The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump might feel a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to think about several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to run less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Derby.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in colder weather due to how they provide climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable 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 can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models feature 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 functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Get a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it provides other perks like:

• A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It might 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 select which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Derby, don’t hesitate to contact your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.