Birmingham, Alabama & Woburn MA
As you can see, the average lows in Birmingham isn't even below freezing!
It's tropical compared to Woburn (my home). :)
IMHO, if you wanted a good performing ASHP, a mini-split (inverter type) should do the job easily.
If you can DIY most of the install, the unit will pay for itself pretty quick.
We normally burn oil for heat, and it cost 3 to 4 times what it costs to run the Sanyo.
My Sanyo 2 ton works really well down to about 8 or 10 degrees, (which is very rare)
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/projec...l-project.html
so it would be perfect for the Birmingham area..
IMHO, the inverter technology advances in ASHPs (like the Sanyo 24KHS72)
makes digging up the backyard look
much less attractive when you live
in a nice warm area like central Alabama!
As for cooling, this thing is Great! Low noise and lots of cold air for less kWhs.
The other day when it was real humid and in the 90s, my wife came in and
told me (again) how much she loves that 'quiet' Sanyo.. :)