good enough for NY winters? Or do I need a different heat pump?"

The OP added, "Summer is generally always comfortable, winter is what sucks. Would the outdoor unit need to change only or does the whole system need to come out? Are we talking thousands here?"

The top comment suggested, "Put in a modern variable speed compressor cold climate HP oversized by 1 ton. It buys you an extra ton of capacity in winter and doesn't ramp up anyway in summer." 

It's also true that some heat pumps are rated as cold-climate heat pumps and others are not, so homeowners need to make sure they know what they're getting. A cold-climate heat pump can handle well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, often to -15, while a normal heat pump may come close but lose much more efficiency in those colder temperatures. 

Another variable is exhaust space. If the outdoor unit doesn't have room for its fan or fans to expel the opposing temperatures, it can work much harder than it should. Most heat pumps that vent upward need at least five full feet of clearance; the more, the better. Likewise, they all need adequate airflow in all directions to pull in fresh air to use for regulating the temperature of the refrigerant cycling in and out of the home.  

Another commenter pointed out that "You have a warm weather heat pump in a cold climate."

A third user concluded that "it's the electric heat strips… If [your] house isn't insulated well, this variable unit is running a lot. You need to seal and insulate your home better." After a few comments about insulation, the OP responded, admitting that their "Insulation needs work."

For homeowners considering upgrades, Palmetto can help explain HVAC options and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient HVACs and heat pumps. Its Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions and connects them with vetted installers.

What can be done?

Beyond the heating equipment, multiple commenters suggested checking the home's insulation and air sealing through an energy assessment, saying PSEG partners offer free testing. The homeowner later said they would likely call PSEG.

While this homeowner struggled to determine whether they had the ideal equipment, upgrading heating and cooling is generally one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. 

For homeowners not ready to spend on a new HVAC system up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have faced similar questions about high heating bills and insulation when considering heat pumps. 

• A homeowner questioned heat-pump upgrades amid $9,000 quotes and rewiring, alongside insulation concerns.

• A Massachusetts resident weighed heating options while commenters stressed that insulation is key.

• A New York homeowner's first winter with mini-splits brought a $0.38-per-kWh reality check.

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