The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will run less effectively in winter weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Central Point.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less effective in colder weather as a result of how they create climate control to begin with. Unlike 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 circulated all through your home. Provided there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps may start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain 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 work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast greater effectiveness in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, having 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 perks like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to select 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 a lot of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware may live longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Central Point, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.