The concept of using both a furnace and heat pump may seem somewhat unusual at first. After all, why would you need two heaters? While furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design genuinely make installing both of them a worthwhile option. It’s not for everyone, but with the right conditions you can truly benefit from having a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to consider several factors in order to determine 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 many models of heat pumps begin to run less effectively in winter weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still take advantage of heat pump installation in Los Angeles.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Effective in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in colder weather because of how they create climate control to begin with. As opposed to furnaces, which ignite fuel to provide heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated around your home. Provided there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is usable outside, the longer it takes a heat pump to pull heat indoors to maintain your ideal 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 colder. They can still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Perform Best In?

Heat pumps manage best in milder climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because the local climate is cold. After all, that’s why installing both a furnace and heat pump may be worth the costs. You can favor the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is chilly enough to warrant swapping to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models boast greater performance 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 maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to use the furnace in severely cold weather.

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

If you’re thinking about maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system achievable, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it features other benefits like:

  • Dependable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one fails, 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 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 lifetime of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are divided between the furnace and heat pump. Crucial components could last longer since they’re not under continuous use.

If you’re still hesitant about heat pump installation in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to contact your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.