A dual fuel heat pump is a heating system that combines a gas furnace with an electric heat pump. These heating systems are ideal for areas where the temperature drops below freezing for extended periods in the winter. Air-source heat pumps struggle to provide comfortable heating when the temperatures are very cold, so the gas furnace acts as a back-up. Following are the benefits of a dual-fuel heat pump system.
Efficiency
Using a dual-fuel system means that you can take advantage of the advantages of both a heat pump and a gas furnace. You can avoid the pitfalls of both systems because when one system is less comfortable or efficient, the other one takes over. You can get consistent warmth at maximum efficiency.
Comfort
Dual-fuel heat pumps are comfortable and convenient. During mild winter days, they provide even, comfortable heating throughout your home. They’re relatively quiet, safe, and environmentally benign.
Versatility
The heat pump is likely the best way to heat your home when the temperatures are above freezing, but once they drop below freezing, the gas furnace will heat your home less expensively and more comfortably. Thankfully, a dual-fuel heat pump can do both. Efficiency is maintained because the system can switch between the two automatically. Most of these systems also can be switched manually, so when natural gas prices are low – as they are nowadays – you can make a choice to switch to the cheaper fuel source. Even though an electric heat pump is far more efficient than even the most energy-efficient furnace, the difference in cost between electricity and gas can be so great that the gas furnace is still the less expensive choice.
Cost
While these systems are more expensive to install initially, they are a worthy investment. Due to the efficient-energy usage, energy costs are kept down. The system will pay for itself and a dual-fuel heat pump system will add value to your home.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly system that provides more options for heating your home, the dual-fuel system might be right for you. For more information on installing a new HVAC system in your Dayton or Springfield area home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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