Is a Dual-Fuel HVAC System the Right Choice?
With all of the talk about high efficiency, cost-effective, low carbon footprint energy use today most people have heard about dual-fuel heating systems. If not, a dual fuel heat pump is a system that essentially combines a typical electric heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace. Your traditional heating and cooling system consist of a conventional air conditioner and a furnace. A dual-fuel system replaces the traditional AC unit and integrates a heat pump in its place.
What Is a Heat Pump?
While a heat pump looks and acts the same as your traditional A/C, the heat pump is equipped with a reversing valve that allows it to provide both cooled air during the warm and hot months as well as warm air during the cooler and even cold months of the year. One of the main differences between a gas furnace and an electric heat pump is how the heat is produced. In a typical gas furnace, heat is created using energy. Heat pumps are much more efficient because they merely transfer heat from the outside air to inside your home or vice versa. You may be asking yourself how does a heat pump pull heat out of freezing air?
There is latent heat energy in the air outside down to absolute zero or -459° F, and the refrigerant running through your heat pump system can boil at -55° F. Which allows the heat pump to pull that heat from the air outside, compress it within the refrigerant to a much warmer temperature and distribute it throughout the home. This may sound great, and it is. But like most things, a dual-fuel HVAC system has its advantages and disadvantages.
Is a Dual-Fuel Heating System Efficient?
High efficiency is one of the biggest advantages of a dual fuel heat pump. A dual fuel system combines the best of both electric and gas-fueled heating systems. Since the system automatically chooses the more efficient source of heat based on the outside air temperature. This way the homeowner gets the benefit of considerable energy cost savings.
Is a Dual-Fuel Heating System Cost-Effective?
More than 70% of your heating needs can be satisfied by the electrically driven heat pump, whose efficiency is extremely high. This highly energy-efficient heat pump considerably saves you on energy costs over the long run. A dual fuel heating system is estimated to save the average homeowner anywhere between 30 and 50 percent annually in energy costs. This hybrid heat pump system can pay for itself within three to five years.
Is a Dual-Fuel Heating System Better for the Environment?
A great way to minimize your carbon footprint, a dual fuel heat pump is an environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. Since this hybrid heat pump system uses electric heating around 85% of the time, there is no need for gas to constantly fuel your furnace.
Is There More Maintenance With a Dual-Fuel System Than With My Traditional A\C and Furnace?
The dual-fuel heat pump system remains in better condition for a longer period since both the electric heat pump and the furnace are combined into one system which makes their maintenance simpler. Regular maintenance is recommended to keep your HVAC system lasting longer and running more efficiently, no matter what system is being used.
What Are Some Disadvantages To Installing a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump?
- Higher up-front price-The reason is, you’re essentially getting two efficient heating systems in one. Although this initial cost may not be much compared to the energy cost savings over a longer period
- Additional costs-Upgrading to a dual-fuel system from a single system may require some additional costs. To accommodate the electric heat pump and the furnace of the dual system, you might need to upgrade the existing electrical service, wiring and\or gas lines.
Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning Is Here 24/7 To Help
Homeowners in Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding area trust the Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning team with all their home repair and maintenance needs. They have experienced and knowledgeable techs that will get the job done right the first time. Call today to get help with any questions about your heating system and how you can upgrade today!
