A dual fuel heat pump system is a type of heating system that combines the benefits of both an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. It offers flexibility in fuel selection based on efficiency and cost.
The heat pump component of the system operates by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors to heat your home, or in reverse to cool your home. It is highly efficient and can provide energy savings compared to traditional heating systems. However, as the outside temperature drops, the heat pump’s efficiency decreases, making it less effective at heating.
To overcome this limitation, a dual fuel heat pump system includes a backup gas furnace. When the outside temperature falls below a certain threshold, typically around 0 degrees Celsius (can change based on preference), the system automatically switches to the gas furnace. The gas furnace provides efficient heating at lower temperatures, ensuring comfort in colder weather conditions.
The benefits of a dual fuel heat pump system include:
- Energy efficiency: The heat pump component utilizes electricity to transfer heat, which is a more efficient process compared to generating heat directly. This can result in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
- Environmental friendliness: The heat pump component of the system relies on renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By using a dual fuel system, you can take advantage of the clean energy benefits of the heat pump while still having a backup option.
- Versatility and control: Dual fuel systems allow you to customize the temperature threshold at which the switch between the heat pump and gas furnace occurs. This gives you control over the system’s operation and allows you to optimize energy efficiency based on your specific needs.
Overall, a dual fuel heat pump system provides a balanced approach to heating, leveraging the advantages of both electric and gas heating technologies. It offers energy savings, cost efficiency, environmental benefits, and enhanced comfort, making it an appealing option for many homeowners. There are currently incentives from the federal and provincial government for making the switch to a heat pump. For more information, please give us a call 604-948-9949 or send us an info@acornheat.com
