The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump may seem a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You should weigh several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Lake Worth.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in cold weather as a result of how they create climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull 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 efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It may depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using 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 cold enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.

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

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

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, 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 won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering 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 reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components can last longer since they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Lake Worth, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.