The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump can feel somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider 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 very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to run less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Wisconsin Rapids.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cold weather because of how they create climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which burn 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 around your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less effective this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models boast 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 remain functional in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in 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 flexible, but it features other perks like:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life 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 resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware can last longer as they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Wisconsin Rapids, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.