The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump might feel a bit unusual at first. After all, why do 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 worthwhile option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You should weigh several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Sarasota.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in colder weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed around your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

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

Some makes and models feature greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in especially cold weather.

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

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other benefits like:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, 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 wait for repairs.
  • Reduced 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 life span of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware will sometimes live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.

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