SAN ANTONIO - Dual-fuel systems are fast becoming the darling of hybrid equipment for the home.
Much like a hybrid vehicle, dual-fuel heating systems combine the efficiency of an electric-powered heat pump with the cold-weather performance of a gas-powered furnace. Find out why
a dual-fuel system may be the next required upgrade in your home.
The heat pump portionDuring the heating season, the
air-source heat pump works hard to “move” heat around. In this way, electricity is consumed by the pump that moves heat, but the unit doesn’t actually generate heat, which is perhaps the most significant reason that heat pumps perform so well in San Antonio’s mild climate. Even though it may feel cold outside to you, cold air actually holds heat, and the heat pump is able to source enough heat energy in the outside air to heat your home, as long as the temperature remains above 30 degrees or so.
In fact, heat pumps are so efficient that homeowners can expect that for every dollar spent on electricity to power the pump, they’ll get a return of $4 worth of heat. That’s impressive, especially when compared to the performance of a gas furnace, the most efficient of which doesn’t even reach a 1-to-1 return. However, don’t dismiss the furnace’s value just yet.
The gas furnace portionThe
backup gas furnace is an essential component of the dual-fuel system. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees, the heat pump reverts to its highly inefficient built-in backup heating element. Instead of relying on the heating element, the dual-fuel system puts the furnace to work. However, the majority of the winter season’s temperatures hover above 30 degrees, so you can expect to enjoy ultra-comfortable and efficient heating from the heat pump portion of the system, knowing you can rely on the furnace during extreme temperatures.
Want to find out more about dual-fuel systems? Just give the experts at
Jon Wayne Heating & Air Conditioning a call today. We’re happy to schedule a free home consultation, and help you learn more about dual-fuel systems. We’ve been helping homeowners in the greater San Antonio area since the 1970s.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Jon Wayne Heating and Air Conditioning services San Antonio and the surrounding communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Boerne, and Comal County. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!
