The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump can sound a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to take a look at several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage 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 large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Excelsior Springs.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cooler weather as a result of how they create climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite 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. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate 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. As a matter of fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant 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 remain efficient in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

If you’re interested in 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 flexible, but it offers other advantages such as:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
• Lower energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key components may survive longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Excelsior Springs, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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 ideal option.