1. What is a dual fuel system?
A dual fuel system is a hybrid system consisting of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. The system operates on a dual-fuel comfort control type, helping to maximize efficiency and effectively heat and cool your home year-round.
The heat pump in your system works like central air conditioning in the summer, pushing hot air out of your home until the thermostat
reads your desired temperature. Heat pumps can also do most of the work in the fall and spring, providing cost-effective heat in mild temperatures.
When temperatures drop during the cold winter months, a dual-fuel furnace takes over and heats your entire home. A furnace has only
one function, to convert fuel into heat quickly and efficiently. When it's cold outside, a furnace in a dual-fuel system can do just that.
2. Furnaces, heat pumps, dual fuel
Understanding the differences between these three types of HVAC equipment will help you decide which one is right for your home!
furnace
A stove is a good old-fashioned heating device. It works by burning a fuel source such as propane or natural gas to generate heat. This
heat is then combined with air from the home to warm it, and the warm air is then redistributed throughout the home. Furnaces only
produce heat, so homeowners often need to install a separate air conditioning system in their home for the cooler months. The furnace
is also the main blower for the air conditioning cycle, moving air throughout the home.
Furnaces are only about 95% energy efficient, but they do last longer (over 20 years) than other heating appliances because they are only
used a few months out of the year. Keep in mind that your home does need to use natural gas or propane for your furnace to operate
properly. If this is not done, the process of obtaining a natural gas source will increase installation costs.
heat pump
Heat pumps have heating and cooling capabilities to meet your needs year-round. Heat pumps are flexible systems so they can adapt to
the weather outside. For example, when it's cold outside, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the home.
When temperatures rise, they switch to cooling function, expelling hot air from your home. Heat pumps have shorter lifespans than furnaces
(about 15 years) because they work year-round to move air around to achieve your desired temperature.
When outside temperatures are near freezing, the heat pump has to work longer to bring heat into your home, which can increase your
utility bills. However, they are generally more energy efficient than most HVAC units—they can use about 50 percent less electricity for heating
than furnaces, according to the Department of Energy—and are ideal for homeowners in mild climates year-round It makes sense.
3. dual fuel system
As we mentioned before, a dual-fuel system is a combination HVAC system with a heat pump and furnace. It switches between the two on a
case-by-case basis, saving time and effort in getting your home to the desired temperature. Dual fuel systems are ideal for any type of climate
and functionality year-round. Plus, since each component only works optimally, the life expectancy of a dual-fuel system is 20 to 25 years!