A Smart and Sustainable Choice for Heating Your Home
By leveraging the strengths of a heat pump and a gas furnace, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency, reduced costs, and a more comfortable and environmentally friendly living space.
Heat pumps are generally more efficient than gas furnaces, especially in milder climates. By pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace, you can take advantage of the heat pump’s efficiency during warmer months and switch to the gas furnace for colder temperatures or when the heat pump’s efficiency drops. Since a dual-fuel system operates differently depending on the season, the combination can significantly reduce your overall energy consumption and heating costs.
Summer
Cooling: The heat pump acts as an air conditioner, drawing heat from inside the home and transferring it outside. This process efficiently cools your home, often more effectively than a traditional air conditioner.
Spring, Fall, and Winter
Mild Temperatures: The heat pump is the primary heating source. It extracts heat from the outside air, even in relatively cold temperatures, and transfers it indoors. This is highly efficient, especially compared to traditional electric resistance heating.
Extreme Cold: When temperatures drop below the heat pump’s effective range, the furnace automatically kicks in to provide backup heat. This ensures your home stays warm and comfortable even during the coldest months.
In short, a dual-fuel heating system leverages the efficiency of a heat pump for milder temperatures while providing the reliability of a furnace for extreme cold. This combination helps optimize energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
Discover the Benefits of a Dual-Fuel System
Increased Longevity
Heat pumps excel in milder climates, providing efficient heating and cooling. Furnaces, on the other hand, are more effective in colder conditions. By sharing the heating load throughout the seasons, each unit operates less frequently, reducing wear and tear on both.
Backup Heat
A gas furnace provides a reliable backup heat source in case the heat pump fails or cannot keep up with the demand during extreme cold weather. This ensures that your home remains comfortable even under adverse conditions.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Electric heat pumps can help reduce your carbon footprint by using electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources. Pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace allows you to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels for heating, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Heat pumps can help to improve indoor air quality by circulating fresh air throughout your home. When paired with a gas furnace, you can ensure that your home has adequate ventilation and a healthy indoor environment.
Government Incentives
There are currently incentives through FortisBC available to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient heating systems. Find out more about this program that could save you up to $15,000.
