A dual heating system that includes a heat pump and a furnace is perfect for states with colder temperatures. For the HVAC system to function properly, one takes over for the other during the winter. Here’s how both units work in tandem to heat your home or business.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps take heat from the air or within the ground—depending on the type of system—and then transfer it into a building or home. In the summer, the unit reverses operations to act as an air conditioner and cool the building. It uses refrigerant to transfer heat from inside to the outdoors.

There are three main ways the pumps function to warm a home or business: air-, geothermal-, or water-source. Both air and geothermal can be installed anywhere, but water-source units must pull from a stream, river, or well.

How Furnaces Work

A furnace creates its own heat to warm a home or office. It doesn’t double as a cooling system; instead, it uses gas or electricity to ignite the burners and blow hot air through a home’s ductwork. Unless the furnace runs off of a renewable energy source, such as electricity produced by solar or wind energy, they are less environmentally friendly than heat pumps.

How a Furnace Supplements a Heat Pump

During mild temperatures, a heat pump is capable of keeping your home or business warm, but its efficiency gets exponentially worse below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Furnaces can take over after this dip in temperature to compensate.

Regardless, both systems use the air distribution features of the furnace without turning on the burner until it gets colder. In a dual-fuel HVAC system like this, both units enjoy increased efficiency and financial savings because it costs more to heat your home with a gas or electric furnace alone. Also, both systems are unlikely to break down at the same time, so you are less likely to face an uncomfortable winter.

If you’re looking for a heat pump installation to complement your already existing furnace, contact Albright Heating & Air Conditioning in Boone County, MO. For more than 25 years, this locally operated and owned company has provided 24/7 emergency cooling and heating services for customers. For more information, call the Columbia-area business at (573) 875-7888 or visit them online.