The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little odd at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make employing both of them a viable option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in colder weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Jefferson City.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather due to how they generate climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed all through your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models boast greater efficiency in winter 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 extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other benefits including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use based 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 – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can last longer since they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Jefferson City, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.