The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump can feel a little odd at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make using both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you can absolutely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You should take a look at several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in cooler weather and large homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Newark.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which combust fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your preferred temperature. It may depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.

A few 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 remain functional in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

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

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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 hold out for repairs.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts may survive longer since they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Newark, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.