The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump can seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to think about several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Plover.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less efficient in cold weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed throughout your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower 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 draw heat indoors to reach your desired temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps generally 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, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models boast 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 functional in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely 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 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 offers other perks like:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Plover, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.