The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should weigh several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in winter weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Savage.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are typically less effective in cooler weather because of how they create climate control in the first place. 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 drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. Provided there is still a little 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 draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain 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 milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models feature greater efficiency 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 optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning 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 benefits like:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not 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 pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters 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 split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can live longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Savage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.