Furnace, Heat Pump or Dual-Fuel System?

The old furnace finally gave out, and it’s time to replace it. However, a friend told you that in Georgia, since the winters are typically mild, you should get a heat pump, which is more energy-efficient.

In addition, you’re wondering if you install a heat pump, will it work with your current Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, or will you need to replace that, too?

Your partner is a bit hesitant because a friend told her that she has one, and at times it blows cold air, and she gets a chill.

The Heat Pump

The heat pump is a heat exchanger. When it is hot in your house, it moves the heat outside. When it’s cold outside, it takes heat from the ground or outside air to warm your home. That’s why it might seem as if it is blowing cold air. The air is warmer but seems cool.

You could still use a furnace with your HVAC system to burn oil or gas and have warm air blowing rather than cooler air.

What About a Dual-Fuel System?

The dual-fuel system is like the best of both worlds; it can determine by the outdoor temperature which to use, the heat pump or the furnace. That feature permits the homeowner to save even more energy and thus, more money.

The savings depends on how your current system is configured and whether you want to save money initially during installation or over time through energy conservation.

In ideal circumstances, the heat pump transfers three times as much energy as it consumes. A gas furnace could be as much as 95% efficient. Plus, a heat pump can serve as both a heater and an A/C. Therefore, if you don’t have an A/C already, it could be cheaper.

To get accurate information on which system is most affordable for your situation, call ClimateSmith for a free, in-home consultation.