HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
Dual fuel heat pumps
A dual fuel heat pump system (also known as a hybrid system) is made-up of both an electric heat pump and a (typically gas) furnace. The system alternates between using each of the two devices, depending on the season, temperature and the function needed to maximize efficiency and effectively heat and cool your home all year long.
How does a dual fuel system work?
Think of a dual fuel system just like a hybrid car.
The heat pump in the system works as your home’s air conditioner in the summer by transferring heat out of your home until your thermostat reads your desired temperature. The heat pump also does the majority of the heating work in the fall, spring, and much of the winter.
The furnace in the dual fuel system takes over and works to heat your home when the temperature drops below a certain point during the cold, winter months.
When should I consider a dual fuel system?
If you live in a cold winter climate zone such as climate zones 5, 6 or 7, you may want to consider a dual fuel system. In such climates, allowing your system to rely on a furnace during the coldest times of the year can provide you with the most cost-effective and comfortable solution, while also taking advantage of a heat pump’s highly efficient heating and cooling for the majority of the year.
While you can certainly keep a back-up furnace just in case, for the majority of locations in climate zones 1 - 4, a properly designed standalone heat pump system will work perfectly without the need for a dual fuel system.
In addition, while the heat pumps of even just 10 years ago struggled at the coldest temperatures, today, every major manufacturer offers “extended capacity,” or cold-climate, heat pumps. In fact, cold-climate systems are able to provide at least 85% of their heating “oomph” at temperatures as cold as 5° F, and some work at temperatures as low as negative 15° F.
Can I add a heat pump to my existing furnace?
A rule of thumb is that for a furnace that’s less than 10 years old, the answer is likely yes. However, you should approach it carefully with the help of a qualified HVAC professional.
From a technical perspective, adding a heat pump to an existing furnace involves attaching an indoor condensing unit (a coil) to your existing furnace, which serves as the heat pump’s indoor heat exchanger. You would continue to use the furnace’s blower to circulate conditioned air throughout your home’s ductwork.
You should consult with an HVAC professional to determine if your existing furnace is compatible with this addition, as well as what heat pumps brands and models would be compatible.
The decision will also depend on the age and quality of your existing furnace. For a relatively new furnace that was installed in the past few years, retrofitting it with a heat pump might be optimal from a comfort and financial perspective (and since the furnace will be backup, you will never need to replace it again). With an older furnace that’s over 10 years old on the other hand, replacing the entire system with either a standalone heat pump or dual fuel hybrid may be a better option.
HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
Eden Home Basics
What is the difference between heat pumps and cooling-only ACs?
If you are considering a system to cool your home, both heat pumps and air conditioners will do the job. However, a heat pump will also provide highly efficient heating during the winter as well.
What is a heat pump and why should I upgrade?
A heat pump provides all-in-one heating and cooling for perfect year-round comfort. Not only that, it operates more than 3x efficiently compared with a standard furnace.
What is the difference between heat pumps and furnaces?
Heat pumps and furnaces heat your home – but in different ways. The most significant difference between furnaces and heat pumps is that furnaces create their own heat.