If weather predictions are correct, Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties may be in for a very cold winter. Those of you who are on the fence about upgrading your heating system should look at all possible options. If you stay with your current equipment, make sure you have proper maintenance performed by a professional. If you choose to upgrade, consider the advantages of owning a dual-fuel heat pump system.
What Is a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump System?
The electric air-source heat pump (the most common variety) is a highly efficient heating and cooling machine. However, it has its weaknesses. A major shortcoming is that the heat pump loses efficiency trying to heat your home at below-freezing temperatures. And while a gas furnace is far less efficient, the cost of natural gas, due to ramped-up domestic oil and gas production, is much cheaper than electricity in most parts of the U.S.
This is where auxiliary (or emergency) heating enters the picture. Most air-source heat pumps come with a backup electric resistance heating system, which will kick in when the heat pump can no longer provide comfortable heat during cold weather. This use of electricity, however, is far less efficient than a heat pump. While the heat pump should be able to provide 300 percent heating efficiency in moderate winter temperatures, the backup heating coil will never exceed 100 percent. This means high energy bills during cold weather.
A dual-fuel heat pump system uses a gas furnace for backup heating, and the system will switch to the gas furnace when your home’s balance point is reached. This is where your heat pump’s capacity falls below your home’s heating load. In most of these heat pump/furnace systems, the homeowner also has the ability to manually choose which appliance to use. Because of low natural gas prices, the homeowner may decide that the furnace is cheaper to use than the heat pump, even in milder weather.
Dual-Fuel Advantages
A dual-fuel system has multiple advantages. On the efficiency end, since you’re only using the heat pump at its most productive temperature range, you’ll be saving on electricity. The furnace may only be used about 15-20 percent of the time – when it’s truly needed. The heat pump will also have a lower environmental impact than running a furnace all the time, while providing quieter operation.
If you’d like more details on a dual-fuel heat pump system for your Northeast Ohio home, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area