The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump may feel somewhat unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to consider several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to work less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Paxinos.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cooler weather because of how they create climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn 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. Provided there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps generally 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 point a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models tout greater effectiveness in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as low as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially 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 possible, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other benefits such as:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability 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
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components will sometimes survive longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Paxinos, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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.