The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to consider several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to work less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Lawrence.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less efficient in colder weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated all through your home. As long as there is still some 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 usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It may 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 can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting 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 operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning 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:
- 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 having an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to plenty 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. Crucial hardware may survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Lawrence, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.