There are many benefits of choosing a dual fuel heat pump system
Still stuck when it comes to picking the right heating and air conditioning equipment? Well, today, we’ll break down another type of system for you – the dual-fuel heat pump system.
So, what exactly is a dual-fuel heat pump system setup? Well, it includes two essential parts – a heat pump and a gas furnace (for more information about heat pumps and gas furnaces, visit our previous articles). Basically, it is the best of both worlds – it can cool and heat your home with electricity to a certain point and then switch over to gas heat for extra power. Dual-fuel systems come in both packaged and split varieties.
Of course, you can always get an air conditioner and gas furnace paired to get both heating and cooling (using gas and electricity, respectively). But, what about those times in between?
Here are some big benefits of choosing a dual-fuel system.
- Versatility. With a dual-fuel system, you have heating options. You can heat with electricity OR gas. Is it cool, but not cold enough to warrant gas heat? You can STILL use electric heat. Is it too cold outside? Switch over to gas to reduce bills and increase comfort!
- Electric heat TRANSFER. We’ll get into this more later, but heat pumps employ heat transfer (as opposed to creating original heat). This will use less electricity.
- Cost effective heat source. Unlike all electric or all gas heating methods, you don’t have the option of using the most efficient heat source for the season. In deep winter, it’s much more cost effective to heat a home with natural gas (particularly if temperatures are dropping below freezing frequently).
- Variety. These units come in both packaged and split varieties. The split varieties can come in a mix of efficiencies to suit every budget. So, no matter what your home situation is, you can find the right system for you.
Make sure you talk to your local heating and cooling dealer before you make any system decisions. They will be able to let you know whether this is the right type of system for your home.
Are you considering a dual-fuel system? If you have one, what is your favorite part of your dual-fuel system?
I like what this article mentions about dual heating systems being more versatile. I have had trouble with my furnace and heating system in the past, so I think the extra versatility could be very helpful. I’ll have to look into my options for heat pumps, as my home wasn’t originally designed for them.