The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump may feel a little strange at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you can absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Central Point.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cooler weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage 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. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

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

So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Have 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 is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other benefits including:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts can survive longer since they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Central Point, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.