The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump can sound somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make installing both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should think about several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to work less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Tucker.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cooler weather due to how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed around your home. Provided there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the colder the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models tout 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 low as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other perks like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts could last longer as they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Tucker, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.