With a dual fuel system you get the best of both HVAC worlds: hot or cold air when you need it most. This hybrid heating and cooling system combines a traditional heat pump with a gas or oil furnace to provide your home with an energy efficient HVAC system that you can use all year long.
The heat pump in the system works like a central air conditioner in the summer months by transferring hot air out of your home until your thermostat reads your desired temperature. The heat pump also does the majority of the work in the fall and spring months by providing cost-efficient heat during milder temperatures.
The dual fuel furnace takes over and works to heat your entire home when the temperature takes a dip during the cold, winter months. Furnaces have one function, converting fuel into heat quickly and efficiently. When it’s cold outside, the furnace in your dual fuel system will do just that.
We are proud to feature the latest high-performance dual fuel systems from our trusted brands. We offer installation services throughout the Annapolis area, complete with free estimates and financing options. With more than 30 years of commercial and residential HVAC service experience, you can count on us for installations that are professional, energy-efficient, and reliable.
If you’re interested in a dual fuel system, Pro-Tech HVAC Home can help you find the combination that’s right for your home. We’ll help you every step of the way, from performing a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the correct system size, to a hassle-free installation with a dedicated on-site Project Manager.
Furnaces are a good ol’ fashioned heating device. They work by burning a fuel source, like propane, natural gas or oil, to make heat. That heat is then combined with air from the home to warm it, then that warm air is re-distributed throughout the home. Furnaces only produce heat, so you’ll need a separate air conditioning system for the warmer months.
Furnaces are only about 95% energy efficient, but they have a longer lifespan than other systems because they’re only used for a few months out of the year. They’re not too expensive to install, but keep in mind that your home does need to have access to natural gas, propane or oil for a furnace to function. If it doesn’t, the process to access a natural gas source adds to the installation cost.
Heat pumps are actually quite similar to an air conditioner, though they have the added benefit of offering both heating and cooling. In the summer, they can provide cooling and humidity control just like a standard central air unit. A refrigerant absorbs the heat from inside your home, and then it’s transferred to the outdoors to be released at the condenser.
In the winter, the opposite happens. Heat is drawn from the outside air and brought inside to keep your home warm and cozy. Heat pumps offer great performance in both heating and cooling modes. They are extremely efficient because they do not generate heat, like an electric coil-type heater. Instead, they move the heat from place to place.
Dual fuel systems are a combination HVAC system with both a heat pump and a furnace. The dual fuel system uses the heat pump in hot or mild temperatures (about 40°F and higher) and the furnace in colder temperatures (about 39°F and below). It switches between the two depending on which is more efficient for the circumstances, which saves time and energy in getting your home to the desired temperature. Dual fuel systems are great for any type of climate and function year-round. Plus, because each piece only works when it’s optimal, dual fuel systems have a life expectancy between 20 and 25 years!
The first step in choosing a dual fuel system is to properly size the heat pump for the cooling capacity your home needs. The next step is to choose the furnace capacity you’ll require to maintain your wintertime comfort needs.
Without the proper sizing, your system could be too small or too big for your home. If the system is too small, it overexerts itself to meet your energy needs and will not properly cool your space. Not only will the unit constantly run, but it will also run up your electric bill. On the other hand, an oversized system will reach the goal temperature too quickly, thereby causing it to cycle off and on and wear down quicker.
At Pro-Tech HVAC Home, we perform a Manual J Load Calculation to determine what size is correct for your home.
At Pro-Tech HVAC Home, we want to make sure that your new system fits your budget and your needs. Let us find the right solution for you and your home and provide you with a free estimate.
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