The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump can feel a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make installing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to weigh several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to run less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Naples.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cooler weather due to how they create climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed throughout your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps work 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 cooler. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models tout greater effectiveness in cold 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages like:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential components could last longer since they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Naples, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.