The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem a bit strange at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in colder weather and large homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Albuquerque.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather because of how they provide climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed around your home. Assuming 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 draw heat indoors to generate your desired temperature. It may 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 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 Perform Best In?
Heat pumps manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, 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 favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models feature greater performance in cold 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 cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Get a Heat Pump If I Own a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other benefits including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life 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 duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key components will sometimes live longer as they’re not under constant use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Albuquerque, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.