The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump might feel a little strange at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you can truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to think about several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to work less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Bloomfield.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cooler weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed around your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can 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 a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work 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 cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models claim greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Have 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 warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other advantages like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential components can live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Bloomfield, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.