The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump may sound a little unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.
You should weigh several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions 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 winter weather and large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Haines City.
Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cooler weather because of how they generate climate control in the first place. Unlike 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 drawn inside and distributed around your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the cooler 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 bring heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform 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 colder. After all, that’s why owning 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 chilly enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models claim greater performance 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 extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.
So Should I Install a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other perks including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability 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 wait for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key components can survive longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Haines City, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local certified 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.