The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump can feel a little odd at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You'll need to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type 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 many models of heat pumps start to work less efficiently in winter weather and large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Macon.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are commonly less effective in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed all through your home. Provided 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 more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps function 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 your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
A few makes and models boast greater efficiency in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating 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 particularly cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other advantages including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these systems can really add up to plenty 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. Key parts may live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Macon, don’t hesitate to contact your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.