The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump can seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You should think about several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Huntingburg.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed around your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should 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 work best in temperate 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 cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models feature greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, having 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 perks including:

• A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
• Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware may last longer as they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Huntingburg, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.