The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Woodbridge.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cold weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. 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 circulated around your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might depend on the type of 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 a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models feature greater effectiveness in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimal 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 achievable, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other advantages like:
- 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 won’t always 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 pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware will sometimes live longer as they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Woodbridge, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.