The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump may feel a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you can absolutely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this sort of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Brookfield.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less effective in cold weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated all through your home. As long as there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps function best in milder 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 cooler. In fact, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models feature greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain efficient in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.

So Should I Install 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 is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other perks including:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the ability to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware can last longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Brookfield, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.