Do I Need Both a Heat Pump and Furnace?

7/19/2022

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The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump can seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to consider several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in colder weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Lafayette.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cold weather due to how they provide climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated around your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps may 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 function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models tout greater efficiency 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 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 Get a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

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

• A source of 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 living in an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
• Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts can survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Lafayette, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.

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