The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem a bit strange at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make installing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you could absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should weigh several factors in order to determine if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in cooler weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Naples.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in colder weather because of how they generate climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which ignite 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 distributed all through your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might 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 still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be 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 cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models tout greater effectiveness 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 maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely 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 available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other advantages including:
- A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can survive longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Naples, don’t hesitate to contact your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.