The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump can feel a little strange at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will function less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Bartlesville.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cooler weather as a result of how they provide climate control to start with. Compared 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 pulled inside and dispersed throughout your home. Provided there is still some 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 longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after 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. That said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. 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.
Certain makes and models tout greater efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, 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 provides other benefits like:
- 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 living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers 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 – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential components could live longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Bartlesville, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.