The idea of installing both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat strange at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everybody, but in the right conditions you can definitely benefit from using a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both highly important, namely for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps will work less effectively in colder weather and large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Albuquerque.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are generally less reliable in colder weather because of how they provide climate control to begin with. Unlike 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 brought inside and dispersed around your home. As long as there is still some 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 bring heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It might depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to lose out on 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 Perform Best In?

Heat pumps function best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is colder. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the cost. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

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

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

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, installing a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it offers other perks like:

• Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the means to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than shivering in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
• Fewer energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life 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 divided between the furnace and heat pump. Key parts could last longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

If you’re still uncertain about heat pump installation in Albuquerque, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local expert technicians. They can walk you through your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the better option.