The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat odd at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you could truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to weigh 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, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Big Spring.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cooler weather as a result of how they generate climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the colder 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 bring heat indoors to generate your preferred temperature. It can 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 still remain 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 milder 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. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to justify switching 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 efficient in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it provides other perks like:

  • Reliable 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 shivering in an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers 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 separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could last longer as they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Big Spring, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.