Heat pumps now outsell furnaces not only in Georgia but throughout the United States. That said, you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Instead, you can opt for a dual-fuel system that features both a heat pump and a furnace. This approach allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
What Is a Dual-Fuel HVAC System?
A dual-fuel HVAC system, also known as hybrid heating or a dual-fuel heat pump, has a heat pump and a furnace. This is similar in many ways to a traditional central air conditioner and furnace pairing but with some key differences. Like a central AC, the air-source heat pump provides the home’s cooling, but it also provides much of the home’s heating. When it gets too cold for the heat pump to be efficient, the furnace takes over.
The Energy Efficiency of Heat Pumps
Dual-fuel systems typically have an air-source heat pump. These systems are similar to ACs in that they transfer heat energy from one space to another. An AC moves heat from inside the home to the ambient air via a refrigeration process. A heat pump does this as well but also has a reversing valve. That valve lets the refrigeration process run in the other direction. That allows the heat pump to move heat from outside the home to the inside. In both directions, a typical heat pump can operate at about 300% to 400% efficiency. That places it among the most energy-efficient HVAC technologies currently available for Georgia homes.
The Cold Weather Challenge
Air-source heat pumps move heat energy to and from the ambient air. A potential challenge with that approach is that there’s limited heat energy available during the winter. That isn’t a major hurdle in a warmer climate like Georgia’s. Still, it gets cold enough at times that a standard mid-efficiency heat pump has to work hard. That causes efficiency to drop, your electric bill to go up, and the system to experience great wear and tear.
Auxiliary Furnaces to the Rescue
A typical mid-efficiency gas furnace is about 80% efficient, and fuels like natural gas are relatively inexpensive. Another advantage of gas furnaces is that they run at the same efficiency no matter how cold it is outside. Many dual-fuel systems have an outdoor thermostat and a switchover temperature setting. When it gets cold enough, such as freezing, the system shuts down the heat pump and turns on the fuel-fired furnace.
Smart Thermostat Control
Most modern dual-fuel HVAC systems have a smart thermostat that handles the switchover. Through scheduling or geofencing, a smart thermostat can lower your annual heating bill by up to 8%. Smart thermostats often provide additional ways to save money. These can include demand response compatibility, peak rate awareness, and energy monitoring.
Zoning
A modern dual-fuel system allows for a zone control system as an optional upgrade. Traditional central systems can be wasteful in that they maintain the same temperature throughout an entire home. A zoned system can maintain various temperatures across a range of zones. You could, for instance, maintain cozy bedrooms but much more modest temperatures downstairs. This upgrade requires one or more smart thermostats with zoning, a variable-speed air handler, and duct dampers.
Variable-Speed Air Handlers
A variable-speed blower is necessary for zoned heat pumps but an option for non-zoned setups as well. A traditional HVAC blower has one speed. A variable-speed blower can ramp up and down based on the home’s heating needs. That lets the heat pump and the furnace provide even more efficient heating.
Rebates and Other Energy Incentives
Another reason hybrid heating is ideal for Georgia homes is the available incentives. There’s currently a federal heat pump rebate that’s available through the state. It’s worth as much as $8,000 for many households and $4,000 for most others. There may also be additional rebates available through your local utility if you opt for ENERGY STAR products. You can also claim any costs not covered by rebates, up to $3,200, through the federal tax credit.
Dual-Fuel HVAC System Installation in Douglas
Chancey Heating & Cooling is a Lennox Premier Dealer located in Douglas, GA. Our team has installed heating systems throughout the region since 1959. We deliver award-winning customer service and are proud to be A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau. On-site insulation consultations are available at no charge and without obligation. During that appointment, we can discuss incentives and financing, which we offer on approved credit.
