If you’ve never heard of a dual fuel system, or you’ve been hesitant to look up this technology, then you’re in the right place. People tend to think that these types of heating systems are reserved for specialized homes, or buildings that need multiple heating systems, but that’s simply not true. Dual fuel heating systems are just another alternative that many homeowners are starting to turn to now that technology is becoming increasingly more effective and efficient.
As your local professionals for all things HVAC in Grandville, MI, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to inform you a little bit about what a dual fuel system is. We’ll talk about the advantages that this system has when dealing with our cold Michigan winters.
By the end of this blog post, you’ll know if a dual fuel heating system is right for you.
How It Works
While heat pumps are becoming all the rage these days, they’re not quite powerful enough to deal with some of the coldest days of the year in an efficient manner. If you speak to anyone who has a heat pump, they’ll tell you that those few Michigan winter nights where temperatures dip below zero, their heat pump starts running up the bill. As temperatures reach extreme levels of cold, heat pumps struggle to draw heat out of the air and require more energy to do this.
However, gas furnaces create their own heat, which means they’re much more efficient during extremely cold winter nights. If only there were some way to combine both of these systems into one…
Meet the dual fuel system! A heat pump that works for the majority of the year providing heating and air conditioning, combined with a gas furnace that provides powerful heat during the coldest nights of the year. With a dual fuel system, all your bases are covered and there isn’t a temperature range that your home won’t be set up for.
Advantages of a Dual Fuel System
- Efficiency. Dual fuel systems are wonderfully efficient, lowering your monthly bills both in the summer and in the winter.
- Power. When the furnace kicks on, you’ve got access to powerful heating that is bound to keep you warm and cozy on the coldest winter nights.
- Eco-friendly. Natural gas is clean burning and heat pumps are hyper-efficient, which means you’re minimizing energy loss and utilizing a pretty environmentally-friendly system.
Disadvantages of a Dual Fuel System
- They cost more. Since you’re investing in both a gas furnace and a heat pump, you’re going to see a higher initial cost.
- They take up more space. A gas furnace isn’t exactly a small appliance, and the same goes for a heat pump. When you put them together in a dual fuel system, you’re going to need some space for it.
If you’re unhappy with the way a heat pump deals with exceptionally cold days, but you’re also not satisfied with a simple gas furnace system, a dual fuel solution could be perfect for your home. Give us a call and let’s talk about it!
Contact GRmetro Heating and Cooling Inc for dual fuel system service today.
