The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a bit unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to take a look at several factors in order to determine if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to work less efficiently in colder weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Dresden.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less effective in colder weather as a result of how they create climate control in the first place. Compared 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 drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your preferred temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why owning 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 chilly enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models feature greater performance in cooler 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 optimal 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 Have 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 is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other advantages like:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts will sometimes live longer given that they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Dresden, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.