The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump can feel a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make employing both of them a viable option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you could truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You should take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will function less effectively in cooler weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Monroe.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cooler weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated around your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient 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 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 can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using 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 chilly enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models tout greater performance 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Use a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it offers other benefits such as:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
• Lower energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware will sometimes live longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Monroe, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.