The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound a bit strange at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make employing both of them a viable option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should consider several factors in order to decide if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to work less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Naples.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated all through your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps work best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for swapping 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 efficient in temperatures as low as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch 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, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other benefits such as:
- Dependable backup heating  – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
- Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
- Less strain on both systems– Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts may live longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Naples, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.