The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will function less efficiently in winter weather and large homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Circleville.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cold weather because of how they generate climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps function 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 cooler. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models boast greater performance in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum 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 serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it provides other advantages like:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware will sometimes live longer as they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Circleville, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.