Dual Fuel Heat Pump

Dual Fuel Heat Pump

The Dual Fuel Heat Pump is a combination of both heating and cooling systems which consists of electric heat pump and a gas furnace. The major heating load is addressed by the heat pump as it is more efficient than the gas furnace. It has an automatic switching mode which turns on the gas furnace when its extreme cold weather conditions. Due to this combination of operations, it is more cost efficient than the regular AC/furnace systems.

How does a Dual Fuel Heat Pump works?

  • During summer, this system works like a regular heat pump. It uses electricity to extract cooling from the surrounding air and delivers to the room. 
  • During mild cold weather, reverses its refiguration cycle and extract heat from its surrounding air. This heat us then delivered to the room.
  • As the weather becomes colder, there is very little heat that can be extracted from the air surrounding the compressor. The system has to work extra hard which reduces its efficiency.
  • As the outdoor temperature reached a threshold, the heat pump can no longer provide enough heat to the keep the indoors at a comfortable temperature. At this point the system switches to the furnace. 

What are the advantages of using a Dual Fuel System?

  • As the system works on heat pump technology, it is more energy efficient. It draws heat from outside air to warm the indoors. The Gas furnace automatically switches on when the weather is harsh cold. This limits the use of electric load.
  • This system uses comparatively less electricity resulting in cost saving.
  • This system has lower carbon emissions as it uses electricity as the primary source of energy.
  • Both heating and cooling are done by the same system.

What are some potential drawbacks of using a Dual Fuel System?

  • Higher investment cost as compared to the regular systems.
  • The installation of the system is a complicated affair, can only be done through professionals.
  • The complex system has a higher maintenance cost.
  • If the weather is extremely cold for longer durations than this leads to higher consumptions of fuels (Natural / Propane gas).
  • The system becomes significantly less reliable if the maintenance is not done regularly as it is a complex installation of components. 
  • In some places the fuel – Natural / Propane gas, may not be available easily. This limits the functionality of the system.

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