The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little strange at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you can truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to run less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are generally less efficient in colder weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed all through your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. After all, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models boast 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 remain efficient in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other benefits like:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Fewer 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 heaters can really add up to a lot of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could survive longer since they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Hasbrouck Heights, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.