Using a heat pump and furnace to heat your home can reduce utility costs substantially throughout the year. This setup also helps provide more even and comprehensive heating throughout the house, resulting in greater comfort and optimal temperature control. Here’s what you need to know about these two systems and how they can work in tandem.

Heat Pump Operation

This type of unit extracts the heat that’s naturally present in the air or ground. While the exterior temperature may fluctuate, the earth always holds a steady temperature at a certain depth, no matter the time of year. Standard units mount on outside walls or the ground, and geothermal systems have loops of piping buried deep underground.

Refrigerant fluid moves throughout the pipes and absorbs heat from the environment, concentrating the thermal energy and converting it into warm air. The system then pumps this air through the ductwork and into the rooms of the house.

How It Supplements a Furnace

A heat pump and furnace support one another by trading off the workload throughout winter. The heat pump operates until temperatures dip below freezing because it can’t absorb warmth as effectively. In this situation, the furnace automatically engages to make up for the lack of heat.

When temperatures are only mildly cold, or when warmth is needed for chilly summer nights, the heat pump can handle virtually all of the heating responsibilities for the home. The furnace’s blower facilitates the distribution of the heat pump’s warmth, which means the furnace's heating elements don't need to be engaged. This partnership saves on heating and cooling costs and prevents excess wear and tear on your system.

To enjoy the benefits of both units working together, contact Osterwisch Company. Since 1946, they have been serving property owners throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the entire Tri-State area. They offer plumbing, heating, and cooling solutions designed to meet the needs of your home and budget. They also install geothermal systems suited to your furnace so your household can enjoy maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Call (513) 791-3282 to request a quote, and visit them online to explore their services.