In the past, your heating system may not have run as efficiently as you’d like. The older a heater gets, the more likely it is to suffer wear and tear that could reduce the performance you’re used to and cause your system to consume a lot of energy, a problem which results in higher and higher utilities as the years go on. You can lessen the impact a bit by scheduling a professional tune up every year to maintain optimal efficiency, but this can only get you so far. At some point, you’ll need a replacement system, and if you’re looking for one of the most efficient systems out there, a hybrid heating system may be the way to go.
A hybrid heating system utilizes the high efficiency of a heat pump in combination with the reliability of a standard gas furnace. Heat pumps are actually constructed using a refrigeration cycle, the same technology used for air conditioning, which means you can use your hybrid system for both heating. During the cooling season, your heat pump functions as an air conditioner, using refrigerant to absorb heat from your home and move it out of the house. In the heating season, it basically works in reverse, absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it into your home.
What makes this so efficient is that it only moves heat around, instead of consuming a lot of energy to generate heat via combustion or electrical heating elements. However, heat pumps can begin to struggle when the temperature outside drops below the “balance point” that your model and size of heat pump can handle, a common issue here in Colorado. That’s why a hybrid system includes controls that allow it to switch over to a gas furnace when necessary.
Yes, your older gas furnace may have been inefficient, but today’s models are much more regulated. Even the least efficient modern models carry efficiency ratings about 30% higher than those built several decades ago. While your heat pump will only switch into furnace mode when needed, you should know that in either mode, you’ll get maximum energy savings and reduce the wear and tear of both your heat pump and furnace.
Purchasing hybrid heating systems in Fort Collins from the friendly professionals at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is a great way to ensure quality installation and expert service.
Give us a call to learn more about hybrid heating or to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians today!