The thought of installing both a furnace and heat pump might feel a little odd at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design actually make employing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you will absolutely benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both highly important, especially for the heat pump. This is because many models of heat pumps start to work less efficiently in cooler weather and large homes. That being said, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in McAllen.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Efficient in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are commonly less efficient in cooler weather as a result of how they provide climate control in the first place. Compared to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to pull heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and distributed all through your home. Provided there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It may depend on the exact 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, after which a gas furnace will be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in temperate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to lose out on the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. In 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 cool enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

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

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

If you’re serious 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 flexible, but it offers other advantages including:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It won’t always 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 choose which heating system you use according to the highest energy efficiency decreases 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 – Rather than running one system all winter long, heating duties are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware could last longer given that they’re not under continuous use.

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