What Is a Dual-Fuel System?
A dual-fuel system sounds more high-tech than it really is.
It can positively solve a lot of issues for Houston, TX, homeowners. Still, it is really nothing more than a combined heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system composed of a heat pump and a furnace. The term “dual-fuel” refers to the combination of electricity required to operate the heat pump and the gas (or oil) needed to operate your furnace.
The dual-fuel system offers the best of both types of heating, enabling more homeowners to benefit from the efficiency of a heat pump. Our Texas Pride Air Conditioning & Heating LLC professionals are handling more and more requests for these installations than ever before.
How Does a Dual-Fuel System Work?
A heat pump works differently from a furnace in that it removes the heat from the outside air and transfers it inside your home. A furnace actually uses its fuel—gas or oil—to create its own heat. When it is time to cool your Houston, TX, home, the heat pump process works in reverse by removing your home’s heat and sending it outdoors.
A dual-fuel system relies on the heat pump to act as your air conditioner when needed, then turns around and heats your home when the time comes.
However, a standard heat pump can only work at its highest efficiency when outside temperatures remain above 35° to 40° Fahrenheit. So after the temps outdoors dip below what is specified for your particular heat pump model, the furnace then takes over on the heating side of things.
It is worthwhile to note that cold climate heat pumps are available for use in temperatures below 0° Fahrenheit. These heat pumps use variable-speed compressors and upgraded coils that enable them to extract heat from the air when temperatures dip below freezing. However, they typically cost more because of their complex technology.
Advantages of a Dual-Fuel System
Having a combination system definitely offers advantages over either just a standard heat pump or furnace alone. The biggest plus is the efficiency of the system.
The efficient heat pump cools in the summer by removing hot air from your home, meaning it works throughout the entire year. Once the coldest weather hits, the furnace kicks in to warm your home when temperatures fall below what your heat pump can handle.
The above scenarios equate to lower energy costs—saving you money. Because with an efficient system, less energy use means less cost in the long run.
Though the initial installation of both a heat pump and furnace combo will cost more than installing only one of them alone, in just a few years, you very well may recoup your investment via money saved on energy bills.
You will also highly benefit from the fact that if you are purchasing a dual-fuel system, you are not purchasing an air conditioner.
Annual maintenance cost is another area where the dual-fuel system is an advantage. Instead of needing separate appointments for a furnace in the fall and an air conditioner in the spring, you require only one appointment for both the heat pump and furnace simultaneously.
ENERGY STAR® recommends annual HVAC maintenance to help improve your system’s efficiency and your home’s comfort. Like so many preventative HVAC processes, regular maintenance saves you money over time by helping to ward off unexpected repairs and costly emergency breakdowns.
Ask Texas Pride Air Conditioning & Heating LLC About Dual-Fuel Heating
If you are considering a dual-fuel system for your Houston, TX, home, let our expert team at Texas Pride Air Conditioning & Heating LLC recommend the best heat pump and furnace for your heating needs. Call us at (713) 864-0110 or request service online.