The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can sound a bit unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make installing both of them a potential option. It’s not for all of us, but under the right conditions you could absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You’ll want to consider several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Lodi.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are typically less effective in colder weather because of how they create climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will 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 bring heat indoors to maintain your preferred 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 still remain 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 function 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 cold. In fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.
Certain makes and models boast 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 remain efficient in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For maximum 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 Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other advantages including:
- Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It won't always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs
- Lower energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts could survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Lodi, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.