The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you can absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will work less efficiently in cooler weather and large homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Rockford.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and distributed around your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the colder the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to reach 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 under. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps function best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. As a matter of fact, that’s why having 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 claim greater performance in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in especially cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Use a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, 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 advantages such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the ability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters 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. Key parts could last longer as they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Rockford, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.