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A hybrid heat pump, or dual fuel heat pump, is a unique spin on a traditional all-electric heat pump system. A dual fuel system is appropriately named as it uses both an electric heat pump and a fossil fuel gas furnace (natural or propane gas), much like a hybrid automobile uses gasoline and electricity.
Dual fuel HVAC systems have gained popularity for offering flexibility and efficiency, especially in varying weather conditions. A dual fuel heat pump system blends the energy-saving performance of an electric heat pump with the reliable heating capacity of a gas furnace.
Heat pumps have become tremendously popular all across the US as well as the world, with one primary limitation: an all-electric heat pump sometimes struggles in colder climates to produce enough heat to maintain a comfortable indoor heating temperature.
A dual fuel hybrid heat pump is the solution to this nagging problem. When the heat pump struggles in colder temperatures, the backup heat source is the fossil fuel furnace instead of the limited-capacity electric heating element.
The end result is the heat pump and the furnace join forces to easily maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the winter months. In the milder times, the heat pump will very efficiently heat your home while the furnace provides the backup source during the colder periods.
This configuration is often referred to as a heat pump with gas furnace, or a heat pump and furnace combo, depending on the terminology used by manufacturers. Some homeowners also refer to it as a heat pump furnace combo or heat pump furnace combination, reflecting the dual-component structure.
The first step in choosing a new dual fuel heat pump system is to properly size the heat pump for the cooling capacity your home needs. The next step is to choose the furnace capacity you'll require to maintain your wintertime comfort needs. This combination, also known as a dual fuel furnace and heat pump pairing, ensures efficient performance throughout the seasons.
If you live in a colder climate, you may want to consider a 96% 2-stage high-efficiency dual fuel furnace for the most efficient backup heating option. This is especially true if you're using a heat pump with propane backup, which offers excellent flexibility in areas without access to natural gas.
This is important because in colder climates, the furnace will experience high demand and operating time. Keeping the furnace fuel consumption as low as possible will pay big rewards in terms of energy savings over the life of the system.
In cases where fuel availability or costs are a concern, many homeowners opt for a heat pump with gas backup instead of relying entirely on electric resistance heating. This hybrid approach, also known as a dual fuel system heat pump, provides greater control over energy use and cost management.
A hybrid heating system like this offers comfort and peace of mind during unpredictable winter storms. Whether you want to install a dual fuel HVAC system in a new build or upgrade an older unit, rest assured that these hybrid heating systems are a smart, long-term investment.
Dual fuel heat pumps are especially effective in regions with wide temperature swings, as they allow for efficient electric heating during milder conditions and reliable gas-powered heating when temperatures drop significantly.
If you are exploring these options, contact AC Direct to determine the right heat pump and gas furnace pairing for your specific needs and climate.
How to select the right furnace capacity
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