Considering whether to install a furnace or a heat pump to keep your home warm this winter? You might want to look into a dual fuel heating system that uses both devices.
Dual-fuel heating systems consist of an electric heat pump and a gas- or propane-powered furnace. They will alternate between their respective fuels to generate heat.
Here are some pros and cons of a dual-fuel heating system for your home.
Pro: Superior Heating
If a heat pump isn’t enough to keep your home warm during the winter, you may want to upgrade to a dual-fuel heating system. When the weather is mild, a dual-fuel heating system will use the heat pump. During the colder winter days and nights, it will use the furnace to provide a superior level of heating.
Pro: Backup Heating
You can rest assured knowing that your home will be equipped with backup heating. Heat pumps and furnaces can fail. Most of them have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years. With a dual-fuel heating system, you don’t have to worry about device failure leaving you and your family without heat.
If the heat pump fails, the furnace will continue to work. If the furnace fails, the heat pump will continue to work.
Pro: Efficiency
Because they use a heat pump, dual-fuel heating systems are efficient. Modern heat pumps are highly efficient. They can move up to 300% more energy than they consume. A dual-fuel heating system will use a heat pump when weather permits, making it more efficient than a standalone furnace.
Con: Maintenance
When compared to a traditional single-fuel heating system, a dual-fuel heating system requires more maintenance. You’ll essentially have twice as many parts to maintain. You’ll have to maintain all of the heat pump’s parts and the furnace’s parts.
Con: The Initial Cost
You can expect to pay more for a dual-fuel heating system than for a single-fuel heating system. Single-fuel heating systems are simpler, so they cost less to purchase and install. But if you’re willing to make the investment, you may discover that a dual-fuel heating system is a smart choice.
Con: Space
A dual-fuel heating system will also take up more space. The heat pump and furnace will share the same ductwork, but they each have their own parts. Furnaces are installed entirely indoors.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, are installed both indoors and outdoors. The heat pump in a dual-fuel heating system will feature an outdoor coil and an indoor coil – similar to the coils in an AC system.
You might also want to check out our article discussing the differences between a heat pump and a furnace.
If you need help choosing a heater for your home please contact us at 1431-183 A/C & Heating for a consultation. We’ll be glad to help you.
And, as always, if you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
