The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump may feel a bit strange at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you could definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Warrenton.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control to start with. Compared 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 brought inside and distributed all through your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is usable outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in moderate 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. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to justify shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models claim greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly 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 available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other perks like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, 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 select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to a lot of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts may survive longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Warrenton, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.