The concept of running both a furnace and heat pump can sound a little strange at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? Although furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make using both of them a reasonable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you can definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to consider several factors in order to decide if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to work less effectively in winter weather and large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Pella.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less reliable in colder weather because of how they provide climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which burn fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated all through your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump can function. But the cooler the temperature, the less effective this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cooler. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump might be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models claim greater effectiveness in cold 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 cold as -22°F. For optimal energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in particularly cold weather.

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

If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning 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 like:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, 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 decide which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial hardware may survive longer since they’re not under nonstop use.

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