The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat odd at first. After all, why would you need two sources of heat? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both offer energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you can truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You should take a look at several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in winter weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Michigan City.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in cooler weather due to how they create climate control to start with. Unlike furnaces, which ignite 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 circulated around your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

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

A few makes and models claim greater efficiency in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of operating at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional 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 Install a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system flexible, but it provides other advantages such as:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, 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 hold out for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware can survive longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

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