A hybrid heat pump, also known as a dual fuel heat pump, offers a unique take on the traditional electrical heat pump system. This system uses an electric heat pump and a gas furnace, similar to how a hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity to run. The use of hybrid heat pumps is a popular option in many homes due to the fact that heat pumps are ultra-efficient and reliable.
How Does a Hybrid Heat Pump Work?
Due to advancements in heating systems, you can use interface controls to choose between two heating options depending on the demand.
Modern heat pumps can provide comfort by extracting up to four units of heat for one unit of electricity at temperatures above freezing. Inverter technology has increased heat pump efficiency into the single digits.
Most hybrid heat systems utilize a fossil fuel heating source. Manufacturers design hybrid heat systems for the coldest days of the years, so they are most efficient when it’s the coldest and the least efficient when it is the warmest. This system is ideal for keeping your home at a steady temperature throughout the year.
How to Choose a Heat Pump System
When it comes time to choose a heat pump system for your home, there are a few aspects to consider. The first is to determine the size of the heat pump you’ll need based on the cooling capacity of your home. You want a correctly sized pump to ensure you can heat your home efficiently.
The next step is to choose the furnace capacity you’ll need to ensure your home stays warm in the winter. If you live in a colder area, you may want to consider a high-efficiency furnace as a backup heating option to keep up with your home’s demands. An efficient furnace will also keep fuel consumption low for big rewards in energy savings.
Types of Hybrid Heat Pumps
As you shop for hybrid heat pumps, you may notice there are two different systems available. These systems are:
- Ground and air source heat pumps: This hybrid heat pump system uses the outside air for heat exchange when the weather is warm outside and switches to a ground source as temperatures outside drop.
- Heat pump and boiler: During the majority of the year, your heat pump will keep your home at an ideal temperature. When temperatures begin to drop, this heat pump will turn off and activate your boiler for an electricity backup.
Ways to Install Heat Pump Systems
Depending on your home, there are a few different ways to install your heat pump for use with a hybrid system. The three installation methods include:
- Split System: This is the most common installation method and is a feature in homes that have air ducts. With this system, the indoor evaporative unit is in a closet, basement or attic with the condenser and compressor unit outside the home.
- Package System: With this installation method, all mechanical units are outside in a metal box.
- Mini Split: This installation method is also known as “ductless” and is ideal for homes without air ducts.
Benefits of Hybrid Heat Pumps
When it’s time to replace a control air conditioning system, it is always wise to consider upgrading to some form of a heat pump. Many times the system upgrade pays for itself within a year or two. Power companies or the government often provide incentives in the form of rebates to help pay for “going” green because you’ll be saving energy and natural resources. We recommend always checking for the best deal to save you time and money.
Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for hybrid heat when teamed with hot water or steam heat. Heat pumps handle most of the load when they are the most efficient during the mild weather, at just dollars a day! When temperatures begin to drop, your boiler will turn on to increase heating efficiency, creating an ideal hybrid system.
Shop Our Selection of Hybrid Heat Pumps at Leggett Inc.
If you’re looking for hybrid heat pumps in central Pennsylvania, turn to the experts at Leggett Inc. for your indoor comfort control solutions. Leggett works on all brands of units, including Carrier, Mitsubishi Electric, Sanyo and Fujitsu. Leggett is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer. Get the job done right the first time, guaranteed, with Leggett Inc.!
For additional information on our Carrier products, visit our site today.
