The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump may seem a bit odd at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make using both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you can truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to take a look at several factors in order to decide if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to run less efficiently in colder weather and larger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Philadelphia.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cooler weather because of how they generate climate control to begin with. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then drawn inside and circulated around 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 reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your preferred temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps may start to lose efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which point a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant 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 continue running in temperatures as low as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Have a Gas Furnace?

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other perks such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, 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 hold out for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency reduces your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span 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 resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could live longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Philadelphia, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can review your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.