The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump can seem a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you could definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll need to take a look at several factors in order to decide if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Sussex County.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather due to how they provide climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed all through your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. 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 feature greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages like:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability 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 hold out for repairs.
- Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these systems 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 divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could last longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Sussex County, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.