The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump may feel somewhat unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make using both of them a potential option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You should take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will run less effectively in colder weather and larger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Longview.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cooler weather because of how they provide climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated throughout your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to draw heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will 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 lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models claim greater efficiency in cooler 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 especially cold weather.

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

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other benefits 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 living in 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 lifetime of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware can live longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Longview, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.