The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a little strange at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make using both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you can definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You should weigh several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in winter weather and large homes. Even so, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Circleville.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in colder weather as a result of how they provide climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which burn 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 circulated throughout your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your preferred temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work 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. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for swapping 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 continue running in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other advantages like:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on 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 responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware could survive longer since they’re not under constant 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 evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.