Dual Fuel Heat Pumps - The Hybrid Heating Heat Pump Furnace Combo For Efficient Heating & Cooling

Are you considering installing a new heating and cooling system in your home? One option that provides both efficiency and affordability is a hybrid heat pump. Dual fuel systems utilize an electric heat pump paired with a gas furnace to provide the benefits of both. In this guide, we'll explore how dual fuel heat pumps work, costs, benefits, rebates and more to help homeowners understand if a dual fuel system is the right choice over conventional HVAC.

What is a Hybrid Heat Pump System?

A dual fuel heat pump consists of an electric air source heat pump integrated with a gas (natural gas or propane) furnace system. It combines the strengths of both technologies to provide efficient and cost-effective home heating and air conditioning. The heat pump acts as the main heating and cooling system. When temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to operate efficiently, the system automatically switches over to utilize the gas furnace for additional heating capacity.

The pairing of the technologies into one hybrid system maximizes comfort and efficiency year-round. You get the flexibility to use gas, electric or both energy sources depending on conditions for optimal performance. We'll explore more details on how hybrid systems work below.

How Does a Hybrid System Work?

Here is an overview of how the integrated heat pump and gas furnace work together in a hybrid system:

Heating

• When heating is needed, the air source heat pump is the primary heating system. It absorbs and moves heat from the outside air into the home through refrigerant cycling and a special reversed-cycle defrost coil. This allows it to extract heat efficiently even down to about 30-40°F outdoor temperatures or lower.
• When it gets colder outside than the heat pump can effectively handle, around 35°F or lower, the system automatically switches over to engage the gas furnace for additional heating capacity.
• The furnace combusts natural gas or propane and uses the generated heat to warm air, which the existing ductwork circulates through the home.
• In spring and fall mild temperatures when the heat pump operates efficiently, the gas furnace remains off.

Cooling

• For cooling operation, the hybrid system only utilizes the heat pump portion.
• When cooling is needed, the heat pump efficiently moves heat from inside the home and discharges it outside. This cools and dehumidifies the indoor air.
• The gas furnace does not operate in cooling mode.

So in summary, the integrated system takes advantage of each technology's strengths while compensating for weaknesses to maximize overall home comfort and efficiency.

What are the Benefits of a Hybrid Heat Pump System With Heat Pump and Furnace?

There are compelling benefits that make a hybrid heat pump system worth considering over a stand-alone furnace or heat pump:

• Exceptional efficiency - By combining technologies, Hybrid systems optimize efficiency for heating and cooling operation. This significantly reduces energy costs.
• Cost savings - Using the heat pump as much as possible but supplemented by gas heat when needed balances energy use for savings.
• Versatility - The ability to utilize both gas and electric allows flexibility based on outdoor conditions.
• Reliability - With Hybrid System you avoid being left without heat on the coldest days when a lone heat pump can't keep up.
• Air conditioning - Hybrid System provides efficient cooling from the integrated heat pump.
• One unified system - Consolidates heating and cooling into one cohesive and smart hybrid comfort system.
• Value - You gain the benefits of both technologies without needing to purchase/install two separate units.

For most homes, a properly installed hybrid system hits the sweet spot for affordability, energy savings, comfort, and reliability.

Key Considerations for Installing a Dual Fuel System

Some factors to consider when assessing if a dual fuel system is right for your home:

• Your budget for equipment and installation costs
• Access to natural gas or propane for fuelling the furnace
• Your home's heating and cooling needs and size
• The age and condition of your existing HVAC equipment
• Whether your existing electrical panel can support a heat pump
• If you have or can install central air ductwork
• Equipment rebates you may qualify for in your area

Our team of experts can advise if hybrid system makes sense in your specific situation.

How Switching to a Hybrid Heating System Can Mitigate Carbon Charges For Homeowners

Switching your home's heating system to an electric heat pump is one of the most impactful steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and mitigate carbon charges. Heat pumps provide ultra-efficient heating and cooling by moving existing heat rather than generating it through combustion like conventional furnaces. This allows them to reduce home greenhouse gas emissions and utility bills by up to 50% compared to traditional fuel heating systems. As carbon pricing expands, electricity rates will be impacted much less than natural gas. By installing a heat pump now, you future-proof your home with an efficient electric system powered by an energy source that not see a carbon charge increases. Making the switch helps you do your part in Canada's effort to get to Net Zero while benefitting from more stable energy costs.

Rely on Simply Smart Home for Your Hybrid Heat Pump Installation

As trusted HVAC installation contractors, Simply Smart Home can properly size, supply, install, and service a new dual fuel system to maximize performance and savings in your home:

• We assess your home's heating and cooling requirements and provide system recommendations.
• We help you choose compatible, high-efficiency heat pump and furnace models from leading brands.
• Our qualified technicians handle the full installation process including all electrical and ductwork modifications.
• We walk you through correct operation and maintenance best practices.
• Our team assists with all rebate paperwork to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Contact us for a free estimate on upgrading your heating and cooling system with an efficient dual fuel heat pump. We're here to help you enjoy enhanced home comfort!

Key Takeaways on Hybrid Heat Pumps

• Combines an electric heat pump with gas furnace into one cohesive system
• Uses the heat pump for milder temperatures then the furnace for colder weather
• Provides both efficient heating and cooling
• Qualify for rebates through Enbridge Gas, government grants and manufacturers
• Rely on our experts for proper installation and service

Considering an HVAC upgrade? A dual fuel heat pump system offers homeowners smart technology, energy savings, and reliability. Our team is ready to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home comfort!

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