The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump can seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will function less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in East Bernard.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less effective in colder weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated around your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models boast greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other benefits including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware will sometimes survive longer as they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in East Bernard, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.