The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump can sound a bit unusual at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you could absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You should consider several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in colder weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Hodgenville.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in colder weather because of how they generate climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to lose out on 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 expense. You can favor 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 efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it offers other advantages including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts will sometimes live longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Hodgenville, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.