The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem a bit strange at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make installing both of them a viable option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you can definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Marshalltown.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cold weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed all through your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler 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 pull heat indoors to reach your desired temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in temperate 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 cooler. After all, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models boast greater effectiveness 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to decide 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 plenty of savings.
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware may survive longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Marshalltown, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.