The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump might sound a bit unusual at first. After all, why do you need two sources of heat? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make installing both of them a viable option. It’s not for all of us, but with the right conditions you could truly benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You should weigh several factors in order to determine if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both especially important, namely for the heat pump. This is because multiple models of heat pumps will run less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Spokane.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are typically less effective in cold weather due to how they create climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and circulated around your home. As long as there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

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

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. As a matter of fact, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the cost. You can use the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to call for switching to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models claim 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 continue running in temperatures as low as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in severely 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 achievable, installing 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 breaks down, 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 wait for repairs.
  • Fewer 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 of these heaters can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating resources are separated between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts may live longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Spokane, don’t hesitate to contact 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 right option.