The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump can sound somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you could definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You should think about several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will run less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cold weather because of how they provide climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed around your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder 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 preferred temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. 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 manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. In fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models claim greater efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely 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 available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other benefits such as:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might 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 pick 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 plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential components will sometimes survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights, 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 ideal option.