How Furnaces & Heat Pumps Work Together in the Winter
A furnace uses an entirely different method to heat your home than a heat pump. However, you can use each HVAC unit individually or in conjunction to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Using a heat pump with a furnace in a hybrid system can increase the utility efficiency and save you money on energy bills.
Furnace
One of the most compelling identifying factors of a furnace is that it heats air by using electricity, fuel oil, or natural gas. The flames produced create an intense heat wave that is then blown through the air ducts in your home and out of the vents. This method creates a more intense heat than an air pump. However, it also uses significantly more energy.
Heat Pump
A heat pump takes air from outside, compresses it, and pumps it into the house. A geothermal unit absorbs the warmth from the ground, an air-to-air unit derives heat from the air, and a water-source unit takes warmth from nearby lakes or streams.
Heat pumps can be used year-round, acting as an air conditioner in summer and heater in winter. Because they transfer and use existing heat from the environment, heat pumps are much more energy-efficient than furnaces. However, they cannot operate as well in freezing temperatures due to the lack of atmospheric warmth to draw from.
Hybrid Systems
A combination of a furnace and a heat pump can significantly lower your electric bill. The heat pump supplies heat to the house until temperatures become too low for it to function properly. Once there isn’t enough heat to pump in, the furnace kicks on to provide the supplemental warmth you need. This type of system also extends the life of both units, allowing them to take turns.
Inman Heating & Cooling offers residential installations and services from Red Bull to Edwardsville, IL. Their licensed, knowledgeable, and family-oriented professionals are ready to provide free in-home consultations, high-efficiency products, and 24/7 emergency services. View a list of services on their website or call (618) 281-5355 to speak with a friendly staff member today.
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