The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a little strange at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make installing both of them a viable 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 decide if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both highly important, namely 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 Moline.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less efficient in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed around your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It can depend on the exact 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 Perform Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can keep 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 tout greater performance in cooler 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal 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 thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other advantages including:
- A source of 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 living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime 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 responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could live longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Moline, 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 decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.