The concept of installing both a furnace and heat pump might seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why should you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make using both of them a practical option. It’s not for all of us, but in the right conditions you could truly benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to consider 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, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to work less efficiently in colder weather and large homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Tomball.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather because of how they create climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated throughout your home. Provided there is still a little 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 longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Certain makes and models boast greater performance in winter 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 cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants 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 fails, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating resources are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key components could last longer as they’re not under constant use.

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