The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump may sound a bit unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in cooler weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Lafayette.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather because of how they generate climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated throughout your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the colder 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 generate your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be 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 work best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models tout greater efficiency in cooler 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 extreme as -22°F. For optimal 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 Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other benefits like:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It may 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 decide 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 responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components will sometimes live longer as they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Lafayette, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.