The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in cooler weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Carpentersville.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cold weather as a result of how they provide climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which ignite 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. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. After all, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models boast greater efficiency in cold 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 extreme as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other perks such as:
- 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 shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware may live longer as they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Carpentersville, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.