The thought of using both a furnace and heat pump can seem a bit odd at first. After all, why do you need two heaters? Although furnaces and heat pumps both provide energy-efficient heat, the changes in their design actually make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but under the right conditions you could definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to weigh several factors in order to determine if this kind of setup works for you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both especially important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps will run less effectively in winter weather and larger homes. Even so, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Houston.

Heat Pumps Might Be Less Effective in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are typically less efficient in cold weather because of how they create climate control to start with. As opposed to furnaces, which combust fuel to generate heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then pulled inside and dispersed all through your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the colder the temperature, the less efficient this process is.

The less heat energy is accessible outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to pull heat indoors to reach your desired temperature. It might depend on the type of make and model, but heat pumps can 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 point a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps function best in moderate 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 owning 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 cold enough to call for shifting to something like a gas furnace.

Some makes and models claim greater efficiency 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 low 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 Own 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 is worth the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system adaptable, but it provides other perks like:

  • Reliable backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the means to heat your home. It won’t always be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than having an unheated home while you hold out for repairs.
  • Reduced energy costs – The ability to decide which heating system you use depending on the highest energy efficiency decreases your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the life of these heaters can really add up to lots of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Compared to running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Essential parts can survive longer given that they’re not under nonstop use.

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