If you live in a place where the temperature changes frequently
Dual fuel systems are best suited for locations that experience four seasons and varying temperatures. If you live in an area that is cold most of the
time, a furnace can help provide a lot of heat quickly. Heat pumps make the most sense for those who live in hotter or milder climates, as they work
best in warm to hot temperatures.
Dual fuel systems are suitable for people who experience both ends of the temperature range. Furnaces only heat, so if you live in a changing
climate, you will need to invest in another HVAC system to meet your needs. While heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, they must
work overtime at extremely low temperatures, which is not always the most cost-effective or energy-efficient solution. Dual fuel systems harness
the best qualities of both systems to handle whatever climate you may wake up to.
If local laws encourage energy efficiency
Furnaces use energy sources such as propane and natural gas to heat their homes, which are not always the most environmentally friendly option.
States are beginning to pass new laws that encourage and reward HVAC energy efficiency, such as California’s 2022 Energy Code . Heat pumps are
the star of California's new regulations, which use their energy efficiency as a baseline for performance standards for heating and cooling all homes
and some commercial spaces. Heat pumps are generally the gold standard for energy efficiency because they simply transfer energy rather than
create it from scratch. If your state's energy efficiency laws are in the same direction as California's, it may be worth upgrading your current HVAC
system to dual fuel to keep up with the changing times.
If the dry heat of winter is affecting your personal comfort
If you use your furnace in the winter and experience dry, cracked skin in your home, your HVAC system may be to blame. The gas heat generated
by the furnace and delivered into the home is hotter than the heat generated by the electrical source. This hot, dry heat can dry out and crack
sensitive
skin. Contact your local HVAC experts for help determining which HVAC system combination is best for your unique situation.
How does a dual-fuel system save energy and money?
Dual fuel systems have the ability to switch between furnaces and heat pumps, saving you energy, time, and money. As we mentioned before, a furnace
is not needed in high temperatures (since it only produces heat), whereas a heat pump has to work overtime in extremely cold temperatures. Instead
of having a conventional heat pump do the extra work during the winter, a dual-fuel system lets the furnace do the heavy lifting. This means that the
heat pump does not consume unnecessary energy to do a job that the furnace can do faster and more efficiently. On the other hand, a heat pump
can heat your home in a more energy-efficient way than a furnace when the outside temperatures are cooler, and a dual-fuel system can do this.
Switching between all these functions not only saves energy, but also time and money. By allowing the best equipment to heat or cool your home
at the optimal time, a dual-fuel system can get your home to your desired temperature faster. Not to mention, the less energy your HVAC system
wastes means less money you waste on utility bills.
Dual fuel systems are a win-win-win for homeowners.