The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can sound a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You should weigh several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to run less efficiently in colder weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Odessa.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in colder weather due to how they create climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and dispersed throughout your home. Provided there is still some 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 longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform 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 your local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models feature greater efficiency in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Use a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious 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 flexible, but it provides other benefits including:

• Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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 hold out for repairs.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases 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 duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key components can survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Odessa, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.