Both heat pumps and furnaces are popular heating options around the world. Almost every household has either of the two especially for the winter season. But heat pumps are not that effective in below zero temperatures and struggle to keep the house warm. So, there is a need to pair a heat pump with a furnace to increase the output and keep your house warm. When you use a heat pump with a furnace, it’s called a dual-fuel system. You can consult heat pump repair services to know about how much it will cost to install the system. Meanwhile, here are the things to know using a heat pump and a furnace together.
Why Do People Choose Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps were not so popular back in the day until the oil crisis of the 1970s. These are electronic units that utilize electricity and function quite similar to air conditioners. They come with refrigerant, compressor and condenser that work together to absorb heat in one area and expel it in another.
The best thing about heat pumps is that they come with a reversing valve that helps the switch between cooling and heating options. The reversing valve changes the flow of the refrigerant, allowing the outside coil to become the low-pressure side and absorb heat even during cool outdoor temperatures.
Meanwhile, if the temperature outside happens to be hot, the function of the heat pump reverses. There is no doubt that heat pumps are efficient heating systems when compared to furnaces. Some experts suggest that they are at least 3x times better. Plus, they are a lot more efficient as there is no loss of exhaust, which is the case when a furnace is used.
Furthermore, the convenience of having a unit that can operate both as a heating or a cooling system makes heat pumps a top choice for many homeowners. This also makes it easier to maintain the unit instead of performing maintenance on separate heating and cooling sources.
But, one thing you need to keep in mind about heat pumps is that they might not be that effective in extremely cold regions. Homeowners have suggested that heat pumps might struggle to warm up the house when its freezing outside. So, they either opt for a furnace or pair the two together.
Why Do People Choose Furnaces?
Gas-burning furnaces are the top choice for homeowners who reside in areas or regions experiencing extreme snowfall. Furnaces when compared to heat pumps offer a lot more heat and are able to handle snow storms and similar weather conditions.
If your residence has a proper supply of natural gas, installing a furnace is going to be a lot more cost-effective as compared to a heat pump. The only problem with homeowners not being able to choose furnaces is the limited or lack of supply of natural gas.
Some regions or areas may not have a proper gas network installed, making it nearly impossible for homeowners to install furnaces. In addition to that, furnaces tend to have a longer lifespan as compared to heat pumps if they are properly maintained.
How Does A Heat Pump And Furnace Combo Work?
The pairing of a heat pump with a furnace system is about switching back and forth between the two systems as required.
Cold Temperature
A heat pumps works by absorbing heat from the outside and pushing into your house though the ducts. Because of this, heat pumps can only heat your home properly when the temperature outside is moderate (above 35 degrees Fahrenheit). However, when the temperature drops below this level, it can’t keep up and you need something more. This is where a dual-fuel system comes in.
A furnace is also connected to the system so when the temperatures outside are detected to be too cold for the heat pump, the furnace is fired up.
You may wonder why not only use the furnace if the heat pump can’t warm up your house in freezing temperatures. The answer is that heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces so using a dual-fuel system can save you energy costs in comparison to using only a furnace all winter.
Warm Weather Operation
When it comes to warm weather operation, a heat pump acts as an air conditioner. This is because it’s similar to an air conditioner. Both have a compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coils, and refrigerant that flows through the coils.
But heat pumps are a bit different. While air conditioners can move the refrigerant in one direction and hence cool the house in summer, heat pumps can reverse the refrigerant flow in the winter and warm up a house too when required.
So, an air conditioner can only cool your house and a heat pump can both heat and cool your house. A reversing valve is installed that is switched to change the mode from heating to cooling or vice versa.
Will A Heat Pump And Furnace Combo Work For Your House?
To be able to determine whether a heat pump with a furnace system works for your home will require consultation with a heating contractor. The installation process involves a few steps that need to be followed to ensure the system will be practical and effective.
The first thing the technician will do is perform a heating and cooling analysis. You might need new insulations, windows or additions to preserve both cool and warm air. Then, the expert will have to perform a comparative cost analysis.
If natural gas is cheaper in your area than electricity, then a heat pump is not going to pay off that quickly. In other words, the expert will have to consider the prices of gas and electricity and compare them before making a final decision.
Finally, the expert will have to see if your existing furnace is compatible with the new dual-fuel heat pumps. If the heat pump happens to be very old, you might need to replace it. Overall, to install a heat pump with a furnace system for your house, you will have to spare quite a bit of money as it will take a lot of time and effort for the expert to get the job done successfully.
Does A Dual-Fuel System Require Maintenance?
Of course, a heat pump connected to a furnace to make one big unit will surely require maintenance. Since the aim is to achieve efficiency and performance, you will have to keep up with maintenance to ensure everything works smoothly and perfectly fine.
The system will be able to last a long period of time if due inspection and maintenance is done. But, if you leave it out in the open for dirt and dust to accumulate, do not be surprised if it loses both efficiency and productivity all of a sudden.
Conclusion
Pairing a heat pump with a furnace is a good choice as long as you are able to pull it off properly. You will be needing an expert from HVAC companies Tysons Corner to carry out the process to ensure safe and efficient heating. Plus, ensure to schedule expert care and maintenance to extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.
