The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make employing both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in winter weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Wisconsin Rapids.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather because of how they generate climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed throughout your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. After all, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models feature greater efficiency 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 switch to the furnace in severely 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, installing 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 benefits such as:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts can survive longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Wisconsin Rapids, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.