The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump may sound somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver 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 need to think about several factors in order to decide if this type of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in winter weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Covington.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in cold weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated throughout your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps work best in milder 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 colder. After all, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models boast greater performance 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 maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly 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 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 provides other advantages such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware can last longer since they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Covington, don’t hesitate to contact 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 best option.