The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump can feel a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make employing both of them a practical option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you could absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps start to function less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Fort Lauderdale.
Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Winter Weather
Heat pumps are generally less effective in cooler weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less reliable this process is.
The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which 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 miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.
Some makes and models boast greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.
So Should I Put In a Heat Pump If I Have a Gas Furnace?
If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other perks including:
- Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs
- Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings
- Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware could survive longer since they’re not under continuous use.
If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Fort Lauderdale, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.