The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump may sound somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should weigh several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to run less efficiently in colder weather and large homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Magnolia.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cooler weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed throughout your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It may depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?
Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. After all, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models tout greater efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use 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 available, owning 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 such as:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to lots 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 parts could last longer as they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Magnolia, don’t hesitate to get in touch with 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 better option.