Georgia power sure thinks it is they even offer a rebate to qualified homeowners who switch to dual fuel from an electric heat pump.
Heat pump with gas furnace.
In heating mode heat pumps are essentially an air conditioner running in reverse.
Heat pumps heat and cool by moving heat from one place to another.
If you live in the south where winter temperatures may only reach 40 to 60 degrees then a heat pump is the best fit for your home.
In reality the dual fuel efficiency question is complicated.
How do dual fuel heat pump gas furnaces work.
Most of the reasons you would choose a heat pump vs.
A gas fired furnace also has fewer mechanical parts than a heat pump meaning fewer things that can break down or malfunction.
Compare costs efficiency installation operating costs and more for electric heat pumps vs gas heating to determine which hvac system is best for your home.
The gas furnace would be the secondary heat source instead of using the heat pump s electric heat strip when the temperatures drop.
A heat pump like an air conditioner more commonly has a lifespan of 15 years.
If you live in an area where electricity costs less than gas then a heat pump is also the better option.
Why choose a heat pump over a gas furnace.
In theory dual fuel is the most efficient way to heat your home.
To find out whether a dual fuel system is an option for your home and how you may benefit talk to your professional licensed hvac dealer.
Therefore use a heat pump for cool weather and a gas furnace for cold weather.
A heat pump condenses heat present in the outside air usually down to about 30 degrees fahrenheit depending on the region and the amount of moisture in the air and pumps it into the home.
Homeadvisor s complete heat pump or forced air furnace guide defines the differences between electric and gas heat pumps and gas electric propane and oil furnaces.
Even when the heat pump is handling duties the furnace fans also contribute by blowing air over the coils and.
When the temperature drops below freezing there s not enough heat in the air to sufficiently heat the home with the pump alone so the backup electric or gas furnace kicks in to provide warmth.
Since a gas operated furnace is only used for a few months out of each year the maintenance requirements are less than those for a heat pump.