The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem a bit strange at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make employing both of them a viable option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You should think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will work less effectively in cooler weather and large homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Pflugerville.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather due to how they generate climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed around your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to draw heat indoors to maintain your ideal temperature. It can depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models feature greater performance in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Install a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it features other advantages such as:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts may live longer as they’re not under continuous use.

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