The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might sound a little odd at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you can truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to consider several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to work less effectively in colder weather and large homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Logan.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cooler weather due to how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace should 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 miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models tout greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working 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 swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious 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 provides other advantages including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to lots 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 parts will sometimes last longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Logan, don’t hesitate to contact your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.