The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make installing both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll need to think about 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, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Plover.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cold weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed all through your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models claim greater performance 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, 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 benefits including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means 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 pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to a lot of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could live longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Plover, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.