The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump might feel a bit unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to think about several factors in order to decide if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Franklin Lakes.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cold weather because of how they provide climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated all through your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to justify shifting 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 remain functional in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it offers other advantages like:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means 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 sit around for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key components could live longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Franklin Lakes, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.