The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump might feel somewhat odd at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to weigh several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather as a result of how they create 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 distributed around your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain 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 function 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. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast greater efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional 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 Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other advantages like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the capability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components may last longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.