The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat odd at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design genuinely make using both of them a viable option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you will definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to think about several factors in order to determine if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both very important, namely for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in colder weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less efficient in cooler weather due to how they provide climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite 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 circulated throughout your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the more time is needed for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your preferred temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and under. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which 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 said, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cooler. After all, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models boast greater effectiveness 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 extreme as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

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

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the means to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could survive longer as they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.