The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump can sound a bit strange at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Chelan and Wenatchee.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are typically less efficient in colder weather due to how they generate climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. As long as there is still some 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 usable outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to lose 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 can be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast greater effectiveness in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it provides other advantages such as:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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 hold out for repairs.
- Lower energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key components could live longer since they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.