The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump might sound a bit strange at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to take a look at several factors in order to determine if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to run less efficiently in cooler weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Thedford.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in cooler weather because of how they provide climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed around your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models feature greater performance in cold 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 optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own 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 versatile, but it features other advantages including:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the capability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could last longer since they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Thedford, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.