The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heating systems? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make employing both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you could definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to decide if this kind of setup helps you. Your local climate and the dimensions of your home are both highly important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in colder weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Laurel.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in cooler weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which combust 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 all through your home. Assuming there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function 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 cold. After all, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models tout greater efficiency in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working 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 especially cold weather.

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

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time deserves the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other advantages like:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you wait for repairs.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to select 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 lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components can live longer given that they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still unsure about heat pump installation in Laurel, 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 determine if a dual-heating HVAC system is the ideal option.