I'm having a heat pump put in, do I need to go from 100 amp service to 200 amp service?

Question

I'm having a heat pump put in to replace my oil furnace and we currently don't have central air so this will be an upgrade. The HVAC person said we might eventually need a 200amp service because we might notice our lights dimming a bit with the unit on. I have an electric water heater and an electric range. Do you think I need to upgrade or should I be fine with 100amp. My home is 3 bedrooms and about 1200 sq ft. Cape Cod Style Home.

thanks

Answer 1

What you'll probably have is a 2 and 1/2 or 3 ton unit.The existing 100 amp breaker will be just fine and you'll have absolutely no adverse effects.

Answer 2

Let me give you some facts and ideals. First where do you live? And how many days in the winter does the temp go below 40 degrees?

Heat pumps work by reversing the A/C system and do not work well below 40 degrees outside temp.In that case supplemental heat will be required when the heat pump can not work. If you need electric heat say 10-15 kw of heat yes you will need to upgrade.