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

You’ll need to weigh several factors in order to confirm if this kind of setup suits you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because some models of heat pumps start to work less efficiently in cooler weather and bigger homes. Even so, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Des Moines.

Heat Pumps Can Be Less Efficient in Colder Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less effective in colder weather because of how they provide climate control to start with. Compared to furnaces, which burn fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed throughout your home. Assuming there is still a bit of heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less effective this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to generate your ideal temperature. It can depend on the exact make and model, but heat pumps generally start to drop in efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace will be 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 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 keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cool enough to call for swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models feature greater effectiveness in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as cold as -22°F. For optimum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning 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 advantages such as:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one breaks down, you still have the capability to heat your home. It might not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Fewer energy costs – The ability to choose which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heating systems can really add up to plenty of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating duties are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Essential hardware could live longer given that they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Des Moines, don’t hesitate to contact your local certified 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.