The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump might feel somewhat unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to think about several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will function less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Payson.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less efficient in cold weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which combust 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 distributed around your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your desired temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose 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 Perform 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 the local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why using 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 chilly enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models claim greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other benefits like:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It may 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 according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware can live longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Payson, 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 best option.