Problem: You want your home heating system to keep you comfortable all year round — especially during the often-brutal Maine winters — yet be energy-efficient to save money on your bills.
Solution: Using your heat pump in addition to your propane furnace for heat in the winter ensures you have a backup 1) if one of them quits working and 2) when the temps go below a level where your heat pump loses efficiency and isn’t providing enough heat for your needs. A heat pump used in combination with a propane-furnace backup will provide you with the ultimate in comfort, security and cost-effectiveness.
How Does a Heat Pump Work If You Have a Propane Furnace?
A heating system that uses both a heat pump and a propane furnace optimizes energy efficiency by allowing you to use both when needed, based on outside temperature and energy demand.
What is a heat pump? It’s an electrical appliance that extracts heat from the outdoor environment to heat your home in the winter, and reverses that heat exchange to cool your home in the summer.
Although modern heat pumps work much better in cold temps than older designs did, there is a point where they have to work too hard to maintain efficiency. When that happens, you can use your propane furnace to supplement your heating needs.
The Benefits of Having Two Heating Systems
- Energy savings
Using the energy-efficient heat pump for most of your comfort needs can significantly reduce your energy bills while giving you the security of a backup system. - Comfort and flexibility
By having both a heat pump and a propane furnace, you gain the flexibility to tailor your home’s heating needs to the ever-changing outdoor temperatures in Maine. This combination allows you to use one or the other — or use them together — ensuring that your indoor temps remain comfortable. Whether it’s a mild winter day or a frigid cold snap, you’ll always have the ideal heating solution at your fingertips. - Adaptability to energy prices
Having the option to use the electrically operated heat pump and/or the propane furnace allows you to take advantage of lower prices for either energy source.
Installation Considerations
Installing a heat pump when you also have a propane furnace isn’t difficult, but certain factors need to be considered including possible electrical upgrades; upgrades to your circuit panel; the size of your home; what rooms, if any, you don’t use during the winter; and the appropriate placement of your indoor and outdoor unit(s).
You should consult with a professional for recommendations on the best size and location for your heat pump to gain maximum heating (and cooling!) efficiency.
Costs of Adding a Heat Pump to Your Existing System
The costs of installing and maintaining a heat pump are surprisingly reasonable, and the savings in the long run from reduced energy bills can easily offset the initial expense. Also, heat pumps qualify for energy efficiency rebates and financing through federal and state initiatives.
Future-Proofing Your Home
As energy efficiency standards become stricter, having a more efficient home heating and cooling system is good preparation for future changes and regulations geared toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Contact Valley Home Services for more information on using your heat pump and furnace for heat as well as enhanced cost savings and efficiency.
