The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to think about several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to run less effectively in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Hudsonville.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are typically less effective in colder weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed around your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. 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 Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models claim greater performance in cold 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 use the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Use a Gas Furnace?
If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other advantages including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts can survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Hudsonville, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.