The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump can feel a little unusual at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Although furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to decide if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Greensburg.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in cooler weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and dispersed around your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps manage 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 the local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models tout 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 continue running in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.

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

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other perks including:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability 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.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components will sometimes live longer since they’re not under nonstop use.

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