The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump might seem 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 using both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you will truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Savage.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less efficient in cooler weather because of how they create climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed around your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why using 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 cool enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models claim greater effectiveness in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum 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 Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other perks such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means 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.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts could survive longer given that they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Savage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.