Although heat pumps offer a great way to save energy during the heating season, there are certain times of the year when it’s just too cold outside to efficiently transfer heat indoors. That’s why many heat pump owners in the St. Louis area choose to install a hybrid heating system in their homes. So what are hybrid heating systems and what are the advantages of installing one?
What is a hybrid heating system?
A hybrid heating system is the combination of a heat pump and a traditional furnace. The heat pump is used throughout the cooling season as well as on mild to moderately cold days throughout the heating season. When the outside temperature gets too cold for the heat pump to efficiently warm your home, the system switches to the furnace as its source of heat.
When a hybrid heating system is installed, the installer will set a “balance point,” which is the outside temperature at which it becomes more economical to use a traditional furnace than a heat pump. The whole process is done automatically, so you don’t need to worry about when to use the heat pump and when to switch to the furnace.
What are the benefits of hybrid heating systems?
- Lower energy bills. A hybrid heating system allows you to enjoy the year-round energy-saving benefits of a heat pump without losing efficiency or sacrificing comfort during the coldest days of the year. This makes it one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling options for the climate we have in the St. Louis area.
- Better home comfort. Without a furnace as a backup heating source, there are days during the year that a heat pump simply can’t heat your home the way a furnace could. A hybrid heating system allows you to stay warm all year long without putting too much strain on your heat pump.
- Environmentally friendly. Hybrid heating systems allow you to cut back on the amount of natural gas you use throughout the year, helping your home reduce its environmental footprint.
If you have any questions about hybrid heating systems, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis area heating and cooling company.
