The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a little odd at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design genuinely make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you can definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in winter weather and large homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Elk River.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in colder weather as a result of how they generate climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed throughout your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler 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 may depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. 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 Perform Best In?

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

Certain makes and models tout greater performance 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 extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

If you’re interested in 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 adaptable, but it features other benefits like:

• Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to select which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
• Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial parts will sometimes live longer as they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Elk River, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local certified technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.