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Dual-fuel HVAC systems are among the most notable trends in residential heating and cooling. The industry also refers to these systems as hybrid heating and dual-fuel heat pumps. These setups combine a heat pump and furnace, allowing you to benefit from the heat pump when conditions are optimal for it and the furnace when they’re not.
Dual-Fuel Setups Are Suitable for Most Homes
Dual-fuel HVAC is a ducted, forced-air system. It’s suitable for any home that already has ducts or can have them installed. Most homes in the U.S. already have a forced-air furnace paired with a central air conditioner. The transition from that traditional pairing to a hybrid system is generally seamless. The main difference is that a heat pump will cost more than an AC.
Understanding Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners in that they transfer heat rather than produce it. The main difference is that a heat pump has a reversing valve that facilitates the refrigeration cycle running in reverse.
There are two main types of heat pumps you can install: geothermal and air-source. Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat to and from the earth and can remain efficient no matter how cold it is outside. Air-source heat pumps transfer heat to and from the outside air. This type of heat pump has a threshold at which it’s no longer as efficient and will cost more to run.
The industry uses the seasonal energy efficiency ratio to measure the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more affordable the unit will be over the summer. The industry uses the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) to measure the heating efficiency of heat pumps. The higher the HSPF2 rating, the more affordable the unit will be over the winter.
Understanding Furnaces
Furnaces generate heat either by heating a coil with electricity or burning fuel. Heat pumps provide more efficient heating most of the time. Above its cold-weather threshold, a modern heat pump delivers 300% to 400% efficiency, which means that it delivers significantly more heat energy compared to the electricity it consumes. Even the highest-efficiency furnaces deliver less than 100% efficiency.
The industry uses annual fuel utilization efficiency to measure fuel-burning furnace efficiency. A standard mid-efficiency furnace has an 80 AFUE. That indicates the furnace converts 80% of the fuel it burns into heating that reaches your living spaces. Note that you cannot compare AFUE to HSPF2.
The main advantage of a furnace is its consistent efficiency no matter how cold it is outside. A dual-fuel system uses the heat pump to heat to its threshold and then turns the heat pump off and activates the furnace for consistent comfort and maximum efficiency.
Can You Have an Electric Furnace?
Yes, you can pair a heat pump with an electric furnace. Most homeowners will opt for natural gas or liquid propane if they have the option because gas is generally cheaper. Still, an all-electric hybrid system will be more efficient than having only a heat pump or an electric furnace.
Is a High-Efficiency Furnace Worth It?
Installing a high-efficiency furnace is often worth the added investment when you rely on it exclusively for heating. Dual-fuel setups generally eliminate the need for them, but this is something to discuss with your installer.
How Does a Dual-Fuel System Switch Over?
In some manual systems, you can switch between the furnace and heat pump yourself. Most modern systems have automatic control facilitated through the thermostat. When your installer performs a load calculation, they’ll find the balance point of the heat pump. At that temperature and above, the heat pump can handle the heating needs of the home. When the temperature drops below it, the thermostat will switch to the furnace.
Many dual-fuel HVAC systems use an outdoor temperature sensor to determine when to switch over. That said, modern systems are increasingly likely to switch based on the indoor temperature. This is possible due to advanced thermostats and algorithms.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats
Modern dual-fuel HVAC systems generally require a programmable or smart thermostat. Note that not all programmable thermostats support heat pumps. Adjusting the heating cycle is different than it is with a furnace. Your installer will help you choose a thermostat that supports both your heat pump and furnace.
Zone Control
Zone control can make dual-fuel HVAC even more efficient by as much as 30%. These setups require a smart thermostat that supports zoning. You’ll also need additional duct equipment, such as motorized dampers.
The Benefits of a Dual-Fuel HVAC System
Dual-fuel HVAC systems offer many benefits. The main one is that you achieve better efficiency than you would using a heat pump or furnace alone. You could save at least 30% and up to 50% on heating alone, according to industry estimates. Heating is a significant contributor to a household’s carbon footprint. A dual-fuel system will lower your household’s emissions by about 10% over a standalone furnace.
While dual-fuel systems cost more initially, they’ll save you money over time. That’s due to lower heating costs, longer equipment lifespan, and, potentially, energy incentives. Another advantage is backup heat. If you experience a problem with your heat pump, for instance, you can use the furnace until it’s repaired.
Dual-Fuel HVAC Maintenance
Dual-fuel systems require seasonal maintenance. A spring tune-up is necessary to prepare the heat pump for summertime cooling. A fall tune-up is essential to ready the heat pump and furnace for wintertime heating. In the case of fuel-burning furnaces, it’s also important to ensure the unit is safely venting toxic gases outside the home.
Tax Credits and Rebates
ENERGY STAR is a program that the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency operate jointly. The program awards ENERGY STAR certification to equipment that meets high energy-efficiency standards through testing by an independent lab. The certification gives consumers confidence they’re making an energy-efficient choice. It’s also a requirement for many of the energy incentives that can help lower your initial investment.
Among the most notable incentives is the federal HEEHRA rebate. It’s a heat pump rebate worth up to either $4,000 or $8,000, depending on your income level. Note that while this is a federal incentive, the states handle the claims. If you’re not eligible for that rebate, you may be able to claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. It’s a nonrefundable federal tax credit. There may also be rebates available through utilities, manufacturers, and nonprofit groups. Check the ENERGY STAR website and your local utility providers for information on them.
Upgrade to a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
On Time Experts is an HVAC and plumbing company with offices in Dallas, Garland, and McKinney, TX. We’re a family business that’s been serving this region since 1965. Our plumbers perform drain cleaning, handle slab leaks, and repair and replace sewer pipes. We install and service bathroom and kitchen fixtures, tank and tankless water heaters, and sump pumps.
Our HVAC technicians are cooling and heating services experts who can install, repair, and maintain furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We also specialize in air quality. That includes duct cleaning and whole-house air purifier installation, maintenance, and repair.
Call today or contact us online if you have questions or want to schedule a service appointment or on-site consultation.
