The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump might feel a bit strange at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll need to take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup works for 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 begin to function less efficiently in colder weather and large homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Bend.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less effective in cold weather because of how they create climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally 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 is more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps work best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why using both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to justify swapping to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models boast greater effectiveness in winter weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of working at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even continue running in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to switch to the furnace in especially cold weather.

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

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other perks including:

  • Dependable 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 sit around for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases 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 – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating resources are split between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components can last longer as they’re not under nonstop use.

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