Do I Need Both A Heat Pump And Furnace?
The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump might sound a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you could definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should think about several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Lodi.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective In Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply 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 will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible 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 efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models tout greater efficiency in cold 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 low as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Install A Heat Pump If I Own A Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it offers 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 may not be the most energy-efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
- Lower 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 a lot of savings.
- Less Strain On Both Systems: Rather than running one system all winter long, heating duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key components may last longer given that they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Lodi, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.
