The idea of using both a furnace and heat pump can feel a bit odd at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design really make employing both of them a potential option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you can definitely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You should take a look at several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps begin to function less effectively in cooler weather and bigger homes. That being said, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Seymour.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are generally less effective in cooler weather because of how they create climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its flow of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and distributed throughout your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump can 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 draw heat indoors to reach your ideal temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That said, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is colder. After all, that’s why owning both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the costs. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant switching to something like a gas furnace.

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

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

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, having a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it offers other advantages such as:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life span of these heating systems can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware can last longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Seymour, don’t hesitate to contact your local certified technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you figure out if a dual-heating HVAC system is the right option.