The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Reinholds.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in colder weather as a result of how they create climate control to begin with. Unlike 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 drawn inside and circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can 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 bring heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point 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 lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. After all, that’s why owning 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 cool enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models tout greater performance in cold 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 extreme as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own 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 warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages like:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to choose 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 – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware can live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Reinholds, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.