The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make installing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to think about several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in West Valley City.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather as a result of how they provide climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. 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.
Certain makes and models boast 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 functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about 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 adaptable, but it features other advantages such as:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won't always 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 depending on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these 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 separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could survive longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in West Valley City, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.