The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make employing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you could truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to run less efficiently in winter weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Lafayette.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cold weather as a result of how they create climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which ignite 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 dispersed around your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on 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 is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps work 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 your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models boast greater effectiveness in winter 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 optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other perks including:

• A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in 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 life span of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts can last longer given that they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Lafayette, don’t hesitate to contact 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 ideal option.