The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make using both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you can truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to weigh several factors in order to determine if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in cooler weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Neptune City.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less efficient in colder weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. After all, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models claim greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Get 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 deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other benefits like:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to 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 – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating duties are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware may survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

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