The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump may sound somewhat strange at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to function less efficiently in colder weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Norton.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cooler weather because of how they create climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated throughout your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in milder 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 cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can use 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 efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as low 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 interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other benefits including:

• A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to select 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 a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware could last longer since they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Norton, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local expert technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.