Heat pumps have long been a popular heating and cooling option, but standard versions are less efficient in colder regions. To address this, a dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a furnace, leveraging each for seasonal energy efficiency. This blog will help you understand what a dual-fuel system is and how it could work for your home.
What Is a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump System?
A dual-fuel setup combines an electric heat pump and gas or oil furnace to meet heating and cooling needs. In mild temperatures, the heat pump efficiently heats or cools the home. When temperatures drop below freezing, the furnace takes over, offering powerful heating to maintain comfort. This balance provides the efficiency of a heat pump in fall and spring and the robust heating of a furnace in winter.
How Does a Dual-Fuel HVAC System Work?
In cold weather when temperatures are above 35°F, the heat pump operates by extracting warmth from the outdoor air, even when it feels chilly outside. This warmth is then efficiently distributed throughout the home using the furnace’s fan system, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment without the need for the furnace to burn fuel. However, when the temperature drops below freezing, the heat pump becomes less effective at extracting heat from the cold air. At this point, the gas or oil furnace automatically activates to provide the necessary warmth, utilizing either gas or oil as its fuel source.During the summer months, the heat pump reverses its operation to function as a cooling system. It acts much like a traditional air conditioner by removing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside, thereby cooling the home efficiently and maintaining a pleasant indoor climate throughout the hot season.
When Does a Dual-Fuel System Make Sense?
If you live in a place where the temperature is always changing
Dual fuel systems are ideal for areas with all four seasons. In mostly cold regions, a furnace provides rapid heat, while in warmer climates, heat pumps are more efficient. Dual fuel systems combine both, offering efficient heating and cooling for varying climates.
If local laws promote energy efficiency
Furnaces rely on energy sources like propane and natural gas for heating, which aren't always the most eco-friendly options. Many states are starting to implement new regulations that promote and incentivize energy efficiency in HVAC systems, and heat pumps are generally considered the pinnacle of energy efficiency because they transfer energy rather than generating it from scratch. If your state's energy efficiency regulations are moving in a similar direction, it might be wise to consider upgrading your current HVAC system to a dual-fuel setup to stay aligned with evolving standards.
If dry heat in the winter affects your comfort
If you find that using a furnace in the winter leads to dry, chapped skin indoors, your HVAC system might be the culprit. The gas heat generated by furnaces is typically hotter than that from electrical sources, which can dry out and irritate sensitive skin. Consult with your local HVAC expert to explore which system combination might best suit your needs.
Is a Dual-Fuel System Right for Your Home?
Consult a professional to determine if a dual-fuel system suits your home. Your local HVAC contractor will assess your home’s heating and cooling needs, energy costs, and compatibility with current equipment. Older furnaces may need replacement for optimal integration with a heat pump.
Installing a dual-fuel system may cost more than a standard furnace and air conditioner setup. However, energy savings and tax credits for heat pumps can offset this. Be sure to check with local utilities for rebates and incentives.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
