The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat odd at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? While 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 with the right conditions you could truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less efficiently in colder weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Sacramento.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in cold weather as a result of how they generate climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed throughout your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps may start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast greater performance in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking 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 flexible, but it features other benefits including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might 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 decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers 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 – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Sacramento, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.