The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a bit unusual at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but under the right conditions you will truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in cooler weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Greensburg.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in colder weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed around your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower 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 desired temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why installing 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 chilly enough to justify switching to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models feature greater performance in cooler 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 particularly 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 available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other benefits such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability 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.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts will sometimes live longer as they’re not under continuous use.

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