The thought of running both a furnace and heat pump might sound somewhat unusual at first. After all, why do you need two heating systems? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both produce energy-efficient heat, the variations in their design really make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everyone, but in the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.
You should take a look at several factors in order to decide if this sort of setup suits you. Your local climate and the size of your home are both very important, especially for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps begin to run less effectively in colder weather and large homes. Even so, you can still reap the benefits of heat pump installation in Portland.
Heat Pumps Can Be Less Reliable in Colder Weather
Heat pumps are generally less efficient in colder weather as a result of how they provide climate control to begin with. Compared to furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its stream of refrigerant to draw heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated around your home. As long as there is still some heat energy in the air, a heat pump will function. But the lower the temperature, the less efficient this process is.
The less heat energy is usable outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your preferred temperature. It might depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and below. They still remain an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, at which a gas furnace should be more effective.
What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Work Best In?
Heat pumps work best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. That being said, you don’t have to give up on the benefits of a heat