The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump might feel a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make using both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you can definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to consider several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will function less efficiently in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Boynton Beach.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cooler weather as a result of how they create climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed around your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should 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 reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace is more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to justify shifting to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models boast greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Have 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 adaptable, but it features other perks such as:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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
- Lower energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these systems can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can live longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Boynton Beach, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.