The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump might feel a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make employing both of them a practical option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you can absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to function less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Paxinos.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather because of how they provide climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed throughout your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It may depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate 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 cooler. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models feature greater efficiency in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Use 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 deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages such as:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means 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.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span 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 separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key components can last longer as they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Paxinos, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.