Heat Pumps & Dual Fuel Heat Pumps
Most homeowners in Dayton and Eagan know that a heat pump is a single HVAC system that will heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. So you are not investing in a furnace for the winter and an air conditioner for the summer. But what you might not be familiar with is a dual fuel heat pump. This hybrid system includes an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. The system can alternate from one heat source to the other, depending on the temperature. And there are many benefits for households that experience a variety of temperatures throughout the year. So here in Minnesota, dual fuel heat pumps can be an intelligent choice.
Two Is Better Than One
You might be thinking that homeowners choose a heat pump because it does the job of both a furnace and an air conditioner. So why would anyone then add a furnace to the mix and be back at two pieces of HVAC equipment? And that is a valid question. When using a dual fuel heat pump system, it is all about using the best equipment to do the job at a specific temperature.
As you know, heat pumps do their most cost-effective work at temps of 40 degrees or above. But they are not as effective at colder temperatures. So think of the heat pump as your optimal heater in the spring and fall. But when the temperatures plummet in the winter, it is time to rely on a trusty furnace to handle the zero degree days and nights.
And Three Is Even Better?
In the case of a dual fuel heat pump, you will not need a third piece of HVAC equipment to cool your home in the summer. Instead, the heat pump will do the job when you reverse the valve and use the coolant to remove the heat from inside your home and release it outdoors. So, in this case, two is perfect for heating your home ultra-efficiently throughout the cold months and cooling it in the summer.
Consider The Life Expectancy
A gas furnace is expected to around 20 years. Of course, it could be a bit less in our colder region. But remember, when you only have a furnace, you will also need to include the cost of an air conditioner. A traditional heat pump has a life expectancy of around 15 years because they function throughout the year to heat and cool your home. But in our region, a heat pump can struggle in extreme cold. So the dual fuel heat pump offers the best of everything. It can heat your home effectively in cool weather and brutal cold while also cooling it in the summer. And the life expectancy for this dynamic duo is about 25 years because it shares the workload between the two devices.
To learn more about a dual fuel heat pump system and the cost to install it, call 952-208-4570 to speak to the licensed professionals at Blue Ox Heating And Air. And be sure to ask about our 15% discount for military and healthcare workers.
