Many homeowners who have relied on a central furnace or air conditioner for their home comfort needs are likely to feel hesitant about switching to a heat pump. Although heat pumps have many advantages, some people are concerned about their ability to keep up with the cold winter weather here in Pennsylvania.
For homeowners who want the best of both worlds, there is an amazing option: a dual fuel system, also known as a hybrid system. In a nutshell, a dual fuel system consists of a heat pump and a small furnace, often a gas furnace, that is used when temperatures plummet. Many dual fuel setups use a split system heat pump, which includes an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler working together to provide efficient heating and cooling. Let’s go over how you can achieve year-round energy savings with one of these hybrid HVAC systems. To explore why more homeowners are considering heat pumps, check out 5 reasons homeowners are switching to a heat pump. And if you already use one, remember that regular heat pump maintenance is essential for maintaining long-term system efficiency.
How does a hybrid HVAC / dual fuel heat pump system save energy year‑round?
A hybrid HVAC (dual fuel) system combines a heat pump with a furnace so the heat pump handles most heating and cooling when temperatures are mild, while the furnace takes over during very cold weather. This setup optimizes efficiency, lowers energy bills, and maintains comfort in all seasons.
Dual Fuel HVAC Systems Explained
A dual fuel system consists of a heat pump and a furnace. What’s great about this configuration is that you can choose efficiency ratings that’ll work best for your specific energy efficiency and home comfort goals. When considering dual fuel systems in Pittsburgh, you need to know about efficiency ratings.
For example, if you wanted to rely on a heat pump entirely, you would want to choose either a cold climate heat pump or one that is highly efficient. Cold climate heat pumps are specifically designed to operate efficiently in cold climates and colder regions, even when extracting heat from cold air. Heat pumps have ratings that represent their efficiency. For cooling, it’s SEER2 and for heating it’s HSPF2. As of January 2023, SEER ratings have been updated to SEER2 ratings to reflect improved testing methods. Efficiency rating metrics like SEER2 and HSPF2 help homeowners compare the performance of different heat pumps, and a higher efficiency rating often means a more efficient heat pump. However, the more efficient the heat pump, the more expensive it is. To learn more about heat pumps and how they function in colder climates, read the pros and cons of heat pumps in cold weather climates. Additionally, proper heat pump tune up routines can preserve system performance and keep energy consumption in check, even with high-efficiency models. It’s also important to match the cooling capacity of the heat pump to your home’s needs for optimal performance.
Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it directly. In heating mode, the system absorbs heat energy from the outside air, even cold air in cold climates, and transfers warm air indoors to release heat. The outdoor unit contains a coil that acts as either a condenser or an evaporator based on the system mode. In cooling mode, the heat pump reverses the process, absorbing heat from inside and releasing it outdoors, functioning as a cooling system. This ability to transfer heat efficiently makes the heat pump a reliable heating and cooling system for a variety of climates. Heat pumps do not create heat directly; instead, they absorb heat energy from the environment and move it indoors.
The main components of a heat pump system include the outdoor unit and the air handler or indoor unit. The indoor unit contains condenser coils that play a key role in the heat exchange process. The indoor unit contains a coil that acts as an evaporator in cooling mode and as a condenser in heating mode. The air handler circulates air throughout the home, and in ducted air source heat or split system configurations, it connects to existing ductwork for whole-home comfort.
There are several types of heat pump systems. Ducted air source heat pumps and split system setups are common in homes with existing ductwork. Water source heat pumps are an option for properties with access to a pond or lake, while air source heat pumps are often used in warmer climates.
Heat pumps can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially when powered by renewable electricity, making them an environmentally friendly choice. When considering installation costs, keep in mind that utility companies offer rebates for installing energy-efficient heat pumps, which can help offset the initial investment.
With a dual fuel system, you could choose a standard heat pump and a standard gas or electric furnace that will cost less than highly efficient models. Then when temperatures plummet to below freezing, instead of having to rely on your heat pump which won’t work as efficiently in temperatures below 40 degrees, your furnace will take over heating your home. Even in cold climates, modern heat pumps can extract heat from cold air and transfer warm air indoors, but having a backup furnace ensures comfort during extreme cold.
Types of Heat Pumps
When considering a new heat pump system for your home, it’s important to understand the different types of heat pumps available and how each can meet your specific heating and cooling needs. The three main types of heat pumps are air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps (also known as geothermal heat pumps), and ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps are the most common choice for residential heating and cooling. These systems work by transferring heat between the outdoor air and your home, providing efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Air source heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency and are a great option for homes with existing ductwork. They can help lower energy costs by using less electricity compared to traditional heating systems, especially in moderate climates.
Ground source heat pumps, or geothermal heat pumps, take advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to provide heating and cooling. By transferring heat to and from the ground, these systems offer exceptional energy efficiency and consistent performance year-round. Ground-source heat pumps transfer heat between the air inside a home and the ground outside a home. While ground source heat pumps require a higher upfront investment, they deliver significant energy savings over time and are ideal for homeowners looking to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce long-term energy costs.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are perfect for homes without existing ductwork or for adding heating and cooling to specific areas. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, allowing for zoned temperature control and increased comfort. Ductless air-source heat pumps connect to one or more indoor units via refrigerant lines. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are highly efficient and can provide heating and cooling exactly where you need it, helping to further reduce energy costs.
No matter which type of heat pump you choose, each system is designed to provide reliable heating and cooling while maximizing energy efficiency and lowering your utility bills. By understanding the different types of heat pumps, you can select the right heat pump system to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year long.
Top Benefits of Hybrid HVAC Systems for Energy Savings
- High Efficiency: Dual fuel systems give you the best in energy efficiency. Your heat pump will efficiently handle your air conditioning needs and your heating needs on days when it’s above freezing. Then, the furnace kicks in to make up the difference.
- Ultimate Home Comfort: Dual fuel systems give you the best in home comfort. You won’t have to worry about your heat pump struggling with efficiency when temperatures drop to the single-digits–or lower. Instead, the furnace will take over to quickly and efficiently heat your home during the coldest days of winter
- Low Energy Costs: Dual fuel systems provide the best combination in efficiency which spells lower energy bills throughout the winter. The system automatically figures out how to run in response to the outdoor temperatures so you can rest assured your system is operating as efficiently as it can. If you’re already running one of these systems or planning to switch, scheduling seasonal heat pump maintenance helps ensure you’ll continue getting peak energy savings and year-round comfort without interruption.
If you’d like to learn more about how a dual fuel system can revolutionize your home comfort system, contact us today. Our Pittsburgh area heat pump technicians will help you learn more about how a heat pump works and whether this unique technology can be effective in your home. If you’re already using a heat pump and encounter issues, here’s how to get your heat pump unstuck from cooling mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is a hybrid HVAC (dual fuel) system?
Answer: A hybrid HVAC or dual fuel system combines a heat pump and a furnace. The heat pump handles heating and cooling when temperatures are moderate, and the furnace takes over in very cold weather to maintain efficiency and comfort.
Question: How does a hybrid system save energy year‑round?
Answer: The system automatically switches between heat pump and furnace based on outdoor temperature. This ensures that the most efficient method is used at any time, reducing energy waste and lowering utility costs over all seasons.
Question: What are the benefits of using a hybrid HVAC system over a standalone heat pump or furnace?
Answer: Hybrid systems offer high overall efficiency (by using the best heating mode for conditions), better home comfort in extreme cold, and lower energy bills because each component runs optimally in its ideal range.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule dual fuel system installation in Pittsburgh, PA with our team today.
