I asked ChatGPT for an equation to predict electrical usage for heating a house. I gave it some specific information. At each step, I had to lead it to the answer as it would not create the right equation without my leading it to the answer.
I had to suggest simplifying the equation as house size, number of heat pumps, insulation are not variables. I suggested used a weighted average outside temperature and it liked that idea. I suggested using degree day instead of absolute temperature and it also liked that idea. I suggested that given the wall constructed I used in the example, 6 inches of concreate, that the walls should be considered as thermal storage, and it liked that too.
Those are all things it should have provided in the equation immediately. It added nothing that I did not already know.
Rather disappointing example on my first interaction.
My brother, an engineer (like me), faced a similar problem in real life. His oil furnace was on its last legs, so he wanted to minimize its operation by installing a heat pump/central air system. The vendor wanted to sell a larger system than Bob’s calculations implied was needed.He gulped and ordered the smaller system, and it worked fine. You always wonder, if you’re “betting on the other fella’s game.” But I guess maybe “the other fella’s game” in this instance was selling a more expensive solution to the problem.