For the ultimate in heating and cooling comfort, a dual fuel system might be just the thing you need. However, it is a system that was made with a very particular type of homeowner in mind. You wouldn’t want to invest in one if it didn’t make sense for your personal needs. To learn more about dual fuel systems and how they work, read on.
What is a dual fuel system?
The simplest definition is that it’s the combination of a heat pump and a gas furnace system.
A heat pump is an air conditioning system that allows for both heating and cooling. It works almost the same as your traditional central air cooler, but with the added benefit of being able to reverse the flow of refrigerant. Just flip a switch and your cooling system will turn into a heating system.
A gas furnace system, on the other hand, is a heating-only system. It uses natural gas and a pilot light to create warm air. A fan, also known as a blower, moves this warm air through a system of ducts and into your home.
Why would I want one?
After hearing those two definitions, you may notice something a bit odd here:
“If a heat pump can both heat and cool the home, why would I need a gas furnace heater?”
Therein lies the problem. Heat pumps have been proven to be very efficient systems. They use electricity instead of gas, which can help save on energy costs in the long run. However, many homes are already equipped with gas furnace heaters. This leaves many homeowners wondering if they’re barred from installing a heat pump.
In truth, using both a heat pump and a gas furnace has a hidden benefit to it. Although a heat pump can be used year-round in both hot and cold weather, there are times where the cold is too much for a heat pump to work efficiently. In these cases, you’d want to use your gas furnace to take over the job. And that’s exactly what a dual fuel system sets out to achieve.
Is it right for me?
This question is definitely up to you, but an HVAC contractor in Riverside, CA can certainly help you make a decision based on your needs and money-saving objectives.
In one case, consider how important it is for you to have heating during the cool months. If you’re not the type of person who can put up with the cold, then it might be a bad idea to go with only a heat pump. You would most likely be tempted to run the heater during these colder than cold months, but you’d be driving up your energy costs up further than if you had just gotten the dual fuel system.
On the other hand, the upfront costs of a heat pump might out of your budget. If you’re willing to deal with the upfront costs as an investment, however, you can reap the savings benefits in the long-run.
We can help you find out if a dual fuel system is the best choice for you. Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today!