The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat strange at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you could definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to think about several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in colder weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Odessa.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cooler weather due to how they create climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated throughout your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It may depend on the specific 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, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?
Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, 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 using both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast greater efficiency 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 switch to the furnace in especially cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other perks such as:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span 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 split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware can survive longer since they’re not under nonstop use.
If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Odessa, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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.