Went to the home show this weekend. Spoke to a guy selling the DX (direct exchange) type system mentioned by Samclem in post #4. Theoretically has some advantages including lower installation cost, but probably not cost effective untill current system needs to be replaced. Can't think of any disadvantages to this vs. the glycol type systems, unless you have a pond. I would be worried about glycol leaks. I downloaded 6yrs worth of utility bills and weather info and it seems our consumption has not increased as much as i thought, its the rate that are killing us. Our current system which is 8 yrs old was the last of the old tech systems with non-scroll compressors and SEER< 8. So hopefully when I am ready the technology will advance again. I also found an interesting technology at Welcome to Hallowell International: Home of the Acadia which is a sort of supercharged air-source heat pump that works in lower ambient temps. In the meantime, I am looking at dumping the electric hot water heater.
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