The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Marshfield.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather due to how they provide climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated around your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. After all, 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 chilly enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models tout greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum 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 Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it provides other perks including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means 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 decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts could live longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Marshfield, don’t hesitate to get in touch with 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 right option.