The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You should think about several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather

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

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. In fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models boast greater effectiveness in cold weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating 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 particularly 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 possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other benefits including:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the ability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
• Lower 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 span of these systems can really add up to lots of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts will sometimes live longer given that they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.