The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump might feel somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you could definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should think about several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will work less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Newton.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cooler weather because of how they generate climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed around your home. As long as there is still a little 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 pull heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work 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. In fact, that’s why having 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 cold enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models feature greater efficiency in cooler 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 extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other perks including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, 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 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 span of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts could last longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Newton, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.