The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump might feel somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to take a look at 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 run less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Hodgenville.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less effective in colder weather due to how they provide climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated all through your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less effective this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models tout greater performance in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, 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:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability 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 decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could live longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

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