The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump can feel a little odd at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Port Clinton.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cold weather because of how they generate climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed 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 efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose 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 is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. 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.
A few makes and models tout greater effectiveness in cooler 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 use the furnace in severely 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 achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other perks such as:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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 sit around for repairs.
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware will sometimes survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Port Clinton, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.