The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump might feel somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you could truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should weigh several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to function less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Delray Beach.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to pull 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 will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps work best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. As a matter of fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models tout greater performance in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about 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 adaptable, but it provides other advantages like:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the ability 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
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential components may live longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Delray Beach, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.